Client Communication & Ethics Flashcards
7 cards from real CDT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Client Communication & Ethics flashcards as text
A client insists on using a prong collar after you've explained its risks. What is the most ethical course of action?
Answer: Explain your concerns clearly, document the discussion, and decide if you can work within your ethical limits
Ethical trainers must clearly communicate concerns, document the conversation, and make an informed decision about whether to continue the relationship.
What does informed consent mean in the context of dog training?
Answer: The client fully understands and agrees to the methods, risks, and goals before training starts
Informed consent requires clients to understand the training methods, potential risks, and expected outcomes before agreeing to proceed.
A trainer discovers during sessions that a client's dog shows signs of abuse. What should the trainer do?
Answer: Document observations and report to appropriate animal welfare authorities if abuse is suspected
Trainers have an ethical duty to report suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities while carefully documenting what they observe.
Which communication style is most effective when delivering difficult feedback to a client about their dog's behavior?
Answer: Empathetic, specific, and solution-focused
Effective feedback is empathetic and specific, and focuses on actionable solutions rather than blame.
When should a dog trainer refer a client to a veterinary behaviorist?
Answer: When the dog's behavior exceeds the trainer's expertise, involves medical concerns, or poses serious safety risks
Trainers must recognize the limits of their expertise and refer to veterinary behaviorists when cases involve medical issues, aggression, or complex behavioral disorders.
A potential client asks you to guarantee that you can fix their dog's aggression in 30 days. How should you respond?
Answer: Explain that behavior modification timelines vary and guarantees are not ethical or realistic
Guaranteeing specific outcomes is unethical because behavior change depends on many variables including the dog, client consistency, and the severity of the issue.
How should a trainer handle a situation where a client contradicts training instructions during a session in front of the dog?
Answer: Calmly pause the session, address the discrepancy privately, and reinforce the rationale
Addressing inconsistencies privately and respectfully preserves the client relationship while keeping training on track.