The Regulation of Companion Animal Services in Relation to Training and Behaviour Modification of Dogs.

Colin Tennant was invited to the Companion Animal Welfare Council (CAWC) in July 2008 at The Houses of Parliament at Westminster. The Council, chaired by Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior sought the Canine & Feline Behaviour Association's Chairman's opinions.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the regulation of companion animal services in relation to training and behaviour modification of dogs and other pet animals. On the whole, the meeting was good and begins the long process of regulation of the pet education and marketing of courses and standards in the United Kingdom.

A representative of each organisation in attendance was offered the floor to give their views and comment on the report. Colin Tennant made the point that although he and the governors of the CFBA welcomed the report and all the effort placed into producing that report, he felt that the members of the working party did not truly represent the main people who affect dog behaviour and training in Britain; these are in fact the dog trainers and therefore, without their support, no changes can really take place. "In future", said Mr Tennant, "all working groups should be represented by people who do the job full-time and not part-time academics. People who do the job at the coal face and moreover represent the Dog Behaviour & Training organisations would make up a working party that can be trusted represent and coalesce the UK Canine & Feline organisations."

He made his comments known to Ms Barbara Cooper, the Chairwoman of the working party. Ms Cooper said that the comments would be considered and that she would welcome a meeting to discuss his points on another occasion.

On the whole, the day was most productive.