Professional Dog Training Instructor

Description

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 this is not possible, and often leaves students frustrated and disappointed. We have instead designed a two tier journey that covers all that you need to know when working as a dog trainer.

Our goal on this course is to continue to increase the number of responsible, educated, science based pain-free dog trainers available across Ireland. We will continue to support our students once they launch their own careers and our vibrant community of professionals will continue to empower and support one another

Tier 1 Practical Dog Training QQI Level 6 Minor Award

This programme is an intense three month programme that will train learners on training dogs! The focus is to introduce the theory behind training dogs while also intensely focusing on developing the learners dog training skills. A solid ability to train dogs is essential prior to developing the ability to train people to train dogs!

Tier 2 Professional Dog Training Instructor Programme

Our goal on this course is to continue to increase the number of responsible, educated, science based pain-free dog trainers available across Ireland. The course will focus on further developing the learners knowledge on all things dog training, while also developing their ability – and confidence – to train people on training their dogs.

We will continue to support our students once they launch their own careers and our vibrant community of professionals will continue to empower and support one another.

Classroom Dates: Available 

April 2024 (webinars released in April)

May: 11th & 12th

June: 8th & 9th

July: 13th & 14th

September 2024

September: 7th & 8th

October 19th & 20th

November: 23rd & 24th

Deposit

Your €100 holding deposit is refundable if you withdraw from the course at least 6 weeks prior to the first classroom date. Alternatively, if you apply for the course less than 6 weeks prior to the first classroom date, your €100 holding deposit is refundable if you withdraw within 72 hours of ordering.

Delivery

This 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

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

Nanci is a published scientist, with her research on dog bites publishes in the Irish Veterinary Journal. She has appeared in district courts as expert witness for cases involving dog bites to humans and to other dogs, and she also appears regularly as dog behaviour expert on TV both in Ireland and the UK.

Modules

Module 1

Practical Dog Training Instructor Skills

An essential element to this course is the many hours of practical dog training. In the world of online education the only missing, and essential element, of dog training courses is often the hands on practical skills development.

Your mechanical skills are fundamental when it comes to dog training, and this module, delivered over 5 full days, will develop the learners dog training skills to a professional level.

Module 2

The Complexities of the Domestic Dog

The domestic dog is a much-loved pet but unfortunately an often misunderstood species.

There are many elements to dogs. This module will look at all of these elements to ensure that our students have a deep and thorough understanding of the species they are working with.

The Complexities of the Domestic Dog is a vital module for potential dog trainers as it is critical that canine professionals have a superior understanding of our family pets.

Module 3

The Science of Canine Cognition

Cognition refers to the mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and comprehension. These cognitive processes include thinking, knowing, remembering, judging, and problem-solving.

Canine behaviour falls in to two broad categories, innate or learned. This module will look at both categories and explore the science behind how dogs process experiences, make choices, and learn.

Module 4

Life Stages of Dogs

This module has been designed to give learners a professional understanding of the different development stages of dogs. This is fundamentally important as you are likely to take on clients with dogs of all ages. Understanding the different requirements that dogs of different ages have means that you will be able to successfully help clients and their dogs navigate through the journey of life with their dogs.

Module 5

Coaching Clients Through Puppy Development

This module will cover the theory and hands on skills that learners need to successfully set up and host puppy parties and puppy socialisation classes.

Module 6

Canine Communication Exposed

It is essential that all dog trainers have a thorough understanding of both dog and human communication to maximise the productivity of each session you hold with a canine client, and to ensure that the dog remains as calm and comfortable in your presence as possible.

Module 7

Career as a Dog Trainer

This module will help prepare learners for a career as a dog trainer. From understanding what is involved in the career, to what is not involved, from setting up a dog training business, to gaining employment in the industry.

This module will also look at designing policies and procedures for your dog training sessions as well as personal safety and best practice while carrying out dog training duties.

Module 8

Hosting One to One Training Sessions

This module will cover the theory and hands on skills that learners need to successfully set up and host dog training classes.

Module 9

Designing, Developing and Delivering Dog Training Sessions

This 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.

Module 10

The Art of Creating Written Material 

As a dog trainer you will be expected to develop content for your clients. This module will explore report writing for one to one training sessions, posters designed while advertising, step by step handouts for your clients, creating video content for social media and more.