We need a "Code of Ethics" to post and refer to when guiding new members

[dogs4life]

So how about it, let's put this stuff in writing...here's what I've started but I need help and constructive criticism.

Love to hear your thoughts.

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OPTION 1

Globalpaw.com Code of Ethics

It's strongly recommended that all dog owners, guardians and breeders:

- Treat all dogs in a Humane and respectful manner
- Maintain the highest standards of health, cleanliness, safety and care of their dogs within their limitations
- Assist dogs in distress
- Never buy dogs from pet stores
- Never buy dogs from puppymills, backyard breeders or irresponsible breeders
- Adhere to the highest standards of breeding practices for their breed, whether it be kennel club standards or breed club standards
- Assist dog rescue efforts

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OPTION 2

GlobalPaw.com Mission Statement

"We are here to assist, educate and encourage, in a respectful manner, all who join".-- "by promoting ethical and responsible breeding practices, buyer education, and dog ownership practices of a higher standard."

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OPTION 3

GlobalPaw.com Mission Statement

As members of GlobalPaw.com, we agree to support, share information and offer advice when solicited,in a respectful manner, to all who join. As a community, we believe in promoting a high standard of ethical breeding practices, buyer education, consumer awareness and responsible dog ownership.

[dogs4life]

I changed it a bit. Please review again.

It's been brought to my attention that a declaration of a "code of ethics" is an act of exclusivity or intent to exclude people from joining the forum since they do not agree with the "code of ethics". It's also viewed as a missed opportunity to inform, educate and inspire those who need inspiration and support.

Does anyone else feel this way?

If so, what changes can I make to state common values our community holds dear and how to inform new members in a fair way what to expect from members and staff?

[TinyAlbinoDancer]

I like the idea, but I think it is a little too exclusive for a forum. I really think people quickly and easily pick up on our shared values regarding dogs by just reading through threads. Some don't catch on as quick and are put-off, but most recognize that some beliefs are shared by the majority, and they'll be on the outs if they don't agree, leaving them with the decision on what stance to take for themselves.

It's funny how the majority of us do hold the same beliefs, and we all know that regular participants are in agreement with those beliefs, even though we've never sat around talking about what's wrong and right in regards to dogs.

[dogs4life]

I've found with this forum and others, you only attract and retain people with shared values.

Any suggestions on how to word it differently or a name for the list of values?

Oddly enough, I formulated this list of values from "codes of ethics" from breeder clubs and rescue organizations....

[Shadowkins]

I have to agree that these codes are much too restrictive and exclusive. I can see how it would apply to breeder clubs and /or rescue organisations , however , one of the major reasons GlobalPaw has been such a success ( in my humble opinion ) is that we are accepting of all those members who wish to learn from the experts i.e. breeders that are members etc. the pros and cons of one's particular situation or problem.
We are here to enlighten in such a manner that most members will be encouraged to ask questions and as such maybe even review their original belief.
I myself bought my dog at a pet store ( ignorance is not always bliss ) and it was because of this site that I learnt a huge amount of info from people like Crossfire, Carrie, Cassiepia to name only a few. From their wealth of knowlege and gentle demeanor I forged ahead to becoming a knowledgeable dog owner and would never again purchase a pet from a store. Not only did I learn, now that I feel I am sufficiently informed, I go out of my way to enlighten others in the same manner, hoping that in the end I too will have a positive influence.

Those who do join and own either designer dogs or even mill dogs come to GlobalPaw in an effort to provide the best possible care for their pets. It really doesn't matter where the dog comes from they love , their pets and are proud to share their happiness with us. Kudos to them, they've come to the right place.
All this to say that I think #4,5,6 are indeed to restrictive for our site and may very well cause many of our members to leave. Instead there should be one which says something to this effect:
- To assist, educate and encourage all who join GP.

Enough said, just my opinion

[dogs4life]

Originally Posted by Shadowkins

Those who do join and own either designer dogs or even mill dogs come to GlobalPaw in an effort to provide the best possible care for their pets. It really doesn't matter where the dog comes from they love , their pets and are proud to share their happiness with us. Kudos to them, they've come to the right place.
All this to say that I think #4,5,6 are indeed to restrictive for our site and may very well cause many of our members to leave. Instead there should be one which says something to this effect:
- To assist, educate and encourage all who join GP.

Enough said, just my opinion

Interesting you bring up "designer dogs", I totally forgot about including them into the pot, Thanks for reminding me! The above list of ethics, IMO, has been nurtured here on GP ever since we took over ownership where there's been an unwritten "doctrine" of senior members and staff.

If we as a community, don't want GP to be exclusive, then we DO need to state and adhere to a phrase like the one you suggested.


We are here to assist, educate and encourage all who join in a respectful manner. I can live with that and be proud of that....anyone have a problem with this phrase?

So this means you welcome dog fighters, bybs, puppymillers, dog abusers, doodle enthusiasts, hybrid dog enthusiasts and well intended unfit dog owners?

If so, how do you expect to educate such people if we get more publicity and drive more traffic to the site? We are planning on getting more traffic through a couple programs we have in the works so this will be a problem and I'm not willing to drive traffic here under the assumption that the above audience would be publicly slammed and flammed here on GP.

Right now as GP stands, there is no clear statement and we dearly need one to remind us of our purpose when we forget.

