Guidance · Evidence · Action

NAPET Resources

Practical tools, current policy information and professional documents in one clear place.

Survey results

What owners told us

Between 25 and 30 September 2026 we received responses from owners who have used an e-collar, one response per dog. These figures describe their experiences. They are not a representative sample of UK dog owners and have not been independently reviewed.

What owners tried before an e-collar

Most owners arrived after months of other training, not as a first resort.

  • Sought professional help first83%
  • Considered keeping the dog on lead permanently73%
  • Tried other training for seven months or more64%
  • Had used an exclusively reward-based trainer52%
  • Spent over £500 on training beforehand42%
  • Considered rehoming, surrender or behavioural euthanasia20%

NAPET owner survey, responses to 30 September 2026. Excludes responses identified as coming from NAPET board members or a NAPET-linked equipment supplier. Self-selected owners who have used an e-collar. Outcomes are owner reported. Multiple answers allowed.

We publish the negatives too

91%

Main behaviour fully resolved or substantially improved

96%

Much better able to manage the dog safely

5%

Negative outcome: Reported skin irritation or injury at contact points

1%

Negative outcome: Said safe management became much worse

All outcomes are owner reported, not independently measured. NAPET owner survey, responses to 30 September 2026. Excludes responses identified as coming from NAPET board members or a NAPET-linked equipment supplier. Self-selected owners who have used an e-collar. Outcomes are owner reported.

How we collected this

  • Online survey. Responses up to 30 September 2026 are included; the survey remains open.
  • Owners chose to take part, and all had used an e-collar. One response per dog.
  • Responses identified as coming from NAPET board members or a NAPET-linked equipment supplier were removed before counting.
  • All answers, including outcomes, are as reported by owners. Nothing was independently measured or verified.
  • The results have not been independently reviewed. They are not evidence of cause and effect, and do not represent all UK dog owners.
Additional reports / Review stage

Reports in review

NAPET is reviewing additional reports from its forms. These cover reported experiences, community contributions and submitted case material. Draft reports are not available for download.

Team review draft

UK Safety & Welfare Survey

A summary of respondents’ reported experiences, welfare views and policy preferences. Participation was self selected, so the findings cannot establish cause and effect or represent all UK dog owners.

Before release: Check consent, recruitment, duplicates and question wording, then arrange an independent methods and welfare review.

Internal planning review

Community Information & Skills

An overview of the experience, skills and possible contributions offered by the NAPET community. This is a planning resource, not a verified membership or professional qualifications register.

Before release: Check permission for external use and validate any claims about skills or qualifications. Keep personal details private.

Collection status review

Video Evidence Submissions

A dated review of the video evidence collection process, rather than a report of training outcomes. Submitted material will need context and careful assessment before it is used as evidence.

Before release: Check consent, case context, dates, continuity and adverse observations, with independent review of any material used.

Clear status, careful claims. Draft PDFs remain with the team while consent, data quality, methods and wording are checked. Only approved versions will be added here. The current owner survey results are shown above.

01 / Take part

How you can make a difference

Practical ways to share your experience, contact your MP and contribute to informed discussion.

Dog owner survey

Dog Owner Training & E-Collar Experience Survey

Share your experience of dog training and behavioural support, including the use of an electronic training collar. This survey helps NAPET understand the support owners tried, the time and cost involved, how e-collars were used, and any positive, neutral or negative outcomes. Please complete one response for each dog.

Complete survey
Write to your MP

Write to Your MP: Who Is Representing Dog Owners in the E-Collar Debate?

This downloadable letter template helps dog owners contact their MP to ask how owners who support responsible electronic collar use are being represented in Defra stakeholder discussions. Before sending, please personalise the letter with your own details and add 2 to 3 sentences explaining why the issue matters to you.

Download

Letter to your local MP- Dog Owner

Template letter for UK dog owners to contact their MP regarding the proposed ban on remote training collars, supporting regulation, professional standards, and welfare-led practice.

Download

Letter to your local MP- Professional

Template letter for UK professionals to contact their MP regarding the proposed ban on remote training collars, supporting regulation, professional standards, and welfare-led practice.

Download

Writing to your MP: requesting a response

Guidance for writing clear, professional letters to your MP and following up appropriately. It can help you request a response, but cannot guarantee acknowledgement or a reply.

Download

Find your local MP

Use this official Parliament tool to find your local MP so you can send the template letter directly to the correct constituency office.

Find MP
02 / Staying up to date

Policy and consultation

Key documents and official sources to support evidence led engagement.

NAPET Executive Summary 'Consultation Response'

This statement sets out NAPET’s professional position on dog training tools within the context of animal welfare and public safety. It explains our support for welfare-led regulation, the importance of distinguishing between misuse and professionally guided practice, and why evidence-based standards matter. The document is intended to inform policymakers, professionals, and the public about NAPET’s commitment to ethical training, proportionate regulation, and responsible dog ownership.

Owner use clarified, 12 October 2026: Owners may use an e-collar independently, without a professional being physically present, following case-specific assessment, documented professional instruction and confirmation that they understand and accept the agreed guidelines.

Read revised document

Archived January 2026 original, owner use wording superseded

NAPET Formal Consultation Response

This revised copy of NAPET’s January 2026 response document clarifies owner use wording. It is not a record of a new submission to Government. It outlines NAPET’s welfare-led position, the risks associated with a blanket prohibition, and the case for proportionate regulation based on professional competence, accountability, and oversight. The response represents the experiences of dog owners, trainers and behaviour practitioners working with complex and high-risk cases, and aims to support evidence-based policy that protects animal welfare, public safety, and responsible dog ownership.

Owner use clarified, 12 October 2026: Owners may use an e-collar independently, without a professional being physically present, following case-specific assessment, documented professional instruction and confirmation that they understand and accept the agreed guidelines.

Read revised document

Archived January 2026 original, owner use wording superseded

Animal Welfare Strategy for England Volume 779: debated on Wednesday 21 January 2026

This is the official UK House of Commons record of the Westminster Hall debate on the Animal Welfare Strategy for England held on 21 January 2026. It captures MPs’ discussions on the Government’s new animal welfare strategy and key commitments, including a proposed consultation on banning electronic shock collars, as part of wider efforts to improve animal welfare and public safety.

Read document

Animal Welfare Strategy 2025

Official UK Government Animal Welfare Strategy (2025), outlining current policy priorities and the framework influencing decisions on training tools and regulation.

Download

National Sheep Association Survey 2026: Results

The 2026 dog owner survey closed on 9 March 2026. Read the published results alongside the separate farmer survey findings, noting that they describe different respondent groups.

Read survey results

NAPET Community Information & Skills Form

NAPET community information form to help us understand community experience and ensure our work on regulation, evidence, and standards remains credible and well-informed.

Complete survey
03 / NAPET documents

Professional standards

The documents that set out our standards and approach.

NAPET document

NAPET Code of Conduct

Read the current web Code, which states that NAPET’s accreditation scheme is in development and is not yet active. The older PDF is archived and does not include those newer status safeguards; it must not be used as evidence of current accreditation.

Read current Code

Download October 2026 review copy

This review copy reproduces the eleven current web sections. It is not a new policy approval or legal sign off; the complaints process and liability wording still require review.

Archived PDF, superseded

For trainers

Register your interest in NAPET accreditation

NAPET is developing a professional accreditation scheme for e-collar trainers. Register your interest and we will contact you when applications open. Registering is free and does not create membership or accreditation.

Register your interest

Need help finding a resource?

Get in touch with NAPET and we will point you to the right information.

Contact NAPET