Dog training

Basic Obedience Training 

Basic Obedience Training, sometimes referred to as Canine Good Citizen Training, equips dogs with the foundational skills and behaviours necessary to navigate daily interactions at home and in public spaces. Upon completion of basic obedience training, dogs are expected to be able to demonstrate basic cues such as sit, stay and come reliably. 

While not mandatory, it is highly encouraged for puppies to attend Basic Obedience Training to build a solid foundation during their early developmental stages. 

The following types of dogs are required to undergo basic obedience training by an AVS-Accredited Certified Dog Trainer (ACDT): 

• Specified Dog breeds listed in the First Schedule of the Animals and Birds (Licensing and Control of Cats and Dogs) Rules 2024

• Any dog assessed by AVS to be aggressive and/or potentially dangerous 

A copy of the course completion certificate must be submitted online via PALS, within 10 weeks of dog licence application, within 10 weeks from the arrival of the dog in Singapore, or within 10 weeks from the release of the dog from quarantine, whichever is later. 

Behaviour Modification Training 

 Dogs assessed by AVS to be aggressive, dangerous, or exhibit behavioural issues that need addressing, must undergo behaviour modification training by an AVS-Accredited Certified Dog Trainer (ACDT), or any specific training as directed by NParks, to identify and address the underlying causes of the dogs’ behaviour. 

Adequate and appropriate management measures should be implemented while the dogs are undergoing behavioural modification training. 

Reports on the dog’s training progress must be well-documented by the ACDT trainer engaged by owners and provided to NParks upon request. 

Accredited Certified Dog Trainers 

The AVS-Accredited Certified Dog Trainer (ACDT) Scheme was launched on 10 December 2022 as a benchmark for competency in dog training to better manage dog aggression and other disamenities in an effective and humane way. 

Under this scheme, dog trainers will need to obtain certification from any of the following independent animal behaviour and training organisations:

1. International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)

2. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)

3. The Animal Behavior Society (ABS)

4. The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB)

This ensures that accredited trainers possess a basic understanding of science-based training methods, dog welfare and behaviour, are committed to ethical training approaches, and meet international standards of competency.  

For the full list of ACDT dog trainers, please refer to List of AVS-Accredited Certified Dog Trainers.