Welcome to the
Dog Trainer Academy
Dog Trainer Course
The national qualification Dog Trainer course prepares students with the practical skills, professional knowledge, and ethical training methods required for a rewarding career in the dog training industry.
Assistance Dog Trainer Course
The Assistance Dog Trainer course develops the specialised skills, professional knowledge, and ethical training practices required to train and prepare assistance dogs for real-world support roles.
Dog Handler Course
The Dog Handler skill set develops the practical handling skills and behavioural understanding required to safely and confidently work with dogs in schools, community programs, and other professional environments.
Welcome to the Dog Trainer Academy, Australia’s specialist education provider for professional dog trainers, assistance dog trainers, and assistance dog handlers. We deliver nationally recognised qualifications designed for people who want to turn their passion for dogs into a respected, ethical, and sustainable career. Our focus is on producing confident, capable graduates who are ready to work with real dogs, real clients, and real-world challenges.
As a faculty of the National Skills Training Institute (RTO #41462), the Dog Trainer Academy delivers government-regulated training that meets national education and industry standards. This means your qualification is recognised Australia-wide and aligned with current best practice in animal behaviour, welfare, and professional dog training. Our courses combine structured online learning with supervised practical training to ensure both strong theoretical knowledge and hands-on competence.
At the Dog Trainer Academy, we are committed to ethical, evidence-based training methods that prioritise animal welfare and positive outcomes for dogs and their handlers. Throughout your training, you’ll develop the skills to read and interpret dog behaviour, apply humane training techniques, and design effective training programs across a range of settings. Whether you’re starting your career or formalising existing experience, we’re here to help you train with confidence, integrity, and purpose.
Registered Training Organisation
The Dog Trainer Academy is a specialist faculty of the National Skills Training Institute (NSTI), a registered training organisation (RTO) approved by the Australian Government. An RTO is a legally recognised education provider authorised to deliver nationally recognised training and qualifications under Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) system. This means all courses delivered through the Dog Trainer Academy meet strict national standards for training quality, assessment, compliance, and industry relevance, and result in qualifications that are recognised Australia-wide.
The National Skills Training Institute delivers training across multiple specialist faculties, each focused on a specific area of the animal and pet care industry. In addition to the Dog Trainer Academy, NSTI also includes the Pet Stylist Academy, Australia’s leading education provider for dog grooming and pet care qualifications. While each academy has its own dedicated training facilities, expert educators, and industry focus, all operate under the same RTO framework — ensuring consistent quality, compliance, and nationally recognised outcomes across every course delivered.
Our Courses
Dog Training
Gain the skills and knowledge to become a professional dog trainer with the nationally recognised ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour & Training.
Advance your skills to train and prepare assistance dogs that support people with disabilities through this specialised qualification ACM40322 Certificate IV.
Gain practical skills to introduce animals into therapy, education, and community programs—apply today for ACM00035 Animal-Assisted Services skill set.
Why Choose Us
Flexible Learning
Our educational platform, flexible learning enables you to tailor your educational journey to your own schedule, empowering you to learn at your own pace without compromising quality. This approach enhances your ability to balance personal, professional, and educational commitments, all while fostering a more personalised and effective learning experience.
Qualified Industry Professionals
All of our teachers are world-leading educators in the animal industry who are highly qualified and bring a wealth of practical experience to the national skill training institute. Their industry- specific expertise and knowledge not only ensure a comprehensive academic foundation but also prepare students to meet the demands of the contemporary workforce with real world insights.
Real World Skills
At the Dog Trainer Academy, we prioritise providing learners with practical, hands-on training that directly applies to the demands of the animal industry. Our immersive curriculum bridges theory and practice, equipping students with real world skills essential to thrive in a wide array of animal careers.
