Have you ever wondered why one dog learns quickly while another struggles? Why some dogs become fearful, reactive or anxious, while others remain calm and confident?
This module provides the foundation for understanding how dogs think, learn and respond to the world around them. By exploring the science behind canine behaviour, you'll develop the knowledge and practical skills to recognise behavioural patterns, interpret body language, and apply training methods that support positive learning outcomes.
Through a combination of theory and practical application, you'll discover how learning, genetics, environment and early life experiences influence behaviour, giving you the confidence to make informed training decisions.
Throughout this module you will explore:
You'll also gain practical experience applying recognised learning principles to real-world training situations, developing the skills to support dogs experiencing common behavioural challenges such as fear, anxiety, aggression and over-arousal.
Working within the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) framework, you'll learn how to apply desensitisation, reinforcement strategies and safe handling techniques that promote positive welfare outcomes while building trust and confidence in every dog you work with.
Understanding canine behaviour is the foundation of effective training. This module will give you the knowledge and confidence to recognise why dogs behave the way they do and how to guide them towards lasting behavioural change.
Every behaviour tells a story. The ability to accurately observe and interpret canine behaviour is one of the most valuable skills a dog trainer can develop.
In this module, you'll learn how to assess a dog's behaviour, identify the factors influencing its responses, and recognise the subtle signs that help explain why dogs behave the way they do. You'll build the confidence to evaluate behaviour objectively and use your observations to develop practical training recommendations.
Combining theory with real-world observation, this module develops the critical thinking and assessment skills required to work effectively with dogs in a range of training environments.
Throughout this module you will explore:
You'll participate in structured observation activities and scenario-based assessments that reflect real-life situations encountered by professional dog trainers. As your confidence
grows, you'll learn to evaluate behaviour, identify potential concerns, and communicate practical recommendations that support both dogs and their owners.
Understanding behaviour is more than watching what a dog does. It's recognising why it happens and using that knowledge to make informed, ethical training decisions. This module provides the practical assessment skills that form the foundation of effective behaviour modification and successful dog training.
Whether you're working with a puppy taking its first steps in training or helping an adult dog develop reliable manners, effective obedience training begins with clear communication, consistency and an understanding of how dogs learn.
In this practical module, you'll develop the skills and confidence to teach the foundation behaviours every well-trained dog should know. Working with dogs of different ages, temperaments and training backgrounds, you'll learn how to plan engaging training sessions, apply effective reinforcement techniques and adapt your approach to suit each individual dog.
Designed around real-world training practices, this module helps you build practical
experience while developing the confidence to coach both dogs and their handlers.
Throughout this module you will explore:
As you progress through the module, you'll gain valuable hands-on experience delivering practical training sessions and adapting your methods to achieve positive outcomes for a wide variety of dogs. Strong obedience skills create confident dogs, capable handlers and lasting relationships. This module provides the practical knowledge and experience to help you train with purpose, communicate effectively and achieve reliable results.
Every behaviour has a cause. Learning to identify the underlying reasons behind a dog's behaviour is the first step towards achieving lasting, positive change.
In this module, you'll develop the knowledge and practical skills to assess and manage common behavioural challenges using ethical, evidence-based training techniques. Through realistic scenarios and practical learning activities, you'll build the confidence to develop behaviour modification plans while always prioritising the safety and welfare of both dogs and their handlers.
Designed around real-world training situations, this module helps you understand why behaviour problems occur and how to respond with practical, effective solutions.
Throughout this module you will explore:
Throughout the module, you'll participate in scenario-based learning and practical exercises that strengthen your problem-solving skills and decision-making. You'll learn how to assess behaviour, identify contributing factors, implement appropriate behaviour modification strategies, and monitor progress while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare.
Behaviour challenges can be complex, but with the right knowledge and practical skills, they can be understood and managed effectively. This module will help you develop the confidence to approach behaviour cases with professionalism, empathy and evidence-based training techniques.
This module is where dog training stops being repetitive cue work and starts becoming actual skill-building. Learners move into structured behaviour development, where timing, planning, and progression actually matter.
What You’ll Learn:
Most training looks fine until it doesn’t. This module is where you learn why.
Group dog training is where theory meets reality, and reality has multiple dogs, multiple handlers, and at least one person doing something wildly unhelpful.
This module develops the skills needed to confidently plan, manage, and deliver structured group training sessions that are safe, effective, and actually functional in real-world settings.
This module develops the ability to run structured, professional group training environments. Learners build confidence in class delivery, handler communication, and real-time decision-making while maintaining safety, clarity, and positive learning conditions for all participants.
What You’ll Learn
This is where you learn the difference between running a class… and hoping the class runs itself.
An assistance dog can provide life-changing independence, confidence and support for people living with physical disabilities, medical conditions and specialised needs. Behind every successful assistance dog is a trainer who understands not only how to teach reliable tasks, but how to develop dogs that are calm, confident and capable of working in a wide range of real-world environments.
In this module, you'll develop the skills to select appropriate tasks, apply effective training techniques, monitor progress and evaluate outcomes while always prioritising the welfare of both the dog and the handler.
Combining theory with practical application, this module develops the knowledge and training skills required to prepare dogs for basic assistance roles using the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) framework and the Humane Hierarchy of Behaviour Change.
Throughout this module you will explore:
Through structured practical activities, case studies and scenario-based learning, you'll gain experience in designing training programs, developing task reliability, and evaluating training outcomes in realistic working situations. As your skills grow, you'll build the confidence to train assistance dogs that perform consistently while maintaining strong welfare standards and positive working relationships
Training an assistance dog is about far more than teaching commands. It requires careful planning, ethical decision-making and an understanding of how dogs learn and adapt. This module provides the practical knowledge and professional skills needed to begin developing dogs that can make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
Dogs already live in a world of scent. This module teaches you how to give that ability structure, purpose, and control.
Basic scent detection training introduces learners to the foundations of detection work used in professional, operational and enrichment contexts.
This module develops foundational skills in scent detection training. Learners build practical capability in introducing odours, shaping search behaviour and reinforcing correct responses within controlled environments.
What You’ll Learn
Course & Fees
We believe in complete transparency with no hidden costs as you invest in your career.
Course fees below includes a non-refundable administration fee of $490.
Enrol today – Course Investment:
$4,198.00
*This is a non-accredited course, designed for personal and professional development.
Payment Options
Payment plans; a valid credit card must be kept on file for the duration of scheduled course fees.
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