Course: Pet Obedience Trainer Certificate

This Open Colleges (formerly Cengage Education) course will have equal appeal whether you wish to work as dog obedience trainer or simply seek the skills to train your own dog to obey basic commands.

The course explains terminology, canine behaviour, the effects of domestication, nutritional needs, grooming, exercise requirements and health issues. You will learn strategies for getting dogs to respond in the right way that can be applied at home, with show dogs or in a kennel. If you are planning to add a new animal to your household, the course also provides pointers on pet selection.

Included materials

Dog Training for Dummies textbook
Clicker Fun DVD
Introduction to Dog Training DVD
Dog training clicker

Valued at over $50!

Course Number	86400
Course Fees From	View our payment options

Delivery mode:	Print or online
Course duration:	Max 18 months
Assessments:	1 written assessment, 8 multiple choice assessments
Qualification:	Open Colleges Certificate
Nationally Recognised	No
Government Funding	No

Career One jobs for:

ID	Subject expand all

	Introduction to the dog training profession Skills, knowledge and experience needed to train a dog and be a professional dog obedience trainer Terminology used to describe the basic structure of a dog Categories of training Evolutionary theory and its relation to selective breeding Ethology and canine behaviour History of the dog Effects of domestication
	Sensory abilities of the dog The dog's eye and its functions Detecting sound Scenting ability Taste and tactile sense Changes in the dog's mood through touch
	How dogs learn Learned behaviour Learning theory Dependent, independent and intervening Variables to learning and behaviour research Interpreting dog behaviour
	Social behaviour and communication How dogs use signals to communicate Types of signals used by dogs The effects of evolution and domestication on dogs' ability to communicate with each other Neoteny and its effect on dogs' relationships with humans Ritualised displays Direction cues
	Conditioning Classic conditioning Conditioned and unconditioned stimuli Conditioning procedures Reducing fears Contrast punishment and negative reinforcement The function of corrections Shaping Sequencing instrumental behaviours
	Applied dog behaviour Clicker training A click versus a verbal cue Punishment versus reinforcement The training game
	House training and crate training House training techniques Using a crate to train a dog Train a dog to relieve itself in the most appropriate places Train a dog to ring a bell when it needs to go out Problems associated with house training
	Testing and selection of dogs Typical testing procedures Identifying training and temperament issues The dynamics of drive thresholds and how they impact on behaviour Specific breeds and their related behaviours Selecting a pet Evaluating a pet dog The influence of genetics on temperament
	Testing and selection of dog breeders Identifying puppy mills and backyard breeders Hereditary factors Identifying the right breeder

Entry requirements

Minimum education

Open entry. Previous schooling and academic achievements are not required for entry into this course.

Minimum age

Minimum age of 16 years. If you are under 18 your application must be signed by a parent or guardian.

Computer requirements

Students will need access to a computer and the internet. For students who do not have access to either a computer or the internet please contact a student support officer to discuss alternative methods of communication.

Minimum specifications for the computer are:

Microsoft Office 2003 or equivalent, and
Microsoft Windows 98, or
Mac OS X, and
CD-ROM drive.

Students will also need access to a printer and the following applications:

Adobe Acrobat Reader and
Macromedia Flash player.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language and you did not complete the last two years of secondary education in English, you are required to provide evidence of English language competency before enrolling into the course. Examples of appropriate evidence are listed below:

Evidence	Example
IELTS	Overall score of 5.5
TOEFL	530 (paper), 197 (computer) or 71 (internet)
12 months in English-speaking employment	Testimonial, statutory declaration

Additional requirements

There are no additional requirements for this course.

Upon completion of this course, you will have developed a better understanding of the subject area and be able to put your new skills into practice.

Madeleine Lindsell

Madeleine Lindsell is passionate about animal care, and makes the ideal pet care trainer.

Madeleine is highly qualified, and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Equine Studies) from Charles Sturt University as well as Certificates in Domestic Animal Care, Horse Husbandry and Zookeeping.

During the course of her career, she spent four years working for the Blue Ribbon Riding School providing care for their horses, and also spent some time as an animal carer on a private estate in the UK.

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Available payment options

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Fortnightly and monthly payment plans are also available through EduPay. Click Enrol Now and choose a payment plan or call a Course and Careers advisor on 1300 853 033 for more details. (Prices shown are for the online study option only. A surcharge is applicable for the print study option).

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Student Testimonial

"The course information was set out so well I felt organised and in control. My tutor was excellent in answering any queries I had. I have thoroughly enjoyed studying and feel enthusiastic and confident about travelling on the new path that has opened before me. Thank you."
- Karen L