Nationally Recognised Training
Dog Trainer Courses
Three ways into professional dog training
Nationally Recognised Training | National Skills Training Institute | RTO 41462
All three are nationally recognised and delivered under RTO 41462. Theory is online and self directed. Practical training is hands-on with real dogs at Master of Puppies. Which one suits you depends on where you are starting and what you want to do.
Start hereACM40322Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour & TrainingThe core dog trainer qualification. Obedience, behaviour, canine first aid and running training sessions with clients.$6,00016 unitsUp to 24 monthsNo prerequisiteExplore the course ›SpecialisationACM40322Certificate IV — Assistance DogsTrain assistance dogs for handlers with disability. Task training, handler instruction and suitability assessment.$5,0005 unitsUp to 24 monthsCertificate IV required firstExplore the course ›Shortest routeACMSS00035Animal Assisted Services Skill SetFor handlers bringing a dog into therapy, education or community programs. Safe handling and disability awareness.$2,0003 unitsUp to 12 monthsNo prerequisiteExplore the course ›
Compare the courses
| Certificate IVAnimal Behaviour & Training | Certificate IVAssistance Dogs | ACMSS00035Animal Assisted Services | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualification type | Full qualification | Full qualification | Skill set |
| Units | 16 | 5 | 3 |
| Full fee | $6,000 | $5,000 | $2,000 |
| Payment plans from | $39 / week | $43 / week | $34 / week |
| Duration | Up to 24 months | Up to 24 months | Up to 12 months |
| Prerequisite | None | Certificate IV | None |
| Practical training | Two 2-week blocks | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Becoming a professional dog trainer | Training assistance dogs | Handlers working in therapy or education |
Not sure which one?
I want to become a dog trainerStart with the Certificate IV. It is the qualification employers and clients look for.I already have the Certificate IVThe Assistance Dogs specialisation is the natural next step.I want to work my own dog in a programThe Animal Assisted Services skill set is short, focused and has no prerequisite.
Talk it through first
Tell us where you are up to and what you want to do, and we will tell you honestly which course fits — or whether none of them do yet.