Topics covered:

·       Identifying breed characteristics and behavioural predispositions

·       Observational techniques for assessing behaviour and temperament

·       Identifying behaviour concerns and environmental triggers

·       Recording behavioural observations and assessment data

·       Developing behaviour assessment reports and training recommendations

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Learners develop the skills required to observe, assess and interpret canine behaviour in professional settings. The module focuses on recognising breed characteristics, evaluating behaviour and obedience levels, observation activities and identifying potential behavioural concerns.

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Students undertake structured observation activities and scenario-based assessments, learning how to document findings and provide practical recommendations to handlers or owners.

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Topics covered:

·       Foundations of obedience training and reinforcement systems

·       Teaching core obedience behaviours (sit, down, stay, recall, loose lead walking)

·       Structuring effective training sessions

·       Troubleshooting common training challenges

·       Coaching handlers to apply consistent training methods

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This module focuses on practical obedience training techniques used by professional trainers. Learners work with dogs of varying ages, temperaments and training backgrounds.

Students practice planning and delivering structured training sessions, applying reinforcement-based techniques and adapting training methods to suit individual dogs.

The module also develops the learner’s ability to guide handlers through practical training exercises.

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Topics covered:

·       Understanding fear-based behaviour and anxiety responses

·       Managing aggression and reactivity in training environments

·       Behaviour modification strategies for resource guarding

·       Desensitisation and counter-conditioning techniques

·       Risk assessment and safe handling practices for behaviour cases

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Learners explore practical strategies for managing and modifying complex behavioural issues such as aggression, fear responses, reactivity and resource guarding.

Through scenario-based learning and practical exercises, students develop problem-solving skills and learn how to apply ethical behaviour modification techniques while maintaining safety and welfare for both dogs and handlers.

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Topics covered:

·       Shaping complex behaviours using reinforcement techniques

·       Developing training progression plans

·       Building reliability and duration in trained behaviours

·       Problem-solving during training exercises

·       Maintaining ethical and safe training practices

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Learners are introduced to the development of more behaviours used in dog training environments. The module focuses on shaping behaviours, building reliability and planning structured training progressions.

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Topics covered:

·       Planning structured group training sessions

·       Managing multiple dogs and handlers safely

·       Delivering clear training instructions to clients

·       Adapting training for different dog abilities

·       Providing feedback and guidance to handlers

This module focuses on planning and delivering structured training sessions for groups of dogs and handlers. Learners develop skills in communication, class management and safe training practices.

Students plan and conduct practical group sessions that incorporate obedience training, behaviour guidance and handler instruction while maintaining safety and positive learning experiences for both dogs and owners.

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Topics covered:

·      Understanding assistance and service dog roles

·      Foundations of task training for assistance behaviours

·      Handler–dog communication and reliability

·      Ethical considerations in service dog training

·      Public access expectations and working dog standards

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This module introduces learners to the foundations of training dogs for assistance or service roles. Students explore task-based training concepts, handler interaction and the reliability required for dogs performing functional tasks.

Scenario-based learning activities allow students to practice developing simple task behaviours while considering welfare, safety and handler needs.

Practical exercises allow students to develop step-by-step training programs while maintaining safe and ethical training practices.

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Topics covered:

·      Understanding canine scenting ability and olfactory behaviour

·      Introducing target odours and scent association

·      Developing search behaviours and engagement

·      Reward systems for detection work

·      Recording training results and performance progress

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Learners develop foundational knowledge of scent detection training and the role of scent work in professional and enrichment contexts. 

Students conduct structured scent exercises and learn how to introduce target odours, develop search behaviours and reinforce successful detection responses while maintaining safe and engaging training environments.

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