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Ethical. Respectful. Handler-Centered.

 

The Paradox Dogs community exists to empower, educate, and support Service Dog handlers through evidence-based training, ethical advocacy, and inclusive community standards.

All students, staff, mentors, and community members are expected to uphold the following policies to maintain a safe, respectful, and trauma-informed learning environment.

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1. Respect & Community Conduct

 

Treat All Members with Respect

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Every student and handler deserves a safe learning space free from judgment or comparison.​

• Speak to others with kindness and professionalism.

• Recognize that disabilities, training experiences, and service dog needs vary widely.

• No belittling, mocking, gossiping, or comparing ("That Dog Syndrome" behaviors).

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Zero Tolerance for Harassment or Discrimination

 

This includes but is not limited to behavior targeting:​

• Disability

• Race or ethnicity

• Gender identity or expression

• Sexual orientation

• Service dog breed/type

• Training experience or skill level

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Any form of harassment will result in immediate review and potential removal.

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2. Humane, Ethical Dog Handling

 

Paradox Dogs is grounded in science-based, humane, and welfare-first training.

Students must:​

• Use training methods that align with humane teaching practices

• Avoid aversive, harmful, or coercive techniques

• Prioritize physical and emotional welfare above obedience

• Follow program guidance designed to prevent flooding, suppression, or stress stacking

• Respect the limits, needs, and developmental stages of their dogs

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Animal mistreatment in any form will result in immediate disciplinary action.

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3. Integrity in Representation of Service Dogs

 

Honest Representation of Dogs in Public

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Students must accurately represent their dog’s training status at all times.​

• Do not mislabel untrained pets as Service Dogs or SDiTs

• Follow all state, local, and federal laws

• Ensure dogs in public are properly trained, tasking appropriately, and not posing a safety risk

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Behavior Standards for Public Access

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Handlers must maintain:​

• Safe, calm, and controlled behavior in public

• Appropriate task use

• Training progression in line with course content

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Any misuse of the term “Service Dog” or inappropriate public access behavior violates this code.

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4. Academic Conduct

 

Honesty in Coursework

 

Students are expected to:​

• Submit their own work

• Use AI tools ethically and with citation (AI cannot complete personal reflection assignments)

• Participate authentically in discussions

• Accurately document training logs, task logs, and homework assignments

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Plagiarism & Collusion

Copying, sharing answers, or passing off someone else's work as your own is prohibited.

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5. Protection of Intellectual Property

 

Paradox Dogs materials—including videos, PDFs, worksheets, images, branding, graphics, and curriculum—are protected.

Students may not:​

• Reproduce, redistribute, or repurpose course content

• Share login credentials

• Upload or share program materials externally

• Use Paradox Dogs branding or logos without permission

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Violations may result in automatic removal from the program.

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6. Participation, Communication & Boundaries

 

Professional Communication

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Students must communicate respectfully with:​

• Admins

• Instructors

• Peers

• Guest educators

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Abusive, demanding, or boundary-violating communication is not tolerated.

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Appropriate Use of Platforms

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This includes Base44, Discord, email, and messaging channels.

Students may not:​

• Spam or excessively tag staff

• Create drama or emotional dumping in community spaces

• Attempt to bypass established support channels

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Respect Admin Boundaries

 

Admins are not available for:​

• Crisis intervention

• Emergency dog behavior responses

• Legal disputes or mediations

• Personal therapy or emotional counseling

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Students must use appropriate emergency services for urgent matters.

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7. Privacy, Confidentiality & Safety

 

Students must:​

• Respect the confidentiality of all community discussions

• Not share screenshots, recordings, or private conversations externally

• Protect the privacy of other handlers and their medical information

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Sharing private information or recordings without permission is a serious violation.

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8. Media Submission & Consent

 

When students share photos, videos, or testimonials:​

• They may give or revoke permission for Paradox Dogs to use their content

• Consent must be explicit and documented

• Students must only share images they own or have rights to share

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9. Consequences for Violations

 

Paradox Dogs uses a structured, fair disciplinary process:​

1. Documented Warning (if issue is minor)

2. Review Meeting or Written Explanation

3. Temporary Access Suspension

4. Removal from the Program

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Severe violations—harassment, discrimination, animal mistreatment, or legal misconduct—may result in immediate removal without warning.

Students may submit an appeal within 14 days of any disciplinary action.

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10. Acknowledgment

 

By enrolling in any Paradox Dogs program or participating in community spaces, students agree to follow the Code of Conduct and uphold the ethical standards that define our community.

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Our goal is not perfection—our goal is growth, safety, and a confident, supported handler partnership.