ARDO was established in 2018 by Jamie Penrith – a professional dog trainer and experienced former police dog handler. Jamie noticed that when it came to dog-related matters, political decisions were always being made, and laws passed, without the decision makers ever asking for the experiences of the people that those laws and decisions affected most – responsible dog owners. Instead, only National dog rehoming groups, police representatives, veterinary political bodies, the RSPCA and the Kennel Club, were regularly invited to attend meetings. In these meetings, they would speak about dog owners, but never with us, as though we were incapable or undeserving of representing ourselves. Also, in many instances these government advisors spoke with authority on matters of which they had no experience. As responsible dog owners we had plenty, yet remained excluded, our voices unheard.
Frustrated at what he considered to be an entirely ‘them and us’ undemocratic process, Jamie founded ARDO – the UK’s first and only Association of Responsible Dog Owners – to provide a voice of experience for normal, everyday dog owners like YOU, where national, dog related topics are discussed.
Over the past 7 years, ARDO are proud to have represented responsible dog owners at multiple national and international political and legal meetings, submitting numerous, detailed reports and advisory presentations. We have also represented our supporters in the national press and on primetime national news media, along with public shows of strength with peaceful gatherings at appropriate locations. Our 5-year long, owner-user survey into electronic training aid use, provided the largest response of any such survey ever conducted! Over 2,500 people shared their direct experiences!
