New Jersey Assembly Bill 1212 / Senate Bill 3814

Subject: Dog Trainer Licensure and Regulation

New Jersey lawmakers introduced companion bills seeking to establish a state licensing framework for professional dog trainers.

Key Provisions:

• Creates a Dog Trainer Licensure Board.
• Requires trainers to obtain licensure through approved certification programs.
• Establishes disciplinary authority over trainers.
• Includes language promoting “non-aversive” or “humane” training methodologies.
• Provides limited grandfathering provisions for currently practicing trainers.

The Senate version, S3814, specifically defines “aversive training methods” and authorizes the board to establish training standards and investigate complaints against trainers. (New Jersey Legislature)

Current Status:

• A1212: Died in Committee (LegiScan)
• S3814: Introduced and referred to the Senate Economic Growth Committee. Reports indicate the bill has faced substantial opposition from trainers, sporting dog organizations, and stakeholders concerned about government-mandated training philosophies and restrictions on training tools and methodologies. The bill currently remains stalled in committee. (LegiScan)

Industry Concerns:
Opponents have raised concerns regarding:

• Restrictive definitions of acceptable training methods.
• Potential prohibition or limitation of balanced training practices.
• Government oversight of private dog training businesses.
• Lack of representation from diverse training disciplines on proposed licensing boards.

New York Senate Bill S8510 / Assembly Bill A9123

Subject: Regulation of Boarding Kennels and Companion Animal Housing Standards

New York introduced companion legislation establishing extensive operational standards for boarding kennels and companion animal housing facilities.

Key Provisions:

• Establishes detailed housing, enclosure, sanitation, and environmental standards.
• Limits the number of animals housed together.
• Requires specific temperature control, ventilation, and isolation procedures.
• Creates additional operational requirements for kennels offering boarding and training services.

The legislation applies broadly to facilities housing companion animals for boarding, training, or related purposes. (NYSenate.gov)

Current Status:

• Both bills remain active in the 2025–2026 legislative session.
• The legislation is currently under committee consideration and has not advanced to floor votes as of this update. (NYSenate.gov)

Potential Impact:
Stakeholders have noted the bills could significantly increase operational compliance costs for boarding kennels, training facilities, and other animal care providers throughout the state.

New York Senate Bill S7723 / Assembly Bill A6985

Subject: Canine Trainer Licensing Standards

Additional legislation introduced in New York would require the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets to establish licensing and educational standards for canine trainers working with non-service and non-police dogs.

Key Provisions:

• Establishes mandatory licensing standards for dog trainers.
• Requires the use of “non-aversive” and “positive reinforcement” training methodologies.
• Creates penalties for unlicensed practice.
• Restricts eligibility for individuals with animal-related criminal convictions.

The legislation specifically references “humane and non-aversive techniques” as the required standard for dog training practices. (NYSenate.gov)

Current Status:

• S7723: Remains in the Senate Agriculture Committee. (NYSenate.gov)
• A6985: The Assembly bill was stricken from consideration on February 20, 2026. (NYSenate.gov)

Industry Concerns:
Balanced trainers and working dog professionals have expressed concern that the legislation:

• Could restrict legitimate training methodologies and tools.
• Lacks clear scientific consensus language.
• May negatively affect working, sporting, protection, and behavior modification training programs.

Massachusetts House Bill 2342

Subject: Dangerous Dog Legislation

Massachusetts House Bill 2342, titled “An Act Relative to Dangerous Dogs,” proposes changes related to the handling and management of dangerous dogs.

Key Provisions:
While the bill language continues to evolve, stakeholders have expressed concern that the legislation may limit the use of certain training tools or methodologies when working with dangerous or aggressive dogs. (Massachusetts General Court)

Current Status:

• Referred to the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government.
• Received a public hearing on June 10, 2025.
• Subsequently reported favorably and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means, where it currently remains pending. (Massachusetts General Court)

Potential Impact:
Professionals working in behavior modification and aggression rehabilitation have raised concerns that restricting training options for dangerous dogs could:

• Reduce available rehabilitation pathways.
• Increase euthanasia risk for difficult cases.
• Limit trainer discretion in public safety situations.