Read the scope, outcomes and full checklist guidance
The outcome:Training methods and equipment are selected and used lawfully, competently and individually, without prescribing one philosophy, tool type or brand.
EW4.1: Method and equipment neutrality
These Standards do not require or prohibit a particular lawful training philosophy, method, collar, harness, lead, long line, muzzle or other walking tool. Assessment focuses on whether the choice is informed, individual, proportionate, within the user's competence and capable of achieving welfare, control and safety outcomes. A label or philosophy is not evidence by itself.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
These Standards do not require or prohibit a particular lawful training philosophy, method, collar, harness, lead, long line, muzzle or other walking tool. Assessment focuses on whether the choice is informed, individual, proportionate, within the user's competence and capable of achieving welfare, control and safety outcomes. A label or philosophy is not evidence by itself.
What the Assessor Checks
Ask the walker to explain why methods and tools suit particular dogs and contexts.
Observe outcomes, skill, timing and adjustment rather than judging a method by its name.
Evidence
Individual plans, owner information, competence evidence, observation and incidents.
Meets Standard
There is reasonable evidence that the requirement is met consistently in practice and achieves the required welfare, control and integrity outcome.
Action Required
The requirement is not yet demonstrated consistently in practice, or the available evidence is incomplete and requires a proportionate corrective action.
Critical Non-Compliance
Any method or tool use causing serious injury, preventing breathing or thermoregulation, or continuing despite serious distress may be Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________
EW4.2: Fit, condition and backup equipment
Walking and restraint equipment must be suitable for the dog, correctly fitted, maintained and checked at a frequency proportionate to use and risk. The walker must carry enough reliable equipment to secure and lead every dog in their responsibility, including reasonable backup or contingency equipment for foreseeable failures.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
Walking and restraint equipment must be suitable for the dog, correctly fitted, maintained and checked at a frequency proportionate to use and risk. The walker must carry enough reliable equipment to secure and lead every dog in their responsibility, including reasonable backup or contingency equipment for foreseeable failures.
What the Assessor Checks
Inspect a sample of leads, attachments, collars, harnesses, muzzles and backup equipment.
Observe pre-walk checks and test the plan for a broken clip or slipped harness.
Evidence
Equipment checks, maintenance and replacement records, vehicle stock and observation.
Meets Standard
There is reasonable evidence that the requirement is met consistently in practice and achieves the required welfare, control and integrity outcome.
Action Required
The requirement is not yet demonstrated consistently in practice, or the available evidence is incomplete and requires a proportionate corrective action.
Critical Non-Compliance
Knowingly using failed or dangerously unsuitable equipment where serious escape or injury is likely may be Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________
EW4.3: Competent and proportionate handling
Handling must be no more restrictive or intense than reasonably necessary for the immediate objective and must change if it is ineffective or creates an unacceptable welfare or safety outcome. Dogs must not be hit, kicked, dragged by the neck or equipment, deliberately suspended, or handled in a way likely to cause injury. Emergency intervention may be proportionate to preventing greater imminent harm.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
Handling must be no more restrictive or intense than reasonably necessary for the immediate objective and must change if it is ineffective or creates an unacceptable welfare or safety outcome. Dogs must not be hit, kicked, dragged by the neck or equipment, deliberately suspended, or handled in a way likely to cause injury. Emergency intervention may be proportionate to preventing greater imminent harm.
What the Assessor Checks
Observe lead handling, loading, group movement and response to pulling or conflict.
Distinguish proportionate emergency action from routine or punitive rough treatment.
Evidence
Direct observation, lawful video where retained, training, incidents and interviews.
Meets Standard
There is reasonable evidence that the requirement is met consistently in practice and achieves the required welfare, control and integrity outcome.
Action Required
The requirement is not yet demonstrated consistently in practice, or the available evidence is incomplete and requires a proportionate corrective action.
Critical Non-Compliance
Deliberate physical abuse or reckless handling causing or likely to cause serious harm is Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________
EW4.4: Owner instructions, material changes and specialist referral
Relevant owner instructions must be considered, but the walker must not follow an instruction that is unlawful or foreseeably unsafe. Material changes to agreed equipment, handling or training work must be explained and authorised unless immediate action is necessary to prevent harm. Where needs exceed competence or safe service capacity, the service must be modified, paused or referred to an appropriate veterinary or behaviour professional.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
Relevant owner instructions must be considered, but the walker must not follow an instruction that is unlawful or foreseeably unsafe. Material changes to agreed equipment, handling or training work must be explained and authorised unless immediate action is necessary to prevent harm. Where needs exceed competence or safe service capacity, the service must be modified, paused or referred to an appropriate veterinary or behaviour professional.
What the Assessor Checks
Sample changes in tools, off-lead status, walking arrangements or behaviour work.
Review referrals, exclusions and conflicting owner instructions.
Evidence
Client agreement, change records, communications, referrals and service modifications.
Meets Standard
There is reasonable evidence that the requirement is met consistently in practice and achieves the required welfare, control and integrity outcome.
Action Required
The requirement is not yet demonstrated consistently in practice, or the available evidence is incomplete and requires a proportionate corrective action.
Critical Non-Compliance
Following a known dangerous instruction or misrepresenting specialist competence may be Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________