Safeguarding Animal Welfare: Singapore’s Science-Based Approach to Dog Training
Introduction
In recent years, Singapore has emerged as a leading example of how science-based dog training practices, community engagement, and enhanced animal welfare standards can be integrated to revolutionize the pet industry. Central to this transformation has been the role of the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster of the National Parks Board (NParks), which since 2019 has spearheaded a comprehensive review of the pet sector. This review not only reflects a commitment to improving animal health and welfare but also exemplifies a collaborative approach that actively involves stakeholders from various sectors, including veterinarians, trainers, and animal welfare groups.
In tandem with policy changes, the establishment of the Centre for Animal Rehabilitation in 2022 provides an innovative platform for supporting Singapore’s efforts to rehabilitate free-roaming dogs. Ultimately, Singapore continues to build public and industry awareness about the importance of ethical, science-based dog training, which is well-deserving of recognition. This multifaceted approach reflects a comprehensive vision that not only aims to enhance the professional competencies of dog trainers but also reinforces the societal value of responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.
We asked the National Parks Board to give us an exclusive update on their initiatives and to summarise the pivotal shift in Singapore’s dog training sector. Here is what they have to say about the evolution of this spectacular achievement:
Transforming Policy, Practice, and Public Awareness Through Collaboration and Innovation
Singapore has made significant strides in recent years to revolutionize the local dog training sector, placing a strong emphasis on science-based approaches, animal welfare and community engagement. In April 2019, the National Parks Board (NParks) became the lead agency for animal and wildlife management, as well as animal health and welfare, and plant health. The animal-related functions were placed under a new cluster within NParks, the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS). This move kickstarted a comprehensive review of the nation’s pet sector, with a strong focus on enhancing animal health and welfare standards while actively involving key stakeholders and the community.
In October 2019, AVS launched a public consultation to seek input on the review of the pet sector. This included focus group discussions and online surveys, with almost 6,000 responses received in total. From the feedback gathered, sectors such as pet breeding and pet boarding were identified for the first phase of the review. In addition, AVS also identified the need to raise standards within sectors such as the dog training industry, prompting the formation of a multi-stakeholder Rehoming and Adoption Workgroup (RAWG) in October 2020. Comprising veterinarians, dog trainers and members of animal welfare groups, RAWG set out to raise the standards of rehoming and adoption of free-roaming dogs in Singapore. Since then, the group has published two sets of guidelines in January 2022. The first is a set of guidelines on dog training and rehabilitation, to educate dog trainers and pet owners on safe, science-based, and effective means of dog training, emphasizing the “Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive” (LIMA) approach to animal training. The second set of guidelines on Dog Rehoming and Adoption Practices includes principles and considerations for the adoption and rehoming of dogs, and outlines the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders involved.
To further raise standards in the dog training industry, AVS introduced the AVS-Accredited Certified Dog Trainer (ACDT) scheme in December 2022. This scheme serves as a benchmark for competency in dog training to better manage dog aggression and other disamenities in an effective and humane way. It places greater emphasis on assessing trainers’ professional competencies by only recognizing the certifications from four independent animal behavior and training organizations – the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), the Animal Behavior Society (ABS), and the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB). By shifting the focus from punishment-based to rewards-based training approaches, the ACDT scheme seeks to ensure that accredited trainers possess a basic understanding of science-based training methods, are committed to ethical training approaches that consider the welfare of the dogs, and meet international standards of competency.
In parallel with ongoing policy changes and stakeholder engagement initiatives, AVS established the Centre for Animal Rehabilitation in March 2022 with the aim of supporting the existing nationwide Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage (TNRM) program for free-roaming dogs and cats, and to develop expertise and capabilities in companion animal rehabilitation. The centre’s innovative design aims to acclimatize free-roaming dogs to life as pets in the least stressful way possible. The centre features a visitor’s lounge that mimics a typical home environment, and compartmentalized kennels that allow the dogs to exercise choice and control over their living environment, giving them privacy and a sense of security. Rehabilitation at the centre is conducted through techniques such as gradual desensitization and counter-conditioning and rewards-based training.
As part of continuous efforts to work with stakeholders to raise standards in the dog training industry, AVS also formed the Dog Training Standards Workgroup in August 2024, actively involving industry stakeholders in shaping policies on crucial topics such as promoting the LIMA approach to dog training, as well as developing plans and approaches on the regulation of dog training devices.
Staying committed to community involvement, AVS continuously engages relevant stakeholders and the public through our signature Pets’ Day Out events, tours at the Centre for Animal Rehabilitation, and learning journeys for schools. In our efforts to develop the industry and public competencies in this field, AVS organizes regular seminars, workshops, and webinars for our stakeholders on scientific principles behind canine rehabilitation, behavior, and training by inviting international experts such as Dogs Trust UK, Dr. Jim Crosby, Professor Daniel Mills, and more. These are part of AVS’s efforts to increase awareness about the science-based approach to dog training and to work with stakeholders to raise standards in the dog training industry, helping to safeguard animal health and welfare.
