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Dog Trainer Certification Course
Course Content
This program is divided into 7 compulsory modules and 3 optional electives. Students must successfully complete a minimum of 2 electives for certification. Students with recognition of prior learning may be exempt from certain modules.
Unit 1 - Apply Animal Psychology to Modify Canine Behaviour
Animal Psychology is the 1st topic that students will be introduced to on the course. They will learn the way in which animals think, feel and respond to situations and other animals.
As a student of this program you will gain an understanding of why animals behave the way they do.
The study of psychology and behaviour is a tool which is often underestimated in the training of animals in any area. Student's initial exposure to these topics will be built upon throughout the course.
As they spend more time with dogs in the practical areas of training over the 8 months, the science-based learning from the classroom will enable them to be more perceptive and in tune with the dog's behaviour.
They will be introduced to the work of scientists and behaviour consultants such as Bruce Fogle, Konrad Lorenz, Jarod Diamond, Konrad Most, Pavlov and B F Skinner.
This unit is constantly being updated to include the latest advancements made in animal psychology.
The study of animal psychology and the application of proven scientific principles is the only truly humane and effective way of modifying a dog’s behaviour.
Lectures and workshops are conducted by some of Australia’s leading animal behaviour consultants and trainers
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Areas of study include:
The psychology of behaviour
Intelligence and learning
Instrumental Conditioning
Classical Conditioning
The dog’s outlook on life
Factors Effecting Learning
Habituation & Desensitisation
Counter conditioning
Flooding
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Unit 2 – Conduct Dog Obedience and Agility Training
This unit will teach students the golden rules used by dog trainers, for teaching simple tasks, through to teaching complex behaviours.
It gives students the necessary background to enable them to train dogs in a successful, safe and responsible manner.
Not only will students learn concepts involved in basic obedience training, but will delve into the theories and practices of shaping canine behaviours into refined skills.
This unit does not teach one set method of training. We aim to give students the basic principles behind a variety teaching methods, the advantages and disadvantages for each, and students can then go on to apply their preferred training technique.
This unit also contains a practical, ‘hands-on’ component covering the training of adult dogs and puppies in all facets of obedience. Students will learn a variety of different training methods and concepts
They will have the opportunity to work and train with numerous dogs of all breeds and ages. In addition to conventional obedience students will explore the use of alternative training methods and equipment.
All training is conducted under the guidance and supervision of highly qualified and experienced trainers, instructors and canine specialists.
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Areas of study include:
Aims of Training
Training Concepts and Principles
General Rules of Dog Training
Modes / Phases of Training
Shaping & Chaining Behaviours
Equipment Fitting and Use
Handling Dogs in Obedience
Handling Dogs in Agility
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Unit 3 – Investigate and Assess Canine Behaviour
Regardless of whether we are training dogs in obedience or dealing with behaviour problems it is critical that we assess a dog correctly in order to determine the most appropriate course of action. During this unit of study students will learn how to correctly investigate the behaviour and perform thorough behaviour and temperament assessments
Many trainers and handlers concentrate on performance without reflecting very much on the means of communication between person and dog.
Students’ education in the area of canine communication, behaviour systems and instincts, will enable them to become a trainer / handler who is in tune with his or her dog.
This unit also traces the evolution and development of dogs from their ancient ancestors through to our modern breeds. It details the relationship of wolves and their influence on the behaviour of domestic dogs.
It offers students an introduction to genetics and the evolution of dogs. It also covers the history, development and temperament of the many different breeds seen throughout the world.
There are literally thousands of different breeds of dog in the world today and all of them originated from Canis Lupis, the wolf. This has occurred over 10,000 years of selective breeding and natural mutation. How did your dog become what he is today?
Areas study include:
Assessing canine behaviour
Sensory capabilities of the dog
Communication and body language
Instinctive behaviour
Critical periods of development
Evolution
Group and breed profiles
Unit 4 – Identify and Manage Canine Behaviour Problems
Dogs exhibit a wide variety of undesirable behaviour ranging from the digging of holes and excessive barking, through to fear and unwanted aggression.
This unit not only deals with solving these issues, it gives you an understanding of the underlying causes. You will learn from a number of behaviour experts in their specialist fields.
Anyone involved in the dog industry will be familiar with the behaviour problems exhibited by dogs that have not received comprehensive socialisation programs. Dog obedience schools and ‘inhome’ trainers are currently inundated by clients who own ‘problem’ dogs.
Throughout this unit, students will also learn about socialisation and its importance in the development of a confident and well-balanced dog.
This module explores a variety of behavioural conditions that are a direct result of inadequate exposure to other dogs, people, animals and a variety of inanimate objects in their critical periods of development.
Students will learn about fears and phobias, aggression and a range of socialisation related problems. During the course we will cover the symptoms of these behaviour disorders and the appropriate treatments options available.
The unit will explore the principles of conducting socialisation programs and be introduced to the theoretical side of the prevention and treatment of behaviour problems arising from inadequate socialisation
Areas covered include:
Causes of Behavioural Problems
Desensitisation and Confidence Development
Separation Distress and Dependency
Dealing with Fears and Phobias
Dominance Behaviour
Counter Conditioning
Unwanted Aggressive Behaviour
Common Canine Problems
Abnormal Behaviour
Unit 5 – Teach Dogs Complex Skills and Tricks
This unit goes far beyond teaching the principles of basic obedience handling. It is designed to give students the necessary skills to teach dogs advanced skills and tricks.
