The UK doesn’t have a dog problem - it has an ownership education problem
HOW ADOi IS REVERSING THE TIDE
Our Approach to Responsible Dog Ownership
Education and Accountability: We support responsible dog ownership through structured guidance, comprehensive assessment, and ongoing expert support.
Safe, Calm, Respectful Living: We ensure dog and owner teams can function safely, calmly, and respectfully within contemporary society.
Welfare-Centred Methods: Our programmes prioritise canine welfare above strict obedience, focusing on sustainable behavioural development and happy dogs and owners.
Partnership Evaluation: We assess the quality of the dog-owner relationship, not solely task-based performance.
Practical Standards: We establish clear, achievable standards for everyday life with dogs.
Public Safety and Canine Welfare: Our approach enhances community safety while promoting the wellbeing of dogs.
That is why Advanced Dog Ownership Initiative (ADOi) exists. To promote responsible dog ownership through education, assessment, and accountability, ensuring that dogs and their handlers can live safely, calmly, and respectfully within modern society.
ADOi is built on the belief that successful dog ownership goes far beyond basic obedience. It combines sound theoretical knowledge, practical real world handling skills, and emotionally stable canine behaviour to create partnerships that function confidently in everyday life.
With a strong focus on welfare centred, ethical training methods, ADOi evaluates the relationship between dog and owner as a whole, not the pursuit of robotic perfection. By setting a clear, realistic standard for daily living, the initiative aims to improve public safety, enhance canine wellbeing, and empower owners to raise dogs that are socially compatible, well managed, and resilient in the face of real world challenges.
The result is not just a well trained dog, but a balanced partnership built on guidance, trust, and responsible leadership.
The UK is home to around 10 to 13 millions dogs. (Population estimates (PDSA and UK Pet Food data).
In 2023 there were 31, 920 police-recorded injury offences. (Police recorded dog injury offences in England and Wales.)
There were an estimated 7000-9000 NHS annual hospital admission in the UK. (NHS and hospital admission statistics (Royal College of Surgeons).
Around 37,000 stray dogs are handled by local authorities a year. (Dogs Trust annual and stray dog survey reports.)
Around 47,000 dog owners are contacting welfare to give up their dog. (RSPCA abandonment trends.)
In 2023 there were 16 fatal dog attacks in England and Wales. Hospital admission trends (University of Liverpool data).
The structure of the scheme
The initiative is made up of three compulsory components that must all be passed. Each part is designed to prove that:
the handler has sufficient theoretical knowledge to own a dog responsibly
the dog-handler team can function safely and calmly in everyday life
the dog demonstrates stable temperament and social compatibility
Upon successful completion of the three core components of the test, you will be awarded the Advanced Dog Ownership Certificate.
In the event that you do not achieve a pass, the examiner will provide a clear explanation of the reasons you have not yet met the required standard and will work with you and your trainer to support your preparation for a future assessment.
Objective
Overview
Three core components:
Theory Test (Multiple Choice)
Purpose: To ensure handlers have a solid understanding of canine behaviour, learning principles, welfare, safety, and legal responsibilities. This test is designed for all dog breeds and temperaments, reflecting a holistic approach to responsible dog care and management.
Practical Obedience & Handling Test
Purpose: To assess the dog’s obedience, the handler’s control, and competence in everyday situations. Dogs of all breeds and temperaments are welcome, with the focus on practical skills, safety, and positive handler-dog communication.
Temperament & Behaviour Assessment
Purpose: To evaluate the dog’s emotional stability, resilience, social safety, and the handler’s ability to manage a range of behaviours. This assessment values each dog’s unique personality and encourages a balanced, compassionate approach to care and training.
Who is ADOi for? Simply put, ADOi is designed for everyone...regardless of age (yours or your dog’s), breed, heritage, temperament, or physiological characteristics, including exempt breeds. We proudly welcome all dogs and all owners.