Dog Training
Course Outline

In the first unit of the dog training course, you'll meet your tutor and learn about the fundamentals of dog training. This introductory unit includes an overview of the dog training industry and a background in the fundamentals of ethical and safe training.

You'll have the option to tell your tutor about your dog, or a dog you'll be working with to complete your course work! Then you can practice a safe dog introduction.

In this unit, you'll begin to learn about canine behavior. Unit B will introduce you to canine ethology—the study of natural canine behavior. You'll discover how a dog's breeding history and stage of development will affect his behavior. In particular, you'll learn about how effective socialization as a puppy can impact a dog's behavior throughout his whole life.

You'll have the chance to research your own dog, or a friend or family member's dog to learn about its breed characteristics!

Unit C of your dog training course focuses on canine communication. You'll learn all about the signals that dogs use to communicate. Explore how you can use these signals to improve your training methods and provide a safe, comfortable training space for dogs. This unit will also each you how to use canine communication to improve the relationships between dogs and their owners.

Spend some quality time with your own dog, or a friend or family member's dog to practice reading canine communication!

In Unit D of your dog training course, you'll learn about the learning theory behind effective dog training methods. You'll discover how dogs learn by making associations between different stimuli and by understanding the consequences associated with their own actions. Then you'll explore how to apply this learning theory to your training programs. You'll learn positive reinforcement methods, clicker training and much more!

Once you reach Unit E of your online dog training course, you're ready to put everything you've learned into action. You'll learn about the six training methods, all based in positive reinforcement, you can use to teach dogs new behaviors. Discover how to effectively motivate dogs to perform these behaviors and how to use reinforcement schedules in dog training.

In Unit F, you'll learn how to safely use common training tools when you work with dogs. You'll discover common tools to help with leash training and crate training and learn how to teach your clients to use these tools at home. You'll also learn how experienced trainers use these tools and other techniques to change a dog's unwanted behaviors.

You've learned all about training dogs. Now in Unit G you'll learn to teach dog owners. You'll discover what it takes to develop a training program and set up a safe training space to facilitate learning in your training sessions. You'll learn essential teaching skills to help your students work effectively to train their dogs.

By this point in the dog training class, you've completed all your theoretical and practical work, and are feeling pretty confident in your training skills! Now it's time to use those abilities in the real-world and turn your passion into a career. Business training is optional for the Online Track students, but includes mandatory components for those in the Externship Track. We encourage all students to take full advantage of this training to build valuable skills for running a successful training business.

You'll work with your mentor to name your business and establish a business plan. You'll learn all about different marketing techniques and how to use them effectively. You'll also read up on the most effective networking techniques and find out how to apply them to your business or job search. Even if launching your business isn't in your immediate future, take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and complete this optional unit of your course!

In the Externship Track, you'll apply everything you've learned from the Online Track by completing your externship application and starting your in-person placement in a professional dog training environment. Here is a detailed breakdown of how the externship track course works.

1. Submit Your Externship Application

After completing the online training with a grade of A- or higher in your practical units (Units D-G) and paying your course fees in full, you'll fill out an externship application. This is your opportunity to share your preferences with your facilitator, such as location or type of training facility.

2. Placement Matching

Your Externship Facilitator will review your application and work with you to secure the best placement for your hands-on training alongside a professional trainer.

3. Receive Your Placement & Sign Documentation

Within 14 days of application approval, you'll receive your placement details. Your facilitator will provide all required documentation, which you must sign before starting your externship.

4. Begin Your Externship

You'll complete 40 hours of unpaid, hands-on training in a professional dog training environment, gaining practical experience and confidence in your skills.

5. Track Your Hours & Get Evaluated

During your externship, you'll log your hours and complete an evaluation of your experience. Your dog training supervisor will also submit a final evaluation of your performance and skills.

6. Receive Your Certificate of Completion

Once all externship requirements are met—including your hours log and evaluations—you'll receive your official QC Certificate of Completion, recognizing both your coursework and real-world training.