If you’re a dog lover or are considering buying or adopting a dog, the Certificate of Dog Care is a complete care guide that will provide you with information on how to choose the right dog and how to keep your best friend happy and healthy.
This online dog care course covers all of the essential factors to consider when caring for and owning a dog, including basic dog care, dog breeds, selecting the right dog for you, biology of dogs, basic health, dog psychology, grooming and working with dogs.
This course is an excellent resource for households with dogs or for those wanting to work with dogs in a professional capacity, such as dog groomers, dog trainers, dog carers, dog walkers or animal handlers in veterinary care settings.
Course Structure
Unit - Dog Care
Unit 1 – Introduction to dog care
- What dogs need
- Food
- Water
- Physical and psychological environment
- Exercise
- Hygiene
- Importance of routine
- Potential problems and owner error
- Uncertainty of pack position
- Neglect
- Escaping
- Attacking other people and animals
- Physical damage
- Illness
- Which breed is best
- Choosing a puppy or adult dog
- Outside living or inside pet
- Restricting and confining a pet
- Dealing with holidays
- Training dogs
- Socialising with other animals
- Scope of dog care industry
Unit 2 – Canine biology
- Anatomy
- Mouth
- Teeth
- Ears
- Eyes
- Skeletal system
- Digestive system
- Normal physiological values
- Circulation
- Respiratory rates
- Thermoregulation
Unit 3 – Dog health part 1
- Introduction to nutrition and feeding
- Nutritional components
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Fats
- Minerals
- Vitamins
- Water
- Changing requirements through different life stages
- Growth period
- Working and high performance period
- Pregnancy and lactation period
- Geriatric period
- Feeding patterns -time controlled or free choice
- Feed products
- Commercial foods
- Medicinal/veterinary foods
- Home cooked Foods
- Snacks and treats
- Foods to avoid
- Common nutritional disorders
- Allergies
- Poisoning
- Preventative health
- Diet supplements
- Immunisation
- Worms, tick and flea prevention
- Exercise
- Dental care
- Skin and nail care
- Basic first aid equipment
- Assessing the situation in an emergency
- What to do… (in accidents or at specific times)
- Basic resuscitation and CPR
Unit 4 – Dog health part 2 – illnesses and treatments
- Introduction
- Haemobartonellosis
- Babesiosis
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
- Aortic stenosis
- Heart failure
- Heart murmurs and arrhythmias
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Heartworm
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Giardia
- Intestinal Worms
- Enteritis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Cushing’s Disease (hyperadrenocorticism)
- Hypothyroidism
- Postpartum Hypocalcaemia (eclampsia)
- Conjunctivitis
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Ear mites
- Deafness
- Anaphylactic shock
- Lupus
- Hip dysplasia
- Osteoarthritis
- Epilepsy
- Canine degenerative myelopathy (CDM)
- Canine distemper
- Infectious canine tracheobronchitis (kennel cough)
- Asthma
- Mange
- Ringworm
Unit 5 – Dog breeds
- Gundogs, hounds, pastoral, terriers, toy, utility, working
- English Setter
- Irish Setter
- German Pointer
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Cocker Spaniel
- Hungarian Vizsla
- Beagle
- Dachshund
- Greyhound
- Irish Wolfhound
- Bassett Hound
- Australian Cattle dog
- Border Collie
- German Shepherd
- Old English Sheep Dog
- Corgi
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- West Highland Terrier
- Parson (Jack) Russell Terrier
- Australian terrier
- Scottish terrier
- Chihuahua
- Bichon Frisé
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Pomeranian
- Pug
- Dalmatian
- Poodle
- Schnauzer
- Shih Tzu
- Alaskan Malumute
- Great Dane
- Mastiff
- Newfoundland
- St Bernard
Unit 6 – Breeding
- Introduction
- Female reproductive system
- Male reproductive system
- Sexual behaviour
- Mating interaction
- The management of reproduction
- Desexing/neutering/spaying/castrating
- Pregnancy and birth
- Parturition (labour)
- Suckling
- Weaning
- Factors influencing puppy size
- Puppy development
- The breeding industry
- ‘Back-yard’ breeders and breeding for fun
- Illegal commercial puppy breeding enterprises (puppy mills)
- Breeding for profit
- Legislation and licensing
Unit 7 – Dog behaviour and training
- Understanding dog behaviour
- The importance of training
- Practical training techniques
- Technique for recall
- Technique for sit (in front)
- Technique for sit (at the side)
- Technique for stand (beside)
- Technique for stand (beside)
- Technique for leave
- Technique for down/lay
- Technique for stay (beside)
- Technique for heeling
- Behaviour problems present opportunities for business
- Attributes of successful dog trainers
- Practical for business start-up
Unit 8 – Grooming
- The importance of grooming
- Grooming tools and equipment
- What to groom, why and how
- Skin
- Bathing
- Coat (hair)
- Brushing
- Claws (nails)
- Teeth
- Teeth brushing
- Ears
- Professional grooming
- Long haired dog breeds
- Short hair breeds
- Other breeds
- Styles and clips
Unit 9 – Other dog services
- Health and related services
- Training and related services
- Day care and long term stay services
- Assistance dog services
- Professional dog handling
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
Really good
J. Carroll, WA | Certificate of Dog Care
The tutors were lovely and did help
A.Anderson, Gilgandra, NSW | Certificate of Dog Care
Excellent information, Easy user format, Great course – enjoyed it.
L. Harris, Millfield, NSW | Certificate of Dog Care
My experience with AOC was fantastic as studying was never stressful for me and I always felt comfortable and relaxed during my studies.
Dillon | Eglinton, WA | Certificate of Dog Care
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Dog Groomer
- Dog Carer
- Dog Trainer
- Household Dog Owners
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