[Shadowkins]

"So this means you welcome dog fighters, bybs, puppymillers, dog abusers, doodle enthusiasts, hybrid dog enthusiasts and well intended unfit dog owners?"

No I don't, you're quite right , the way I express that was not correct. What I meant to say was many come here after having purchased a dog from a byb or millers etc. in ignorance of course ( not that it's an excuse ) but they do come for advice...sometimes to late, I know , but none the less the come...if they don't like what we say, they leave, so be it, but if they have an open spirit they continue to learn.

I am not saying the we at the GlobalPaw community do not have an obligation to state that we do not condone byb, millers etc. but I don't think we should automatically outcast anyone who does not meet up to the code of ethics. In the past many of those you have mentionned above have come but did not stay very long because no one took their bait . I think the members themselves have policed the site very well and I truly see no reason to have a harsh code of ethics but with a few changes it would indeed help to clarify our beliefs. However, this is your site and your decision in the end, I simply felt compelled to state what , I'm sure, many feel.

[dogs4life]

Originally Posted by Shadowkins

I am not saying the we at the GlobalPaw community do not have an obligation to state that we do not condone byb, millers etc. but I don't think we should automatically outcast anyone who does not meet up to the code of ethics. In the past many of those you have mentionned above have come but did not stay very long because no one took their bait . I think the members themselves have policed the site very well and I truly see no reason to have a harsh code of ethics but with a few changes it would indeed help to clarify our beliefs. However, this is your site and your decision in the end, I simply felt compelled to state what , I'm sure, many feel.

Shadowkins - Thank you so much for your honesty, I do appreciate your opinions and am not trying to offend you when I ask pointed questions.

This is your community too and we want only the best for GP without needless drama and conflict. This is why I offer up subjects for discussion and reply with pointed questions. I really need to know all your opinions on this subject as I have had conflicts with staff and members over this same subject. I originally came here to GP as a new owner of the forum only to find some issues I did not agree with, unfortunately it's taken me a while to get to some of these issues. Please bear with me.

To all you that have looked at this thread and not commented yet, I dearly need your opinions on this subject so please if you have an opinion, please state it. We really do care and would love to hear your thoughts on issues such as these.

[TinyAlbinoDancer]

I think if you're going to insist on a code of ethics (and I can see your reasoning with bringing more people in), you need to state the code of ethics in a different manner. Going off of the statement, "We are here to assist, educate and encourage all who join in a respectful manner"-- "by promoting ethical and responsible breeding practices, buyer education, and dog ownership practices of a higher standard." Or you know, something to that effect. Rather than focusing on the beliefs we adhere to that others may not have been educated on yet, thereby excluding them. Each of the terms I used ("ethical and responsible breeding practices") can be expounded on to put our standards out there more clearly, as well.

Hope that all makes sense. I keep losing my train of thought. :P

[Rivsky]

Originally Posted by TinyAlbinoDancer

"We are here to assist, educate and encourage all who join in a respectful manner"-- "by promoting ethical and responsible breeding practices, buyer education, and dog ownership practices of a higher standard." Or you know, something to that effect.

I personally like this idea the best - it doesn't read as excluding people who may have acquired their dogs in less than desirable circumstances (many simply not knowing any better at the time) while also conveying that we do take dog ownership seriously.

I feel there's no point trying to exclude people who may have bought a designer dog or a pet shop puppy as these are the very people that need educating the most. I understand there needs to be some balance between this and not being seen as supporting pet shops and BYB's etc and I think this is going to be the most difficult part in coming up with a blanket statement to try and cover all parts of the forum.

I'll stop now as I think I'm starting to waffle sorry

[Shadowkins]

Originally Posted by TinyAlbinoDancer

I think if you're going to insist on a code of ethics (and I can see your reasoning with bringing more people in), you need to state the code of ethics in a different manner. Going off of the statement, "We are here to assist, educate and encourage all who join in a respectful manner"-- "by promoting ethical and responsible breeding practices, buyer education, and dog ownership practices of a higher standard." Or you know, something to that effect. Rather than focusing on the beliefs we adhere to that others may not have been educated on yet, thereby excluding them. Each of the terms I used ("ethical and responsible breeding practices") can be expounded on to put our standards out there more clearly, as well.

Hope that all makes sense. I keep losing my train of thought. :P

I agree and boy, you do think well for some one losing their train of thought
May I also throw this in...could it be the term " code of ehtics" that seems to be the problem...would "Our mission statement" be feasible?

[britishbandit]

Originally Posted by TinyAlbinoDancer

Going off of the statement, "We are here to assist, educate and encourage all who join in a respectful manner"-- "by promoting ethical and responsible breeding practices, buyer education, and dog ownership practices of a higher standard." Or you know, something to that effect.

I agree with this too.

Originally Posted by Shadowkins

May I also throw this in...could it be the term " code of ethics" that seems to be the problem...would "Our mission statement" be feasible?

And this also. I think the problem is with the term "code of ethics".

[BoxMeIn21]

Originally Posted by TinyAlbinoDancer

"We are here to assist, educate and encourage all who join in a respectful manner"-- "by promoting ethical and responsible breeding practices, buyer education, and dog ownership practices of a higher standard."

I like this one, too!