Certificate in Puppy Training

Learn how to train happy, well-behaved puppies using science-backed, positive reinforcement techniques in this flexible, fully online certificate course. Gain practical skills and professional knowledge to kickstart your puppy training career or enhance your pet expertise.

*Duration:

50 Hours

Access:

12 Months

Start Date:

Start Anytime

Payment Options:

Upfront With Discount or Interest-Free Payment Plans

100% Online. Access From Any Computer, Tablet, or Mobile

Choose from upfront payment with a discount or flexible interest-free payment plans.

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* Estimates only. You can learn at your own pace.

Crafted in Partnership with Industry Leaders

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What You'll Learn

Puppy development stages & learning basics
Positive reinforcement & clicker training
Crate training, housebreaking & leash skills
Socialization & confidence building
Managing common behaviours (barking, chewing, nipping)
Advanced exercises: shaping, enrichment & tricks
Professional planning & client communication
Adapting training for different breeds & environments

What You'll Get

24/7 access to your course through the online learning portal, allowing you to study when it suits your schedule.
Each comprehensive module contains written course notes, visual presentation slides and an immersive audio podcast via Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, or other platforms - allowing you to choose which learning method you prefer.
No strict assignment deadlines or exams. Each module concludes with a multiple-choice quiz to help reinforce your understanding of the course content and track your progress.
Upon course completion: A digital certificate of completion to add to your resume.
Access to exclusive discounts on other courses.
Receive a 7-day money back guarantee to ensure the course is right for you.

Course Modules

Module 1: Understanding Puppy Development and Learning

How Puppies Learn: Basic Principles of Canine Cognition
Critical Developmental Periods in Puppies
Reading Puppy Body Language and Communication Signals
Building the Human-Puppy Bond Through Positive Interaction
Setting Up Your Home for Successful Puppy Training
Understanding Breed Differences and Their Impact on Training

Module 2: Positive Reinforcement Training Fundamentals

Introduction to Positive Reinforcement Methods
Effective Use of Rewards and Markers
Clicker Training Basics for Puppies
Avoiding Common Training Mistakes
Transitioning from Food Rewards to Other Reinforcers
Building Duration, Distance, and Distraction into Training

Module 3: Essential Puppy Training Skills

Crate Training and House Training Fundamentals
Teaching Reliable Recall and Emergency Stop
Leash Walking Without Pulling
Establishing Settle and Calm Behaviour
Preventing Resource Guarding
Managing Jumping, Mouthing, and Nipping Behaviours

Module 4: Socialization and Environmental Confidence

Structured Socialization with People and Other Dogs
Building Confidence in Various Australian Environments
Handling and Touch Desensitization
Traffic, Noise, and Environmental Distractions
Appropriate Puppy Play and Social Skills
Preventing and Addressing Fear-Based Behaviours

Module 5: Problem-Solving and Behaviour Modification

Understanding the Root Causes of Problem Behaviours
Addressing Separation Anxiety in Puppies
Managing Excessive Barking and Vocalization
Redirecting Chewing and Destructive Behaviours
Overcoming Specific Fears and Phobias
When to Seek Additional Professional Help

Module 6: Advanced Training Techniques

Shaping Complex Behaviours Step by Step
Teaching Practical Household Manners
Introduction to Scent Work and Mental Enrichment
Training Fun and Useful Tricks
Problem-Solving Through Training Games
Building Reliability in Real-World Contexts

Module 7: Professional Puppy Training in Australia

The Australian Puppy Training Industry Standards
Working with Different Client Types and Expectations
Designing Progressive Training Plans for Clients
Tracking and Documenting Training Progress
Effective Client Communication and Education
Building a Professional Puppy Training Business in Australia

Module 8: Specialized Training Applications

Adapting Training for Different Puppy Personalities
Working with Multi-Dog Households
Training Considerations for Australian Wildlife Encounters
Training Puppies for Urban Australian Living
Foundations for Farm and Rural Dogs in Australia
Creating Lifelong Learning Plans for Continued Development

Duration

You can complete this course in approximately 50 hours, but you will have up to 12 months of access to complete it with self-paced learning.

