Interested in becoming a Certified BAT Instructor (or hiring one?) Here’s the latest CBATI Code of Conduct (last updated October, 2022). We have more information on the Certification page, where you can learn about the difference between a KA (Knowledge Assessed) and next-level KSA (Knowledge and Skills Assessed) CBATI.

This document is signed by every CBATI-KSA and CBATI-KA. The very latest document can be downloaded here as a PDF.

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As a CBATI (CBATI-KSA or CBATI-KA) I willingly agree to adhere to the following standards, in person and online:

1. The current Joint Standards of Practice adopted by the IAABC, CCPDT, and APDT, which can be found at https://www.ccpdt.org/about-us/standards-practice-code-ethics/

Additionally, I agree to:

2. Make choices that align with the values and intentions of BAT. These include:

• Prioritizing physical and emotional safety. When needs for safety, belonging, and satisfaction are met, empowered pro-social behavior emerges.
• Practice kindness to all, including dogs, oneself, clients, and other pet professionals (even those who disagree).
• Prioritizing learning over teaching. Maximize opportunities for the student to learn autonomously, with observant attunement and minimal intrusion on the learning process.

3. Empower healthy behavior: that which meets the individual’s need and does not conflict with needs of the individual or anyone else. Arrange the environment to provide opportunities to explore healthy behavior with naturally occurring reinforcement, whenever possible.
4. Use and recommend only equipment that allows for maximum comfort and agency (while still safe) and does not harm the animal in body or mind. Long leashes, fences, muzzles, etc. can be used to ensure safety, as a portable physical barrier to keep the animal from getting too close to a trigger.
5. If any necessary safety equipment is aversive to the animal (muzzle, harness, etc.), a CBATI will change the situation and/or take the time to use cooperative care protocols to acclimate the animal to that equipment before using it, whenever possible.
6. Avoid using equipment or techniques that elicit an alarm/startle reaction, and/or that change behavior by causing (or threatening to cause) pain, discomfort, and/or fear. Intimidation and behavior suppression do not align with BAT. This includes, but is not limited to: electronic shock collars/equipment, spray/citronella collars, anti-bark collars, prong collars, ‘alpha rolls,’ and check/choke chains, etc.

• Note: some clients may already be using these; a transition process to stop wearing the current gear is allowed. Do your best to make the transition away from aversive tools fast, but permanent.

7. Use only the specific designation I have earned as the title with my name: Kamala Jones, CBATI-KSA or Kamala Jones, CBATI-KA rather than Kamala Jones, CBATI.
8. Abide by the most up-to-date terms and conditions from Grisha Stewart / Empowered Animals, LLC for teaching BAT in any official capacity, logo use, etc. Terms can be found at grishastewart.com/certification.
9. Keep learning, because BAT is not a static procedure. In particular, to renew the CBATI-KSA or CBATI-KA, one must complete continuing education, as specified in the renewal process information.

• Work collaboratively with CBATIs and other pet professionals for the greater good.
• Treat all humans with respect, regardless of ethnicity, race, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, etc. We are more similar than we are different. Our basic needs are all the same, yet our environments are not. Be kind.
• Behave with kindness, honesty, and care for the community, as a professional and individual. This includes practicing consent for potentially intrusive interactions in personal and professional settings and actively setting boundaries on unhealthy behavior.
• Behave in a professional manner and not bring the Grisha Stewart Academy, Empowered Animals LLC, or BAT into disrepute.
• Follow the Complaints Procedure and honoring any outcomes, should a complaint be received, or if a CBATI wishes to make a complaint.
  1. Complainant emails full complaint along with accompanying evidence and a contact details to the Empowered Animals, LLC office – info@grishastewart.com.
  2. Complaints Committee (CC) Chair contacts all parties as appropriate to collect further information (this is a confidential process).
  3. CC Chair sends full report to the CC for review.
  4. Complaint is discussed by CC and further information is requested if necessary.
  5. A vote is taken on the outcome. If a decision cannot be agreed, the case is passed to Grisha Stewart for a final say.
  6. Decisions are emailed to all parties from the office.
  7. Our goal is always to help people (and dogs) learn, rather than punish for mistakes. That said, for the safety of the community and the integrity of the CBATI certification, we may deem to revoke the CBATI-KSA or CBATI-KA title. If this title is revoked, the title holder has 28 days to appeal in writing to the office.
  8. Appeal is acknowledged as received by Grisha Stewart and a full and final decision will be communicated within 30 days of that acknowledgement.