Professional Dog Training Instructor Advanced

Course description

This course contains eight modules, which include:

Module 1 – Life Stages of Dogs and Hosting Puppy Socialisation Parties

This course will focus on educating learners on all the different life stages of a dog, from pre-birth to those final days, what these stages mean for behaviour, and what you, as a professional, need to know and expect.

This module will also focus on running your very own puppy classes, and we will have two half days / one full day where we will work on hosting skills for puppy parties. Yes, these hours will be filled with playing with puppies but we promise it is all in the name of science and education.

Module 2 – Work experience

To truly gain the insight into the life of a dog trainer it is vital that you take the time to build up your experience, and take the time to observe how others host their classes. The work experience module, which will run through the duration of this course, allows students the opportunity to familiarise themselves with different class structures, set up, delivery and the typical issues and questions that clients will have.

Module 3 – Canine Communication, Interpretation and Human Behaviour

Professional dog trainers are often looked at as magical creatures as they appear to be able to speak to the animals. In fact, this is simply a learned skill. This vitally important module will take students through all aspect of canine communication, from dog-dog communication, interpreting dog play styles, the voluntary communication that dogs offer, and also involuntary communication that you need to be able to read.

We will also look at how you can communicate back to the animals. Speaking to dogs is actually easier than you think – and unfortunately we first have to discuss all of the things that we as humans do that we need to stop. This module teaches you what signals you can give to dogs to communicate your intention, and will fine tune your ability to ‘speak dog’.

Module 4 – The Science of Dogs

This is a heaviest of all of our modules, but is absolutely vital in gaining a true understand of canine behaviour, why it happens, and how we can influence it. We will first look at learning theory – this will not only help you understand dogs, but also the behaviour of all species including humans. We will then explore neurology, how the brain works and how it affects behaviour. We will  explore pharmacology, when medications might be needed and what alternatives we have. Finally endocrinology, how do hormones lead to wanted, and unwanted behaviours, and the hidden suffering that many of our pets go through on a daily basis.

Module 5 – Dog Obedience and Training

Now that we have learned all about the development of dogs, how they think, learn and communicate, it is time to work on our dog training skills.

This module will look the many common behaviours that clients wish to teach their dogs, as well as investigating many behaviour problems that families experience with their dogs. We will break down training into a step by step process, and look at what to do when working with more difficult dogs.

This module will also allow you to put into practice all that you have learned during your work experience module. You are required to access many dogs while working on this module, so we recommend getting to know the volunteers at your local animal rescue organisation.

Module 6 – Medical Influences on Behaviour

Modifying a dog’s behaviour cannot be done through training alone when there is an underlying condition causing the behaviour problem. In the day to day life of a dog behaviour expert you will regularly meet dogs that have underlying medical conditions that are influencing the behaviour of the dog. From dogs that bite due to vision problems, or hormonal abnormalities causing sudden adjustments in a dogs behaviour, this module will equip students will a basic understanding of how and why veterinary and behaviour professionals must work closely together.

This modules requires that you commit to a minimum of six hours work experience in veterinary practices. We will contact your local practices on your behalf to explain what is involved. This is a fantastic opportunity to get your name known, so we recommend that you apply to multiple practices.

Module 7 – Recognising and Understanding Aggression

While pet dog trainers do not deal with cases involving aggression, it is still a topic that you are expected to be knowledgeable in, and you will inevitably regularly meet dogs that express aggressive behaviours. This module will first explore the many causes of aggression in dogs, then look at how to ensure that the dogs and puppies you work with avoid developing aggressive behaviours. We will also investigate how you can predict and avoid aggressive behaviour in dogs as well as what to do when you do encounter a case where aggression is prominent.

Module 8 – Designing, developing and delivering dog training sessions

This final module will gather all of your newly acquired knowledge and skills, and prepare you for your career as a dog training instructor. We will look at developing, designing and delivering dog training classes and private training sessions. We will also look at human communication skills, how to deal with your clients, report writing and preparing handouts.

We will look at setting up your business, what needs to be taken into consideration when working with dogs you do not know, people you do not know, and help build your confidence for the daunting world of public speaking.

The Professional Dog Training Instructor course has been designed specifically for those who wish to become a professional dog trainer.

We understand that there are many courses available, some better than others. Many courses claim to prepare you for a career as a dog trainer in a matter of weeks. We know here at Creedons College of Canine Studies that this is not possible, and often leaves students frustrated and disappointed. We have instead designed an eight month course that covers all that you need to know when working as a dog trainer.

To take this course you must first complete the Introduction to Professional Dog Care course unless you have already studied in the dog behaviour field. The Professional Dog Training Instructor course is delivered through online video lectures, classroom practical handling, and work experience hours, which allows for the course to be taken while also living away from the College / working full time.

Your tutor on this course will be Nanci Creedon M.Sc. CDBC. Nanci has a degree in Zoology and a master’s degree in Animal Behaviour. She is a certified dog behaviour consultant and also a certified pet dog trainer.