Whether you’re looking to improve your existing dog training skills or embark on a new career in this growing industry, this course offers a comprehensive foundation in dog psychology, behaviour management, and effective training methods.
The Certificate of Dog Psychology and Training is a professional development course that provides essential knowledge and practical skills for understanding and shaping canine behaviour.
In this dog psychology course, you’ll explore canine instincts, social structures, and communication methods. You’ll learn to identify behavioural issues early and work towards positive change to encourage mental and emotional well-being and successful training strategies.
You will learn science-based dog training methods, including basic commands, complex behaviours, and addressing challenges like aggression and anxiety. You will also explore learning models like operant conditioning and reinforcement theories, and gain tools for running a successful dog training business.
On completion of this course, you’ll have a solid understanding of dog behaviour and training, equipping you with the confidence to work with dogs and their owners to achieve positive results.
Course Structure
Unit - Dog Psychology and Training
Unit 1 – Introduction to Dog Psychology
- Understanding dog behaviour
- Nature vs. nurture
- Environment and experiences
- History of dogs
- Canine evolution
- The role of domestication
- Dogs and society
- The psychology of the pack
- The pack mentality
- Dominance and submission
- Hierarchy and social groups
- Canine communication
- Body language
- Vocalisations
- Scent communication
- The role of environment
- Socialisation
- Breed traits
Unit 2 – Canine Communication
- Body posture
- Tail movement
- Facial expressions
- Barking
- Growling
- Whining
- Understanding scent
- Scent as communication
- Practical implications
- Recognising stress
- Recognising fear
- Recognising aggression
- Responding to stress
Unit 3 – Learning Theories in Dog Training
- Classical conditioning
- Pavlov’s experiment
- Applying classical conditioning
- The power of positive associations
- Limitations of classical conditioning
- Operant conditioning
- Reinforcement and punishment
- Timing and consistency
- Desensitisation and counterconditioning
Unit 4 – Positive Training Techniques
- Clicker training
- How clicker training works
- Benefits of clicker training
- Food rewards
- Using praise
- Using play
- Choosing the right motivators
- Shaping behaviours
- When to use shaping
- Avoiding common mistakes
Unit 5 – Puppy Training and Development
- Stages of puppy development
- How to socialise a puppy
- House training
- Crate training
- Teaching basic banners
- Chewing
- Biting
- Jumping
- Introducing a puppy to other dogs
- Introducing a puppy to other pets
- Introducing a puppy to new people
Unit 6 – Problematic Behaviours and Solutions
- Understanding behavioural issues
- Barking – Communication or frustration?
- Digging – Natural instinct or frustration?
- Chewing – Teething, stress relief or exploration?
- Assessing triggers and implementing change
- Resource guarding
- Territorial behaviour
- Strategies for managing territorial behaviour
- Separation anxiety
Unit 7 – Socialising and Training Adult Dogs
- Socialising and training adult dogs
- Training and rehabilitating dogs
- Benefits of training adult dogs
- Strategies for success
- Building confidence and reducing fear
- Integrating training with play, exercise and social interaction
- Teaching tricks to ‘old dogs’.
Unit 8 – Canine Aggression and Rehabilitation
- Aggression
- Fear-based aggression
- Dominant aggression
- Redirected aggression
- Addressing aggression
- How to approach an aggressive dog safely
- Behaviour modification
- Collaborating with specialists
Unit 9 – Working With Different Breeds
- Breed-specific behaviours
- Herding behaviours
- Guarding behaviours
- Retrieving behaviours
- Scent-tracking behaviours
- Terriers and digging
- Customising training
- Understanding breed-specific traits
- Recognising individual temperament
- Rewards and motivation
- Customising the environment
- Genetic predisposition
- Environmental influences
- Genetics and the environment
- Common misconceptions
Unit 10 – Advanced Training
- Introduction to agility training
- Introduction to scent work
- Introduction to therapy dog training
Study Hours
Estimated duration: 40 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
Click to See What Our Students Say
I really enjoyed my course, I struggle with study but my tutor was very persistent and offered help frequently and would email to check up on me. I appreciate all the support I got from the tutors. And even when I didn’t say I needed an extension, they reached out to the support team to extend my course which was amazing and I felt very relieved.
I would be happy to do another course with you guys again.
Thank you!
Anna | Surrey Hills | Certificate of Dog Psychology and Training
Just fantastic. I would like to sincerely thank the tutors. I have been spreading the word about the course
N. Hale, Woomargama NSW | Certificate of Dog Psychology and Training
I am really pleased to have chosen the course in Dog Psychology and Training, it adds some formal credentials to my name for the work I do with animals, especially dogs, on film and TV sets. The questions were interesting, the tasks relevant, and the work load within the frames outlined.
M. Hamilton, Brisbane, QLD | Certificate of Dog Psychology and Training
I enjoyed the course and was very happy with the customer service I received.
J. Matthew, Sheidow Park, SA | Certificate of Dog Psychology and Training
My study experience with Australian Online Courses was amazing and rewarding. I felt supported the whole way through and the tutors were responsive and supportive. I would thoroughly recommend Australian Online Courses to anyone who is wanting to study online. I have certainly achieved my dream of completing a Certificate of Dog Psychology and Training Course.
Kim | Rosetta, TAS | Certificate of Dog Psychology and Training
I absolutely loved diving into my dog psychology and training course — it was a tail-wagging journey from start to finish. From sniffing out canine behaviour patterns to fetching new training techniques, I’ve come away with a whole new leash on understanding dogs.
Jessica | Buderim, QLD | Certificate of Dog Psychology and Training
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (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
Professional development for:
- Dog Trainers
- Dog Owners
- Dog Behaviourists
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