Assistance Dog Trainer Course

Module 1

Communication and Body Language

This unit explores body language of both dogs and humans involved in training. Learn about the stress in canines and how to spot the signs of stress.

Module 2

Care of Canines

Learn about the basic care of dogs, including health, handling, nutrition and care of dogs in kennels.

This unit explores care routines, appropriate canine handling methods, how to ensure good canine welfare and canine nutrition. Students will also learn how to reduce and manage stress for dogs in kennels and foster homes.

Module 3

First aid 

Learn  how to  carry out emergency aid and basic first aid. This unit  also includes information about how to carry out health checks on dogs.

Module 4

Behaviour and influences

Learn about the causes of the most common canine behaviour problems and how to  solve them. Students will explore recent research and development in dog behaviour and expected behaviours for breeds. 

Module 5

Dogs and the Law 

Students will investigate the laws surrounding dogs and disability. This unit includes information about disability and accessibility law as well as custodianship as opposed to ownership in legal terms.

Module 6

Disabilities

Students undertaking this unit will look at different types of disabilities that they could encounter when working as an Assistance Dog Trainer.

Learn how disability affects training and how to train from the point of view of the individual 

Students will also gain an understand about the human-animal bond

Module 7

Dog Training

Students will look at how dogs learn, and how to motivate dogs to learn. Learn about adaptability including  multiple handlers and environmental changes. 

Gain an understanding about the importance of enrichment and off lead exercise.  Learn about marker training and recall, natural dog behaviours, play styles and positive re-inforcement.

Module 8

Managing Volunteers 

Students completing this unit will learn how to manage volunteers as an integral part of the Assistance Dog Training process. 

Learn  how to train volunteers when fostering dogs.  Gain an understanding of the client matching process. 

Module 9

Puppy Development and Behaviour 

Students will investigate behaviour of puppies including how to manage behaviour and training from a young age.

Learn how to rectify behaviour issues and how to habituate puppies to prevent problems.

Module 10

 Assessment of the Needs of the Dog

Students will explore how to assess the needs of the dog, including how to provide  support.

Learn how to assess dogs’ support needs and how to interpret formal reports concerning clients and dogs.