PPG News

As of late 2025, the most significant legislation specifically targeting dog training is moving through state houses in the Northeast.

There is a clear legislative trend: bills are increasingly attempting to mandate “force-free” or “positive reinforcement” methodologies by law, effectively banning the use of tools like e-collars (shock collars) and prong collars for professional trainers.

Here are the three major bills currently pending or moving through state legislatures:

1. New Jersey: The “Dog Training Licensing Act” (S3814)

• Status: Active. A major hearing was held by the Senate Economic Growth Committee in February 2025, where it met intense debate.
• What it does:
  • Creates a Licensing Board: It establishes a “Dog Training Licensing Board” to oversee the profession.
  • Mandates Methodologies: Crucially, the bill requires the board to establish a code of practice that specifically precludes “aversive training methods.”
  • The Controversy: This would essentially make it illegal for a licensed professional in NJ to use tools like e-collars or prong collars, or to use any method deemed to cause “pain, injury, or distress.” “Balanced” trainers and the AKC are heavily opposing it, arguing it removes necessary tools for rehabilitating dangerous dogs.

2. Massachusetts: Dangerous Dog Rehab & “Ollie’s Law” (HB 2342)

• Status: Moving. As of August 2025, this bill received a favorable report from the Joint Committee on Municipalities and moved to the House Ways and Means Committee.
• What it does:
  • Regulates “Dangerous Dog” Rehab: If a dog is deemed dangerous, the owner must consult a professional for a behavior modification plan.
  • Tool Ban: The bill mandates that these behavior plans exclusively employ techniques that do not result in “pain, discomfort, fear, or anxiety.”
  • Impact: This effectively bans the use of prong or e-collars for the dogs that arguably need the most robust intervention, legally forcing trainers to use only positive reinforcement on dogs with a history of aggression.
• Note: This runs parallel to “Ollie’s Law” (regulations for dog daycares/boarding), which took full effect in late 2025 and places stricter oversight on facilities that offer “board and train” services.

3. New York: Positive Reinforcement Mandate (A6985)

• Status: Introduced March 2025; currently in the Agriculture Committee.
• What it does:
  • Licensing Standards: Requires the Commissioner of Agriculture to establish licensing for dog trainers.
  • Statutory Training Philosophy: The bill explicitly states that standards must utilize “non-aversive, evidence-based, and positive reinforcement techniques.”
  • Shock Collar Ban (A10700): A separate active bill in NY seeks to prohibit the sale of electric shock collars entirely within the state.

Summary of the Trend

The “battleground” for dog training legislation has shifted from simple animal cruelty laws to occupational licensing.

• Previous Era: Laws focused on outcomes (e.g., don’t injure a dog).
• Current Trend (2025): Laws are focusing on methodology, approach, and process, not just the outcome.