The Animal & Veterinary Service, a cluster within the National Parks Board, is the main touch-point for animal-related issues, as well as the first responder for animal-related feedback. By improving the standards of the animal and veterinary sectors, we aim to safeguard animal health and welfare in Singapore.
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Mike is an emerging animal behaviorist sitting in Minnesota in the US. He carries an MSc in social science research methods (U. of Kentucky) and brings a passion for understanding how the methods we favor shape the knowledge we privilege. Coming from careers in teaching and non-profit program evaluation, he found companion animal behavior by accident helping anxious feline friends in a unique shelter in Ohio. It is a privilege and a joy to combine these and advance the journal in this exciting time of growth.
Alexandra is a certified dog behavior consultant and holds a PhD in neuroscience. She has spent over a decade in academic research and is author of numerous scientific articles on different aspects of brain development, including olfaction, neurogenesis, and memory formation. Her work as a behavior consultant focuses on creating trusting relationships between humans and their dogs through communication, respect, and science-based knowledge. Alexandra is very dedicated to promoting more science within the dog training world. She supports dog guardians and professionals to build a solid understanding of scientific principles and provides guidance on how to apply these to life with dogs. She runs Canine Mindscape in Alicante, Spain.
I’m an Argentinean-Italian dog trainer and CSAT who spent eight amazing years in Brazil learning and working with dogs. Now based in Europe, I volunteer with the IAABC as a translator and, in my free time, help rehomed dogs settle into their new families. I love bridging languages—and hearts—between people and their dogs.
I’m a translator, editor and journalist, as well as canine educator for children and families, specialized in canine body language. I am part of the IAABC Family since 2019, as Language Director at the IAABC and Translators Team Lead at the IAABC Foundation, at the moment. I volunteer at local shelters and promote bite prevention and animal welfare at schools and events all over my country, Uruguay.
I’m a Chilean veterinarian and certified dog trainer, based in Madrid and working at a veterinary clinic. I’ve been volunteering with the IAABC and the IAABC Foundation for over seven years. In my free time, I help dogs and their guardians strengthen their bond, and I love spending quality time with my own dogs.
Master’s Degree in Natural Sciences, with a strong interest in environmental sustainability and the protection of natural ecosystems. Passionate about writing and science communication, she collaborates with multidisciplinary teams on research projects, such as Equine International, and with non-profit initiatives in the environmental and cultural fields. She is writing for different magazines, including IAABC Foundation. Her major goal is to improve horse’s welfare through behaviour research and empirical practice.
Adrienne Hovey is the copy editor for the IAABC Foundation journal and the owner of 
I believe that knowledge from a wide range of disciplines fosters a more empathetic, curious, and engaging world. I am passionate about social, environmental, and minority rights issues (both human and non-human), and this has invariably led me down the road of multi-species anthropology. Perpetually curious about the world we live in, I hope to contribute towards making the world a kinder place for all of us earthlings to live on!
Beckie Wheldon is based in England, UK, and has been supporting the IAABC Foundation Journal team as a volunteer journal content editor since early 2025. She has a BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare, and has recently completed a MSc Clinical Animal Behaviour. With a passion for both practical and theory, Beckie is proud to be a part of the journal submission journey and support the process of applied animal behaviour information and research getting from our writers to the readers. As her full-time career, Beckie is currently part of the UK veterinary charity, PDSA, as a Learning and Development Business Partner for Veterinary, where she supports the professional development of people in their Veterinary Hospitals. Her last position was with the rescue charity, Dogs Trust, as a Canine Behavioural Welfare Manager, where she worked on embedding evidence-based behavioural welfare best practices throughout policy and practices, with both internal and external professional stakeholders, such as the police and military. With a varied background in kennels, caregiver education, and charity dog training classes, Beckie is also an accredited Animal Training Instructor (APDT UK) and an Associate Clinical Animal Behaviourist (APBC).
Erin Jones, PhD, IAABC-ADT, CDBC, CPDT-KA, CANZ-ATI, CANZ-ABC, is the Journal Director of the IAABC Foundation Journal. She holds a PhD in Human–Animal Studies, an MSc in Anthrozoology, a PG Dip in Animal Welfare, and a BSc (Hons) in Anthropology and Psychology. An international presenter, editor, writer and mentor, Erin’s writing bridges research and practice with a focus on the intersection of philosophy, ethics and dog-centered behaviour practice. She is the author of Constructing Canine Consent and co-editor of Topics in Non/Human Coexistence and numerous academic and trade journal publications.