About Us

Though not an epidemic, we feel that cruelty cases involving dogs occur much too often. It is heartbreaking to read stories with headlines like "...dog trainer is charged with animal cruelty. Documents detail evidence on 2 ’emaciated’ animals," "...dog trainer charged with animal cruelty after dog death," and "Woman charged with deceptive business practices after dog dies in her care." The owners and their animals deserve better, so that is why we created the CWA 1000:2025 Dog Training Business Standard. The standard contains practical and actionable requirements that can be used by dog training businesses of any size, as a self-assessment and tool for improvement. Consumers may find it helpful to use as a checklist when seeking a dog trainer. Either way, canine welfare is the top priority.

Canine Welfare Alliance (CWA) is an independent organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards in dog training. For dog owners, it provides a trusted resource to find trainers who prioritize safety, welfare, and ethical practices. For trainers, it offers a way to demonstrate professionalism and commitment to industry best practices. By maintaining third-party independence, CWA ensures that recommendations and standards are transparent, consistent, and focused solely on the well-being of dogs and the integrity of the training profession.

We are currently an informal nonprofit (sole proprietorship), working to prevent harm and protect animal welfare in the dog training industry in Chattanooga only. We may expand to other regions and incorporate as a 501(c)(3) in the future, once community interest and support are sufficient and feasibility is established. A portion of all revenue will be donated to select area shelters and rescue organizations working to protect dogs and promote humane training practices.

CWA functions similar to the Better Business Bureau — but focused specifically on the dog training industry. Like the BBB, participation is voluntary, and our goal is to help consumers make informed, confident choices. However, unlike the BBB, our mission extends beyond consumer protection to include the welfare of dogs, ensuring that all training practices meet humane and ethical standards.

The CWA helps dog owners make informed choices when hiring a trainer. We evaluate dog training businesses against humane, ethical, and professional standards — so you can feel confident your dog is in safe, caring hands. Trainers are listed in our public directory with their assessment status, ensuring transparency and accountability in the dog training industry.