Who we are
About Us
Dog training, done properly
Three organisations, one qualification
Students often ask why three names appear on their paperwork. Here is how they fit together.
The detail
The Dog Trainer Academy was established to meet the growing demand for highly skilled, professionally trained dog trainers and handlers across Australia. The Academy specialises exclusively in dog training, behaviour, and handling qualifications, allowing us to focus deeply on industry standards, animal welfare, and practical capability. Our purpose is to support students to build genuine competence — not just complete a course — so they can work confidently with dogs in professional, educational, and community settings.
Operating as a faculty of the National Skills Training Institute (RTO #41462), the Dog Trainer Academy delivers nationally recognised training within Australia’s regulated vocational education system. Being part of an RTO means our courses are developed, delivered, and assessed in line with strict national requirements, ensuring consistency, quality, and recognition across the country. Students can be confident that their qualification holds real value with employers, organisations, and industry bodies.
What sets the Dog Trainer Academy apart is its strong emphasis on ethical practice, real-world application, and industry relevance. Our training reflects contemporary, evidence-based approaches to dog behaviour and learning, while also preparing students to work professionally with people — including clients, schools, support organisations, and community groups. Whether students are entering the industry for the first time or formalising existing experience, the Dog Trainer Academy provides a clear, professional pathway into meaningful work with dogs.
Master of Puppies is a highly regarded dog training organisation known for its modern, ethical, and results-driven approach to dog training and behaviour. With a strong focus on real-world outcomes, Master of Puppies works with dogs and handlers across a wide range of environments, supporting the development of well-trained, confident dogs using evidence-based training methods that prioritise welfare, clarity, and consistency.
As the practical training partner for the Dog Trainer Academy, Master of Puppies provides students with the opportunity to apply their learning in authentic, hands-on settings. Practical training takes place under the guidance and mentorship of Will Paton, a highly respected professional dog trainer with extensive industry experience. Through supervised sessions, students develop practical skills in reading dog behaviour, applying structured training techniques, and managing dogs safely and effectively in real-life scenarios.
This mentorship-based approach allows students to bridge the gap between theory and practice, gaining insight into professional standards, client interactions, and day-to-day training operations. Training alongside an established organisation like Master of Puppies ensures students graduate with practical confidence, industry awareness, and the hands-on experience required to work professionally as dog trainers or handlers in a range of settings.
The National Skills Training Institute (NSTI) is a registered training organisation (RTO) delivering nationally recognised qualifications across the animal care, pet grooming, and dog training sectors. As an Australian Government–approved RTO, NSTI operates within the national vocational education and training (VET) framework, ensuring all training and assessment meets strict quality, compliance, and industry standards. NSTI’s role is to provide structured, regulated education that supports students to gain practical skills, formal qualifications, and clear career pathways within the animal and pet industry.
NSTI delivers its training through specialist faculties, including the Dog Trainer Academy and the Pet Stylist Academy. Each academy operates with its own industry focus, expert trainers, and dedicated facilities, while all courses are delivered under the same RTO framework. This structure allows NSTI to maintain consistent training quality and compliance, while giving students the benefit of highly specialised, industry-led education tailored to their chosen career path.
Nationally recognised training
Ready to train dogs professionally?
Three nationally recognised courses, practical training on real dogs, and an honest conversation about which one fits.