As mentioned in a previous alert, California Assembly Bill 1901 (authored by Assemblyman Nazarin of Hollywood Hills/Toluca would regulate all dog trainers in the state as boarding kennels – regardless of the type of training class or the length of the class.
The definition of dog training is very broad and must be assumed to encompass every type of training, including drop-in classes, public and private training, Canine Good Citizen classes, obedience training, handling classes, performance and sporting training, or any dog training in the state for which the instructor/trainer may receive any type of compensation.
It is important that all dog trainers and responsible dog owners currently living in California use the information below to contact the author’s office TODAY both through the online portal and emails to the author’s staff.
Take the following actions TODAY:
1) Email the author’s staff. Respectfully let his staff know that you are a dog trainer in California/attend dog training classes in California and OPPOSE Assembly Bill 1901. Consider the talking points provided below. Vincenzo.Caporale@asm.ca.gov
Michael.Adamski@asm.ca.gov
These are the two staffers who work for the author and can make sure he receives your letter. Even if you are not in the author’s district, it is essential that his office hear from California dog owners and trainers!
Please also do this even if you have already uploaded comments online.
2) Upload comments to the online legislative portal. Use this link and follow the instructions to create an online account to submit written comments to the author’s office.
3) Call the author’s office. Consider calling both his capitol and district office:
Sacramento Office Phone: (916) 319-2046
Van Nuys Office Phone: (818) 376-4246
Talking Points:
This bill seems to make the inaccurate assumption that all trainings involve overnight boarding and take place in designated training facilities. When contacting the author, consider the following talking points:
- Explain that training classes do not always include overnight boarding in a facility. Classes take place throughout the state at community centers, public parks, and local dog clubs – just to name a few.
- Explain that there are many different types of training classes and they last for varying lengths of time (some are weekly or a couple times a week for 30 minutes, one hour, etc.). Training can be for basic obedience, service or therapy dogs, participation in AKC events, etc. The regulations in AB 1901 are not appropriate for every type of training and class.
- Express your concern that the vague and extensive requirements in AB 1901 will be virtually impossible for many dog trainers to comply with. If AB 901 passes, it will likely result in fewer dog training classes in the state, leading to a potential public safety concern.
- If you are a dog trainer, provide details of your experience and your class. How long have you been a trainer? What are the nature of your classes and what type of facility is used? How do you ensure the safety of dogs in your class?
AKC Government Relations continues to closely monitor all bills impacting dog owners in California and will provide updates as they are available. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.