Home / Courses / Certificate of Dog Psychology and Training

Certificate of Dog Psychology and Training

The Certificate of Dog Psychology and Training is an online program that will give you the knowledge and skills required to understand canine psychology. Start today - Study online with no deadlines. This course is ideal for anyone working with dogs. Develop your understanding of dog psychology and how to apply it to dog handling.
shuttle
Start Anytime
Yes
streaming
Delivery Method
100% Online
clock
Study Hours
40 hours
calendar
Course Access
12 Months

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.

Printed learning materials may be available free to print for this course. Requests can be made by contacting us. 

Course Structure
Unit  - Dog Pyschology 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
clock
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.

Career Outcomes

Professional development for:

  • Dog Trainers
  • Dog Owners
  • Dog Behaviourists
Enrol & start today
* Ts&Cs apply
Certificate of Dog Psychology and Training
$499.00
Choose Enrolment Type Business Details Service Provider Details Participant Details Add Another Course Additional Participants Payment
Stripe Logo

About Us

At Australian Online Courses, we are passionate about helping individuals from diverse backgrounds achieve their career goals. Since 2008, we have created opportunities for people in Australia and around the world.

Our Difference

What sets us apart is that we genuinely care about your career development. That’s why flexible study schedules, competitive pricing and exceptional customer and student support are at the heart of what we do. Our comprehensive courses, developed in consultation with industry employers, provide the skills and knowledge necessary for success in your current role or to pursue new opportunities.

Our state-of-the-art eLearning platform means you can study anywhere, anytime. So, enrol today and get the skills and confidence you need to achieve your career dreams, big or small.

Graduation

A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.

How to Enrol

You can enrol online by clicking Get Started on any course page under Enrol & Start Today. Follow the prompts to complete your enrolment as an individual, business, or service provider.

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.

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 with a competent level of English. For those under 18, please complete the Parent/Guardian Consent Form before enrolling.

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.

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.

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.

No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.

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.

Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.

Offer
Enrol in June and take 15% off!
  • Valid for courses only
  • Enter the coupon code JUNE when enrolling.
  • Ts&Cs apply.
Image 7b@2x
Offer
Gift Vouchers.
Give the Gift of Growth!

Perfect for individuals or as part of your team’s rewards and recognition program. Buy a gift voucher today and invest in someone’s future.

Cta Block 2 Img@2x
Subscribe to our newsletter and receive a FREE eBook!
THE ULTIMATE A-Z GUIDE TO CAREER CHANGE

Subscribe today and receive the free e-book The Ultimate A-Z Guide to Career Change. It’s packed with tips and advice from career coaches, psychologists, recruiters and human resources professionals to help you find your new direction.

"*" indicates required fields

Step 1 of 2

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Image 2