
This is a Foundation dog behaviour course and is suitable for dog owners, dog walkers and sitters, dog daycare operators, those wishing to pursue a career in dog training and behaviour.
On completion of the two components, learners will understand how to provide for a dog’s basic needs and prevent common health problems. They will know about different dog breeds and the importance of relationships with humans and will also carry out a health check on a canine.
Learners will also understand normal canine behaviour and be able to explain how to prevent welfare and behaviour issues through routines and appropriate force-free training. This qualification consists of 20 GLH. Successful completion of this dog behaviour course results in a regulated qualification.
Successful completion of this qualification leads to the Level 3 Diploma in Canine Care, Behaviour and Welfare.

Dogs most certainly are an intelligent species. However, they do not have the ability to understand human spoken language. If you think about it, people expect an awful lot from their dogs in this respect. Dogs are told they are ‘naughty’, to ‘stop it’, to ‘come in from the garden immediately’ and ‘we will go for a walk in a bit’ etc. etc. Dogs are humanised in this way. This does not mean though, they can understand what is being communicated. Unfortunately, it is common practice to punish a dog when they do not listen to what we tell them verbally. However, TONE of voice can have an enormous influence on how a dog perceives your communication So, what other “signals” should be looked for when a dog is trying to communicate with a human? Canine body language is something we can only learn to understand by observing dogs as much as possible. The signals they use are often very subtle and easy to miss if you do not know what to look for. Behavioural problems are NOT a problem to the dog. Rather, they are unwanted behaviours to humans. This fascinating Level 2 Award in Canine Health, Welfare and Behaviour Qualification is an entry-level qualification to the subject of dog behaviour.
Unit Summary (20 GLH)
This unit covers various dog breeds and common canine diseases and disorders.
The unit also looks at the minimum needs for dogs in respect of welfare and the importance of relationships with humans.
This unit looks at normal canine behaviour and how to prevent problems.
It also discusses enrichment and force-free training, looking at how we should train dogs.


Licensing will require clear evidence of knowledge and experience or a minimum of an Ofqual regulated level 2 qualification in a relevant subject. The new regulations take effect on renewal or if your business is being brought into the scope of licensing for the first time.
Or, to meet the Higher Standard, a member of staff with a relevant Ofqual regulated Level 3 qualification must be present during the working day.
The Ofqual Approved Level 2 Award in Canine Care and Behaviour meets the new Animal Activity Licensing Regulation requirements for the basic standard requirements.
The Ofqual Approved Level 3 Award in Canine Care, Behaviour and Welfare meets the new Animal Activity Licensing Regulation requirements for the more advanced standard requirements and includes the care of dogs in kennels.

The Ofqual Approved Level 4 Diploma in Canine Behaviour and Training is a regulated qualification that meets the Higher Standard Animal Activity Licensing Regulation requirements. Students who have previously studied at Level 3 can enrol directly on this qualification.
The Ofqual Approved Level 3 Diploma in Feline Care, Behaviour and Welfare meets the Higher Standard Animal Activity Licensing Regulation requirements for Boarding Catteries.
The Ofqual approved Level 3 Animal Welfare Officer Diploma – relevant for those responsible for inspecting and licensing animal activities businesses.
*You will have access to the course for 6 months only. You can purchase course extensions.
We offer a selection of accredited and employer recognised courses specifically designed for careers working with animals.
If you have any questions about our courses, please contact us.
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