As we near the end of 2022, we wanted to share an update about our ongoing efforts to make the field of training and behavior more inclusive.

As we near the end of 2021, we wanted to share an update about our ongoing efforts to increase the presence of positive reinforcement trainers who are Black, Indigenous, or otherwise of Color:

We offer scholarships for Karen Pryor Academy dog training courses, from introduction to professional trainer certification, as part of our effort to expand our community’s inclusiveness.

Over the past months, we have taken steps to educate ourselves about the challenges faced by trainers from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities. We have also initiated plans to increase the presence of positive reinforcement trainers from those communities. Below is an update on our ongoing efforts.  

Training & Behavior Diversity & Equality Survey**We are analyzing responses from the survey, which closed on July 10. Stay tuned for more information.**Leaders in the positive reinforcement training and behavior community are asking all training and behavior professionals to share information to help take important steps to ensure equity and diversity in the field. This survey will be used to …

Karen Pryor Clicker Training (KPCT) supports calls for Facebook to prohibit the use of the platform for the incitement and organization of violence, hate speech, and racist ideology. To the extent that we can, KPCT is participating in the broader Stop Hate for Profit effort to communicate to Facebook that many of its advertisers are concerned about these issues.

It is impossible to ignore the realities of racism in the world. Is the absence of people of color in the dog training world a result of racism or are there other obstacles? Personally, I strongly identify with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, so I have opinions about the lack of color in our community, but I will save those views and experiences for another time. Today, I want to focus on the experiences of black professionals in our community. Who better to share those experiences than the individuals who have lived through the challenges of being black in a largely white profession? I have been listening and reading many stories; it seems like the best thing to do is to amplify their voices and point you toward stories you may have missed.

OUR FIRST STEPS TO TAKING MEANINGFUL ACTION: BECAUSE BLACK LIVES MATTER We would like to thank the community for your encouragement, thoughtful ideas, shared stories, and offers of help. What we have heard from you consistently is the need to support both actions that can lead to an end of the violence faced by BIPOC communities and actions that can …

Black Lives Matter. Karen Pryor Clicker Training stands with the protestors against the violence Black, Indigenous, and People of Color face too often. Change is needed. As positive reinforcement trainers, we know that behavior is never static; if we stay silent, we, in effect, reinforce past behavior. By speaking out and protesting, we can alter environmental conditions and lay the groundwork for meaningful change.We also recognize the need to identify and explore ways to take a stand and contribute to change in our own industry. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are underrepresented in the dog trainer and behavior specialist professions and related occupations. We are committed to the conversations and dialogs, education, and steps that lead to greater understanding and that can make the profession more inclusive. We welcome your opinions, thoughts, and ideas—comment on our social channels or by email at [email protected].