These skills may be required in film or television, or may be used to challenge one’s dog training expertise.
During this elective we feature Australia’s leading animal trainer. The knowledge gained will not only enable students to teach the skills, but to problem solve and make their training both a pleasure and a success.
Areas of study include:
Training Complex Behaviours
Advanced Obedience
Dog Tricks
Practical application of shaping and chaining
Target Training
Problem Solving in Complex Training
Unit 6 – Monitor Canine Health Care
This unit is not designed to make you a veterinarian or a professional canine health consultant.
It is included in the course to give you a basic background knowledge in canine health care and the common ailments of dogs and how to treat them.
The prevention of illness and disease is paramount and you will learn of vaccination and worming programs to maintain your dog's good health.
Other areas covered include prevention and treatment of heat stress, when to take your dog to the vet, and how to recognise and treat different types of skin conditions.
Instruction in this unit is conducted by highly qualified and experienced veterinary surgeons and professional breeders
Areas of study include:
Canine health
Anatomy and structure
Common structural defects
Diet, nutrition and feeding
Internal and external parasites
Canine disease and treatment
Unit 7 – Provide Basic First Aid for Animals
This unit is conducted in conjunction with Monitor Canine Health Care and is in no way designed to make you a veterinarian or a professional canine health consultant.
During this unit students will learn the skills to enable them to respond to a range of acute medical conditions or injuries such as heat stress, broken limbs, etc. Students will discover the basic techniques that are required to stabilise a dog’s condition so that they can be transferred to a Veterinary Clinic for treatment.
Areas of study include:
First aid kits
Muzzling
How to stop bleeding
First stage response to accidents such as poisoning and drowning
First stage response to heat stroke
First stage response to fractures
Unit 8 – Follow Occupational Health and Safety in an Animal Care Environment
This unit covers the process of following occupational health and safety procedures and policies when working with dogs.
Students will learn how to follow workplace procedures in hazard identification and risk control, observe safe practices during work operations and participate in arrangements for maintaining the health and safety of the workplace.
Areas of study include:
Identify hazards
Risk minimisation
Protective equipment
Working in a safe manner
Documentation and reporting
Unit 9 – Participate in Workplace Communications
During this unit students will learn how to effectively communicate in the workplace. They will gain knowledge of the processes involved in obtaining and providing information in response to workplace requirements and the completion of relevant work-related documents.
In order to communicate effectively with clients and peers students will gain an understanding of different modes of communication and knowledge of communication procedures. To further increase individuals’ skills, this unit also covers the processes of basic conflict resolution and the correct way to deal with unfriendly or uncooperative clients.
Areas of study include:
Following written and spoken messages
Obtaining and providing information
Completion of relevant work related documents
Communication methods and techniques
Basic conflict resolution
ELECTIVE UNITS
Elective Unit 1 – Conduct Companion Animal Training Classes
The ability to handle and train a dog is a very different skill to instructing obedience classes.
This elective is designed for those persons wanting to conduct group classes. Students will be trained in the conduct of all levels of obedience classes, agility work, socialisation and of course puppy classes.
The practical ‘hands-on’ component of this module can be conducted at different times and locations to suit each student.
Areas of study include:
Theory of Class Instruction
Obedience Class Structure
Communication Skills
Methods of Instruction
Group Organisation
Catering for Different Abilities
Elective Unit 2 – Maintain Kennel Care and Hygiene
This elective is for students wishing to gain insight and to further their skills, in the general running procedures of boarding and training kennels.
This unit will be completed at a Boarding and Training facility allocated by the NDTF and will give students valuable ‘hands-on’ experience.
Areas of study include:
Kennel Design and Structure
Cleaning and Disease Prevention
Maintaining Safety
Food Preparation
Providing Environmental Enrichment and exercise
Basic Grooming and bathing
Performing Daily Health Inspections
Administration of Medication
Elective Unit 3 – Introduction to Basic Assistance Dog Training
This elective is for students wishing to teach canines the basic skills that would be required to perform assistance roles for people with disabilities or special needs.
During this unit you will receive instruction from Australia’s leading Assistance Dog trainer and it is recommended that all participants own, or have ready access to a dog.
Areas of study include:
People requiring assistance
Dog selection
Roles performed by assistance dogs
Practical training of the skills required
Elective Unit 4 – Train Dogs for Basic Substance Detection
This elective is for students wishing to teach canines basic skills that would be required for the detection of substances such as plant materials, meat, tobacco, etc. Students will learn about the olfactory capabilities of the dog, as well as various training techniques to teach a dog to detect a given substance.
During this elective you will receive instruction from Australia’s leading Substance Detection Dog trainer and it is recommended that all participants own, or have ready access to a dog.
Areas of study include:
Elective Unit 5 – Train Dogs for Basic Tracking and Trailing
This elective is for students wishing to teach canines basic skills that would be required in the techniques of tracking and trailing. Students will learn about the olfactory capabilities of the dog, as well as various training techniques to teach a dog to follow a basic track.
During this unit is recommended that all participants own, or have ready access to a dog.
Areas of study include:
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