Design and evaluate training programmes for animals

This standard is about the design and evaluation of training programmes for animals. This may involve training the animal to undertake specific tasks, or more general training.
The standard covers designing and developing training programmes for animals by setting objectives and targets, selecting relevant training activities, methods and resources and ensuring training is carried out in the required manner. It also includes evaluating the implementation of the training programme to confirm its continued suitability.
All activities should be carried out in accordance with the relevant legislation.
Users of the standard will need to be suitably trained and confirm that their practice upholds humane standards and policies, and that they work within the limits of their authority, expertise, training, competence and experience.
This standard is suitable for those with responsibility for the design and evaluation of training programmes for animals.

---

1. work professionally and ethically and within the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience
2. carry out your work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, associated codes of practice and organisational policies
3. carry out your work in accordance with the relevant animal health and welfare and animal-related legislation, associated codes of practice and organisational policies
4. assess how the welfare needs of the animals you engage with may be provided
5. handle and interact with the animal in a manner that does not compromise animal welfare, avoids behaviour giving rise to welfare concern and maintains health and safety during the training
6. confirm the purpose and intended outcome of the training with all those involved in, or affected by your work
7. obtain and interpret information about the animal from relevant sources
8. assess the training needs of the animal and establish training objectives
9. design a training programme for the animal with realistic targets for a desired behaviour based upon the principles of learning and the intended outcomes of the training
10. consider the ability of the handler who will be maintaining the training when designing the training programme
11. evaluate environmental influences and select relevant training activities and methods to achieve the desired outcome
12. specify the resources necessary for the training activities
13. assess the potential welfare consequences on the animal when choosing the training method and resources, and rectify any issues
14. obtain feedback on the animal's health and behaviour as the training progresses
15. evaluate and record the outcome of the training against the training programme at regular intervals, including assessing the animal's health and behaviour, and take action to resolve situations where training activities, methods or resources are found to be inappropriate
16. modify the training programme as necessary to take into account the response of the animal to the training so far
17. maintain communication with colleagues and all those involved in, or affected by, your work
18. seek professional advice when necessary and refer cases on when required
19. confirm that records are maintained and stored as required by the relevant legislation and organisational policy
20. plan, record, evaluate and reflect upon your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and work within the requirements of the relevant professional organisation

---

1. your professional responsibilities when designing and evaluating training programmes for animals and the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience
2. your responsibilities under the relevant animal health and welfare, and animal-related legislation and associated codes of practice, and the legal limitations of the Veterinary Surgeons Act
3. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, associated codes of practice and organisational policies
4. the importance of obtaining insurance cover, including professional indemnity
5. how the welfare needs of the animals you engage with may be assessed and addressed
6. how to check that the animal’s welfare is maintained throughout and that your behaviour, and that of all those involved in your work, does not cause adverse reactions, fear or distress
7. the intended purpose of the training programme and how to identify the objectives of the training programme for the animal
8. how to obtain information about the animal and the factors that may affect the design of a training programme
9. how animals learn and the physical, psychological and environmental factors that affect learning
10. the normal behaviours, body language and communication methods of the animal
11. the importance of assessing if the animal is ready for training and how to select assessment methods that are safe, reliable and valid
12. the importance of considering the abilities and limitations of the person who will be maintaining the training
13. how to design a training programme for the animal with realistic training targets
14. the process of establishing measurable goals and objectives for the training of animals
15. how to select suitable training activities and resources for the training the animal concerned
16. how training will impact on animal welfare and how to assess and analyse whether it is in the best interests of the animal involved
17. the factors that may affect the progress and success of training
18. the principles and practical application of learning theory
19. the importance of monitoring and evaluating training progress and how to revise the training programme where necessary
20. how to recognise when training outcomes indicate that the animal may not be suited to the training
21. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and how this should be done
22. where to obtain professional advice and guidance and the role of professional bodies and associations
23. the records that need to be kept in relation to designing and evaluating training programmes for animals and the importance of completing these in accordance with the relevant legislation and organisational policy
24. your professional responsibilities and the importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain professional competence

---

Factors that may affect the design of a training programme:

1. life history
2. physical capabilities
3. age
4. health
5. diet
6. reproductive status
7. current level of training
8. temperament/characteristics
9. species, breed and parentage
10. medical history
11. motivational drivers and effects
12. environment – living, working, training/learning
13. legislation

Training resources:

1. personnel
2. training aids/equipment
3. handling aids/equipment
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

---

---

---

---

---

---

Current animal welfare legislation:

• England and Wales, Animal Welfare Act
• Scotland, Animal Health and Welfare Act
• Northern Ireland, Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland)
• Veterinary Surgeons Act

---

---

---

1

---

2025

---

Current

---

Original

---

Lantra

---

AnC50

---

Animal Training and Behaviour, Animals in Education and Entertainment, Dog Training and Behaviour, Veterinary Para-Professional Activities

---

6129

---

animal; training; behaviour; programmes

---