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H&Health & Community Services

Study Dog Psychology, Behaviour and Veterinary Assistant Skills

An online diploma covering canine behaviour, dog training, and veterinary assistant knowledge, study self-paced over 12 months.

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12 MonthsCourse Duration
OnlineDelivery
AvailablePayment Plans
Self PacedStudy Mode
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What You Get

Everything That Comes With This Course

Industry-Accredited Qualification

Courses are accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office. The Career Academy is also a member of the International Approval & Recognition Council. Upon completion, receive a Certificate of Achievement.

Unlimited Tutor Support

Unlimited access to tutor support via phone and email during business hours. Tutors are industry experts passionate about student success.

100% Online, Study at Your Own Pace

Study completely online whenever suits you, with 12 months access to course materials and approximately 360 hours of learning content. No exams, ever.

Career Centre Access

Upon enrolment, receive instant access to the Career Centre including latest job opportunities, CV templates, a free personalised CV review, job tips, interview preparation, and personalised career planning.

Free Student ID Card

Receive a Virtual Student ID Card providing access to over 150,000 discounts on food, entertainment, travel and more in New Zealand and around the world.

Free CCH eBook Library Access

Get access to over 50 titles in the CCH eBook Library to enhance learning and knowledge.

SEEK Pass Verified Credential

Verify your qualification from The Career Academy with SEEK Pass upon completion to share on SEEK and stand out to employers as a qualified, job-ready candidate.

Industry Connections

With endorsements from organisations like SPCA New Zealand and expert input from trainers like Sarah Whitehead, students are well-connected in the New Zealand animal care industry.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Credits

Earn CPD credits upon completion that enhance your professional growth and development.

Approximately 360 hours of learning, 12 months access
Skills & Applications

The Skills You'll Build

Practical, job-relevant skills for these roles. As a professional development course, it builds capability in this field rather than guaranteeing a specific role or salary.

Animal Behaviour TechnicianDog Trainer (Junior)Veterinary ReceptionistClinical Assistant (Veterinary)Animal Rehabilitation Support WorkerAnimal Care TechnicianShelter Veterinary AssistantCanine Behaviour Support Worker

No specific job, salary or outcome is guaranteed.

What You'll Learn

The 66 Modules Inside The Course

The modules that make up the course, as published by the provider.

66Total Units
66Core Units

Core Units

Nature and Scope of Canine Psychology
Canine Senses and Communication
Understanding Natural Canine Behaviour
Canine Behavioural Development
Canine Behavioural Disorders
Basic Dog Training Principles
Dog Obedience Training
Controlling a Dog's Movement
Training Working Dogs
Introduction to Animal Care
Anatomy and Physiology
Husbandry of Dogs
Husbandry of Other Species
Common Diseases of Dogs
Common Diseases of Other Species
First Aid, Accidents and Emergencies
Handling and Safety
Veterinary Health Care and Procedures
Training and Behaviour
Introduction to Animal Anatomy and Physiology
Cellular Structure and Function
Tissues and Organ Systems
Skeletal System
Muscular System
Circulatory System
Respiratory System
Digestive System
Nervous System
Reproduction in Animals
Embarking on Animal Health
Common Disease in Animals
Nutrition and Diet for Animals
Preventive Care and Vaccinations in Animals

 

Parasite Control and Management
Animal Behaviour & Stress Management
Reproductive Health in Animals
Emergency First Aid for Animals
Specialised Care of Animals
Health and Safety
Advances in Veterinary Surgeries
Medical Interventions
Foundations of Animal Health and Disease
Detecting Disease
Categorising Animal Ailments
Unveiling Disease Origins
Navigating Treatment Strategies
Dynamics of Inflammation
Fever's Role in Animal Immunity
Journey of Healing Care and Recovery
Decoding Cellular Transformations
Natural Approaches to Animal Wellness
Recognising Symptoms of Discomfort
Health through Natural Nutrition
Holistic Health Care
Addressing Health Issues
Common Ailments
Managing Health Challenges
Introduction to Animal Welfare
Animal Psychology
Strategies for Management
Welfare and Protection Services
Welfare and Rescue Services
Promoting Animal Welfare
Welfare needs in Animals
Improving Animal Welfare
Balancing Animal Welfare Needs
Before You Enquire

Eligibility And The First Steps

How It Starts

01
Submit enquiry or enrol online
02
Choose payment option (upfront or payment plan)
03
Receive instant access to course materials and Career Centre
The Money Part

Ways To Pay For It

$29 / week

Flexible Weekly Payment Plan. Get started for only $29 per week on a flexible payment plan.

Full Upfront Payment

Confirmed by the provider when you enquire.

10-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Exact fees, plans and any funding eligibility are confirmed by the provider when you enquire. No payment is made through Get Course.

Before You Ask

Questions People Ask First

Are there any entry requirements for this course?

This course is designed to be accessible to students at the start of their animal care journey, and no prior experience or formal qualifications are required. A passion for working with animals is the main starting point. Submit an enquiry to confirm any current eligibility criteria before you enrol.

How much does the course cost?

A weekly payment plan may be available, making it easier to spread the cost over time. Full current pricing is not listed here. Submit a Get Course enquiry to confirm current fees and payment options.

How long does this course take to complete?

Students have 12 months access to the course materials and approximately 360 hours of learning content. The course is self-paced, so you can progress faster or slower depending on your schedule. Submit an enquiry if you need clarification on the access period.

How is the course delivered?

The course is delivered 100% online by The Career Academy NZ. All study is self-paced, with no fixed class times and no exams. Students receive unlimited tutor support via phone and email during business hours from industry-expert tutors.

Is there a work placement component?

This course does not include a formal work placement component. Practical knowledge is developed through the online course content, including animal welfare and behaviour material endorsed by SPCA New Zealand. Submit an enquiry if you want guidance on gaining hands-on experience alongside your study.

Is this course accredited or nationally recognised?

This diploma is accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office, and The Career Academy NZ is a member of the International Approval and Recognition Council. Graduates receive a Certificate of Achievement, CPD credits, and a SEEK Pass verified credential. It is not a government-accredited qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).

About This Course

What This Course Is Really About

This combined diploma covers two complementary areas: dog psychology and behaviour training, and veterinary assistant and animal welfare practice. Students build skills in canine behaviour, animal care, welfare principles, and the practical knowledge needed to support veterinary teams. The course suits people moving into animal care roles or those already working with animals who want to formalise their skills.

Delivered by The Career Academy NZ, the course is accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office, and endorsed by organisations including SPCA New Zealand. On completion, students receive a Certificate of Achievement, CPD credits, and a SEEK Pass verified credential to share with employers.

The course is 100% online and self-paced, with approximately 360 hours of learning content and 12 months access. There are no exams. Students receive unlimited tutor support by phone and email during business hours, plus Career Centre access covering CV templates, interview preparation, and personalised career planning.

The College Behind It

Delivered By A Training Establishment

TC
The Career Academy NZ
In-house career services: job search, resume and interview preparation
Dedicated career support team offering coaching guidance and advice every step of the way, including after course completion. 24/7 access to career resources. One-to-one coaching available through Career Success Hub and Business Hub.
No Pressure, Just Answers

The Enquiry Is The Eligibility Check

You don't need to have decided to get the answers. One short form, and the provider comes back with your fees and a realistic study plan.

Enquire Now →
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Course information on this page is sourced from the education provider and was last verified on 28 July 2026. Details including pricing, availability, entry requirements and course content may change without notice. Get Course is a directory service that connects students with course providers; we do not deliver courses directly. Contact the provider for the most current information before enrolling.