Dogs are genuinely (wo)man’s best friend and are loyal to their human companions, but behaviour can become problematic without proper training. This course is ideal for all dog owners, and it is crucial for people who work with dogs.
The Certificate of Dog Psychology and Training is an online professional development program that will give you the knowledge and skills required to understand canine psychology to implement successful obedience training programs.
In this dog psychology course, you will explore the history of canine evolution and understand the behaviours that are natural and predictable in dogs. You will also learn to recognise canine signals, commonly occurring behavioural problems, and understand how dogs develop behavioural characteristics throughout their life cycle.
You will gain the knowledge required to create successful training programs for companion animals and understand the rigorous training requirements for working dogs.
On completion of this course, you will have gained a thorough understanding of dog psychology and obedience training methods to build respectful and responsive relationships with dogs.
Course Structure
Unit - Dog Pyschology and Training
Unit 1 – Nature and scope of canine psychology
- A brief history of the canine evolution
- Introduction to canine behaviour
- Food and self-domestication
- Wolf cub orphans
- Canine industries
- Differentiating between health and behavioural issues
- Self-domestication
Unit 2 – Canine senses
- Understanding canine communication
- Dog facts
- Sight
- The tail
- Barking
- Body language
- Smell
- Sounds
- Elimination postures
Unit 3 – Understanding natural canine behaviour
- Social structure
- Social behaviours
- Aggression
- Clinical problems
- Biological rhythms
- Sleep
- Sexual behaviour
- Maternal behaviour
- Parturition
- Suckling and weaning
- Eating and drinking
Unit 4 – Canine behavioural development
- Nature or nurture
- Sensitive periods
- The neonatal period
- The Transitional period
- The socialisation period
- The juvenile period
- Neurological development
- Sleep and play
- Canine temperament testing
- How breeds differ
Unit 5 – Canine behavioural disorders
- Attention seeking behaviour
- Excessive barking
- Chewing
- Running away
- Chasing moving objects
- Begging
- Digging
- Separation anxiety
- Aggression
- Phobias
- Excessive compulsive disorders
- Canine geriatric cognitive dysfunction
- Calming a dog
- Breed differences
Unit 6 – Basic dog training
- Forming habits
- Conditioning
- Classical conditioning
- Operant conditioning
- Socialisation
- House training
- The use of visual signals
- The use of voice in training
- The use of training aids
- Clickers, treats, halters and recall lines
Unit 7 – Dog obedience training
- Practical training techniques
- Recall
- Sit (in front or beside)
- Stand (beside)
- Drop release
- Leave (food refusal)
- Down
- Stay
- Heel (on and off lead)
- Seek and retrieve
- Bark on signal
Unit 8 – Controlling a dog’s movement
- Territorial nature of dogs
- Fencing
- Dog doors
- Kennels
- Exercise requirements
- Socialisation requirements
- Walking on a lead/leash
- Electronic barriers
- Microchips
- Pet registration and licensing
- Controlling killing wildlife
Unit 9 – Training working dogs
- Training for scent discrimination and substance detection
- Training for retrieving
- Guarding
- Hearing dogs
- Herding
- Tracking
- Controlling attacks on animals and people
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
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
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Click Add to Cart/View Cart on the course page.
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 Direct Deposit.
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.
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 Trainers
- Dog Owners
- Dog Behaviourist
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