Written by: ICAN co-coorindator and member Taryn Blyth

When I was asked to become one of the Co-Coordinator’s for ICAN in early 2020, I was a little daunted at the prospect of helping to manage an international organisation from my humble home in Cape Town South Africa! However, despite the challenges I knew it would present, I felt it was an opportunity I could not miss, because I knew that ICAN’s motto “Welfare First” was the core of everything I believe as an animal behaviour professional and trainer, and I wanted to help to spread this message far and wide.

I have been involved with the world of dog training and animal behaviour for over 20 years. In that time, I have seen many changes and much progress towards more ethical and humane interactions with companion animals. However, the reality is that there are so many different schools of thought and our understanding of the brain, emotions and how learning takes place keeps evolving, with the result that I have come to the increasing realisation that, as important as “science” and research is for our understanding and the correct application of techniques which change behaviour, efficacy and expediency cannot be the only driving force in our interactions with animals and the interventions we employ to change behaviour “for the better”.

If we are honest, there are many ways to get results when it comes to behaviour change and plenty of evidence for the efficacy of a wide range of protocols. Many of us who are skilled trainers can effect behaviour change fairly easily using our knowledge of learning theory. But for those of us who really love animals, the question is surely not just what WORKS best to get results, but what IS best for the individual animal whose life we are intervening in.

This is where WELFARE FIRST comes in. I firmly believe that every decision we make about every interaction with every animal we come across, has to be made in the context of our core aim being to improve that animal’s welfare or, at the very least, to avoid negatively impacting on welfare – the First Do No Harm principle, if you like.

Taryn and her dogs in Cape Town

Instead of being guided by what works quickly, what protocol is easiest, what requires less effort or what looks impressive, we should be guided by which interventions would fulfil the animal’s needs, create positive emotional states, improve the bond between animals and the people they share their lives with and help them to live as full, stress-free and rich lives as possible.

These may seem lofty ideals and it may not always be easy to identify the perfect course of action – however, if we keep WELFARE FIRST as our core philosophy, I believe we will be a force for positive change, not only in the lives of the animals and people we assist directly, but also in the broader companion animal industry, with all its complexity and variation. WELFARE FIRST does not depend on the latest trends or fads in the world of training and behaviour – no new information can shake this guiding principle and no matter what we learn going forward, it is an unshakeable foundation on which to build our mission as animal care professionals, whether we are trainers, behaviour counsellors, groomers, vets, dog walkers, cattery owners, farriers, livery owners and any other animal-related professional. I feel privileged to be part of a wide community around the world, who believe in this vision.

If you are an accredited organization, certified professional, or force-free charity who puts WELFARE FIRST- contact ICAN co-coordinators Taryn and Ruby at ican.coordinators@gmail.com or go to CONTACT US at our website