This 100% online course builds a strong foundation in canine psychology, communication, behaviour, and positive, force-free training principles. Learners will explore natural canine behaviour, body language,…
This 100% online course builds a strong foundation in canine psychology, communication, behaviour, and positive, force-free training principles. Learners will explore natural canine behaviour, body language,…
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.
Possible career directions only; no specific job, salary or outcome is guaranteed. Where you go depends on your experience, the employer and your location.
Understand the nature and scope of canine psychology
Recognise how dogs use their senses and communicate with people and other dogs
Understand natural canine behaviour and behavioural development across life stages
Recognise common behavioural disorders and what may influence them
Apply basic dog training principles in a structured, practical way
Build confidence with obedience training and controlling a dog's movement
Understand the foundations of training working dogs
Understand factors that may result in aggressive canine behaviour
Describe steps towards preventing parasites in dogs
Learn about psychological training methods used for farm, hearing, and guide dogs
What you’ll typically need to get started.
Requirements can vary by intake and pathway, so submit an enquiry to confirm what applies to you.
Upon successfully completing the course, students receive a Certificate of Achievement from The Career Academy, accredited by ICOES, CPD Standards Office, and recognised by the International Approval & Recognition Council (IARC).
Students have unlimited access to tutor support via phone and email during business hours. Lead tutor Rachel H has over 20 years of experience in the animal industry.
Study entirely online at your own pace, with no fixed class times or practical assessment requirements. Course access for 6 months with approximately 80 hours of content.
Includes access to the Career Centre with latest job opportunities, CV templates, a free personalised CV review, interview preparation tips, and a five-step job success process.
Students receive a free Virtual Student ID card giving access to over 150,000 discounts in New Zealand and internationally on food, entertainment, travel and more.
Upon completion, graduates can verify their qualification with SEEK Pass to share on SEEK and stand out to employers as a qualified, job-ready candidate.
The Career Academy donates a portion of all course proceeds to the SPCA, supporting animals who are sick, injured, abused or vulnerable. The SPCA helps protect over 33,000 animals in New Zealand every year.
Gain access to over 100 dog psychology, behaviour, and training videos by Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) Sarah Whitehead.
Instant access to the Career Centre including job opportunities, CV templates, a free…
Virtual Student ID card providing access to over 150,000 discounts in New Zealand and…
Verify your qualification from The Career Academy with SEEK Pass upon completion to share…
The Career Academy offers an online Career Centre providing career coaching, CV reviews, interview preparation, job search resources, and LinkedIn profile reviews. Students have access to a Career Success Hub, Business Hub, and Self Service Resource Hub. The centre includes one-to-one coaching from dedicated career support staff and is available to all students during and after their studies.
A few simple steps from enquiry to your first day.
“Hiromi found the perfect work-life balance after enrolling in The Career Academy's Certificate in Bookkeeping. As a busy mum, the flexibility of online study allowed her to pursue her dream career while caring for her family. Upon completing her course, she secured a role with The Back Office Company and began her journey in a new profession.”
“Cameron transformed his passion for dogs into a successful mobile dog grooming service. With everything from a full grooming table to a hydro-bath, he brings the salon directly to his client's homes. Cameron's journey started with The Career Academy's Diploma in Dog Grooming, which equipped him with the skills and confidence to launch his business.”
“Janet followed her passion for dogs and landed her dream role in a grooming salon, thanks to the Advanced Certificate in Dog Grooming from The Career Academy. Her studies gave her the knowledge to expand her expertise, and she's already planning to launch her own mobile grooming service.”
This 100% online course builds a strong foundation in canine psychology, communication, behaviour, and positive, force-free training principles. Learners will explore natural canine behaviour, body language, behavioural development, common disorders, and practical obedience and movement control training. Ideal for aspiring dog trainers, animal care workers, or dog owners wanting to deepen their understanding and support entry-level roles in canine behaviour and training.
Enquire about this course and a course advisor from The Career Academy NZ will be in touch with pricing and next steps.
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Disclaimer: Course information on this page is sourced from the education provider and was last verified on the date shown below. 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.
Last updated: July 2026