Online Course · Dog Behaviour

How to Get Started in Dog Behaviour and Training

Thinking about working with dogs, not just living with one? You learn how dogs read the world and why behaviour goes wrong. Beginners need no gear at all, and the course has you covered.

From $29a week on a payment plan
Ninetopics from senses to working dogs
100+videos from a behaviourist
No Examsand no practical assessment
At a Glance

Course Snapshot

Study paceSelf paced, start any time
CostFrom $29 a week on a payment plan
DeliveryFully online, study when it suits
ApproachPositive, reward based methods
AssessmentNo exams, no practical requirements
OutcomeCertificate of Achievement
Comes with
  • No entry requirements at all
  • No expensive equipment or setup
  • Video library from a clinical animal behaviourist
  • Tutor support by phone and email
Who It’s For

Why Do This Course

Behaviour Before Obedience

You start with canine senses, communication and development. The training drills make sense once that groundwork is there.

Kind Handling, Not Force

The college teaches positive, reward based handling. It is the approach most owners now ask a trainer for.

See It Done

Over a hundred videos from Sarah Whitehead, a certified clinical animal behaviourist, show the work rather than describing it.

Where The Skills Fit

Where This Could Take You

Behaviour knowledge is wanted anywhere dogs are handled in numbers: rescue centres, puppy classes, daycare and in-home visits. Entry roles start with supervision.

Dog Trainer Assistant

Supporting a trainer across classes and one on one work.

Puppy Socialisation Coach

Early class work with young dogs and their owners.

Rescue Dog Behaviour Support

Helping shelter dogs settle and become rehomeable.

Obedience Training Instructor

Entry level class instruction under a lead trainer.

Canine Enrichment Coordinator

Planning activity and stimulation for dogs in care.

In-Home Dog Training Technician

Working with one household and one dog at a time.

Roles where these skills are useful, not promised outcomes. The course carries no national recognition. Specialist behaviour work needs further study and supervised hours.

The Course

What You Learn

Nine topics, from canine senses to working dog training.

01
Certificate in Dog Psychology, Behaviour and Training
How dogs think, why they behave as they do, and how to train them kindly.
Nature and Scope of Canine Psychology
Canine Senses and Communication
Understanding Natural Canine Behaviour
Canine Behavioural Development
Canine Behavioural Disorders
Basic Dog Training Principles
Dog Obedience Training
Controlling a Dog's Movement
Training Working Dogs
Included

What You’ll Get

Learning

  • Self paced, start any day, no deadlines
  • Nine topics, senses through to working dogs
  • Video library, over one hundred training clips
  • No exams, and no practical assessment

Support

  • Tutor support, phone and email, business hours
  • Career coaching, CV help and interview prep
  • Course advisor, someone to call before enrolling
  • Money back, ten day guarantee from the college
Why This One

What Makes It Different

Nine topics take you from how a dog senses the world through to behavioural disorders, obedience and working dog training.

01
Disorders Covered in Full

A full topic on canine behavioural disorders, which is where most owner problems sit.

02
Movement Control

A topic on controlling a dog's movement, the practical skill behind lead work and recall.

03
Nothing to Buy First

No expensive equipment and no special setup. You need a dog to practise on and somewhere to work.

The Credentials

What You Walk Away With

Industry Recognised

Certificate of Achievement

Awarded by the college on completion

A Certificate of Achievement

From the college. It is not nationally recognised, and the college is not a registered training organisation.

ICOES and CPD Accreditation

The college is accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office and belongs to the International Approval and Recognition Council.

A SEEK Pass Credential

Shared through a link in the learning platform rather than through SEEK.

Getting Started

How It Works

Step one

Ask for the Guide

Send the form. It takes a minute and asks for nothing up front.

Step two

Talk It Over

A course advisor walks you through the modules and the weekly cost.

Step three

Enrol and Log In

Pick your payment plan, sign up, and open the first module.

Step four

Practise as You Go

Work each topic with a dog in front of you where you can.

The Investment

How to Get Started

$29 / week
Pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly, or pay it in one go.
Weekly payment plan
Pay upfront if you prefer
Ten day money back guarantee
No deposit and no credit check
Enquire Now
Good to Know

Common Questions

Do I need experience with dogs?

No. The college sets no entry requirements and states no prior dog training experience is needed.

Do I need to buy equipment?

No. The college states you need no expensive equipment and no special setup.

What does it cost?

From $29 a week on a payment plan. You can pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly, or pay the lot upfront. The plan takes no deposit and runs no credit check.

Are there exams?

No exams, ever. You work through the modules online and submit tasks as you go.

How long do I get?

You study at your own pace and can start any day. The college publishes more than one access figure, so ask an advisor to confirm yours.

What recognition does it carry?

You finish with a Certificate of Achievement from the college. The college is accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office and belongs to the International Approval and Recognition Council. It is not a registered training organisation, so the training is not nationally recognised. You also get a SEEK Pass credential, shared through a link in the learning platform rather than through SEEK itself.

What training approach does it teach?

Positive and force free methods, covering body language, behavioural development, obedience, movement control and basic working dog training.

What if I change my mind?

There is a ten day money back guarantee from the college. Ask a course advisor to walk you through how it works before you sign up.

Delivered By

About the College

The Career Academy is an online college teaching animal care, business and health subjects. It gives a share of course proceeds to RSPCA Victoria, which puts the money toward rehabilitation and adoption programs.

Online collegeReward based methods taughtSupports RSPCA VictoriaTutor support included
One Step Left

Ask for the Course Guide

Picture the moment a difficult dog finally settles because you knew what to change.

Enquire Now