Career Opportunities

Puppy Trainer
Canine Behaviour Consultant
Dog Walker & Pet Sitter
Doggy Daycare Owner/Operator
Animal Shelter Puppy Trainer
Pet Training Business Owner
Puppy Socialization Specialist

While studying this course provides valuable skills and knowledge, it does not guarantee a specific career outcome. The career outcomes listed are intended as a general guide only.

Accreditations

CPD Accredited

This course is fully CPD accredited, which means each of the course modules is globally recognised for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Completing CPD-endorsed courses gives you CPD points that are recognised by employers and can be used in your resume, professional industry membership, or future career as a professional. Every student receives a digital badge of CPD points that is portable, sharable and verifiable for the study they have completed.

ICOES: A Global Seal of Online Education Excellence

Our courses are proudly ICOES accredited. ICOES (International Council of Online Educational Standards) is a globally recognised accreditation body that sets and upholds rigorous quality standards for online education. By thoroughly reviewing course content, delivery, and measurable learning outcomes, ICOES ensures that accredited courses meet high standards of excellence, integrity, and innovation. This trusted seal of approval not only enhances institutional credibility but also assures learners of a superior educational experience.

Payment Options

Please note: All prices are inclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Pay Upfront With a Discount

AUD

Best Value Offer
* 7-Day Money Back Guarantee

PAY UPFRONT

Interest-Free Payment Plan

AUD

/week

Pay Weekly
Budget-Friendly Option

PAY WEEKLY

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About the Course

Bring Out Your Inner Puppy Trainer: Master Professional Puppy Training Skills and Shape Happy, Well‑Behaved Dogs

Do you love the idea of helping puppies and their owners set the foundation for a lifetime of good behaviour?
Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can guide young dogs through their most critical learning stages?
Or are you an experienced pet professional wanting to specialise in puppy development and positive reinforcement techniques?

Did you know? According to Jobs and Skills Australia, there are approximately 1,800 dog handlers and trainers employed in Australia. And with over 100 dog training roles currently advertised on SEEK, the demand for qualified trainers remains strong.

So, if your life’s calling is to nurture puppies into well‑adjusted companions, now is the moment to step in. Start by studying the Certificate in Puppy Training, a fully online course designed to give you both the theoretical foundations and hands‑on expertise to train puppies effectively across Australia.

This course contains 8 key modules where you’ll learn:

Understanding Puppy Development & Learning: How puppies learn—cognitive principles, critical windows, body language, bonding, home setup, and breed traits.
Positive Reinforcement Fundamentals: Reward hierarchies, marker training, clicker basics, mistake‑avoidance, and distraction proofing.
Essential Puppy Skills: Crate & house training, recall, leash walking, calm settling, resource guarding prevention, and nipping management.
Socialization & Environmental Confidence: Structured play, handling desensitization, noise/traffic exposure, social skills, and fear prevention.
Problem‑Solving & Behaviour Modification: Root-cause analysis, separation anxiety, barking control, chewing redirection, phobia management, and referral.
Advanced Training Techniques: Shaping, household manners, scent work, enrichment games, trick training, and real‑world reliability.
Professional Puppy Training in Australia: Industry standards, client management, progressive plans, documentation, communication, and business setup.
Specialised Applications: Adapting for personalities, multi‑dog homes, wildlife encounters, urban/rural contexts, and lifelong plans.

To enhance your learning experience, you’ll enjoy 24/7 access to our online portal with video lessons, PDF guides, interactive quizzes, and immersive podcast episodes - so you can learn in the style that suits you. Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a digital certificate to showcase your expertise.

Ready to transform puppies’ lives and launch your career as a puppy trainer? Enquire now, get more details, and grab your free sample lesson.

Get MY SAMPLE LESSON

*Duration:

50 Hours

Access:

12 Months

Start Date:

Start Anytime

Payment Options:

Upfront With Discount or Interest-Free Payment Plans

100% Online
Access From Any Computer, Tablet, or Mobile.

Choose from upfront payment with a discount or flexible interest-free payment plans.

Get MY SAMPLE LESSON

* Estimates only. You can learn at your own pace.

Get Your Sample Lesson

Certificate in Puppy Training

Crafted in Partnership with Industry Leaders

Reviews

What You'll Learn

What You'll Get

Course Modules

Duration

Career Opportunities

Accreditations

Payment Options

Pay Upfront With a Discount

Interest-Free Payment Plan

/week

About the Course