Our Work
National Advocacy for Australia's Dog Professionals and Owners.Dog training advocacy in Australia requires experienced, practical voices at the table. Professional Dog Trainers Australia (PDTA) represents trainers, operational handlers, breeders, veterinarians, groomers, sport participants, and responsible owners when law and regulation affect how dogs are managed.
Because these decisions influence welfare, safety, and community outcomes, PDTA works to ensure policymakers hear from the people who live with the results every day.
Our advocacy operates through public campaigns and formal government submissions, each serving a distinct role in shaping effective regulation.
Why Representation Across the Sector Matters
Policy affecting dogs does not impact one group alone.
It influences:
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how trainers manage behaviour
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how veterinarians support treatment and welfare
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how breeders plan responsibly
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how sport, show and working dogs are trained
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how owners keep their animals safe in the community
PDTA brings these perspectives together so that regulation reflects operational reality.
A Recognised Voice in Regulatory Discussion
Our community includes professionals and specialists working daily in:
✔ behaviour modification
✔ animal health and welfare
✔ grooming and husbandry
✔ breeding and genetics
✔ competitive and working disciplines
✔ high-risk and complex cases
This depth of experience allows PDTA to contribute meaningful, evidence-based input when policy is reviewed.
How PDTA Delivers Advocacy
To deliver meaningful dog training advocacy in Australia, PDTA engages through two primary pathways.
Campaigns
During active or high-impact issues, campaigns inform the public, clarify legal implications, and guide responsible action.
They also help decision makers understand how proposed changes will operate in real environments.
Submissions
In addition, PDTA prepares formal responses to consultations, parliamentary reviews, and regulatory reform processes.
These submissions place professional knowledge directly into the official decision-making record.
PDTA Campaigns
Campaigns involve active engagement with regulators, stakeholders, media, and the wider dog community when immediate or high-impact changes are proposed. They often include public guidance, clarification of legal implications, and direct representation.
2026 NSW Animal Welfare Reform
After a Queensland cruelty case drew community attention, many are comparing sentencing outcomes with heavy penalties for prong collars. As NSW considers reform, trainers and owners question whether equipment bans improve safety and argue practical experience, broader consultation, and balanced regulation should guide decisions.
2026 NSW Prong Collar Ban
Prong collars are not currently banned in New South Wales, despite public claims. PDTA provides legal clarification, monitors proposed legislative change, and represents trainers, owners, and canine professionals advocating for evidence-based regulation, accurate information, and policies that improve safety and welfare outcomes.
2024 IGP South Australia
South Australia has ruled that IGP dogs are not attack trained, protecting the sport and responsible owners. Following a PDTA-led, evidence-based campaign uniting clubs and supporters, the reform promotes fair, factual decision-making, improves dog bite policy, and establishes a national model balancing welfare, safety, and integrity.
PDTA Government & Regulatory Submissions
Submissions are formal contributions provided to government departments, inquiries, and regulatory reviews.
They present:
✔ professional expertise
✔ operational realities
✔ welfare considerations
✔ community safety implications
These documents form a critical part of how legislation is shaped.