RTO 41462 · Nationally recognised training
Delivered byDog Trainer AcademyACM40322
The core dog trainer qualification. Obedience, behaviour modification, canine first aid and running training sessions with clients — delivered across six progressive stages with two hands-on practical blocks.
Nationally recognised · RTO 41462
Up to 24 monthsMany students finish within that time frame
16 units8 core · 8 elective
Online theoryPlus two 2-week practical blocks
$6,000Payment plans available
Any timeEnrol and start when you are ready
Full qualificationACM40322, nationally recognised
Master of PuppiesOur practical training facility
Six stagesTheory, case studies, practical, assessment
How you become a professional dog trainer, and how the training actually works.
The Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour & Training is a nationally recognised qualification that equips you with the knowledge and practical skills required to become a professional dog trainer. Whether you are interested in obedience training, assistance dog training or behaviour modification, this course provides a structured and hands-on approach to learning.
The course is delivered across six progressive stages, allowing you to develop your knowledge and skills through theory, case studies, supervised practical training and independent assessment activities.
You must attend two two-week practical training blocks — one Block A and one Block B — delivered at Master of Puppies, our practical training facility, where you work with a variety of dogs under supervision. The blocks are where you are taught the skills and techniques themselves: handling, timing, reading behaviour, and the training methods you will rely on. You are not assessed on the day.
What you learn in the blocks is what you then apply to complete your practical assessments in your own time, in your own workplace or training environment. Many practical assessments require you to train dogs or implement behaviour-management programs over multiple sessions, so you can demonstrate progress and adjust your approach. You record and submit video evidence of your practical skills, together with any required training plans and session records.
Everything about how this qualification runs — the six stages, delivery, requirements, enrolment and payment options.
The Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour & Training at Dog Trainer Academy is a nationally recognised qualification that equips you with the knowledge and practical skills required to become a professional dog trainer. Whether you are interested in obedience training, assistance dog training or behaviour modification, this course provides a structured and hands-on approach to learning.
The course is delivered across six progressive stages, allowing you to develop your knowledge and skills through theory, case studies, supervised practical training and independent assessment activities.
As part of the course you must attend two two-week practical training blocks. Each student attends one Practical Training Block A and one Practical Training Block B, delivered at Master of Puppies, where you work with a variety of dogs under supervision. The blocks are where you are taught the skills and techniques themselves — handling, timing, reading behaviour and the training methods you will rely on. You are not assessed on the day.
Assessment tasks are completed independently in your own time. Many practical assessments require you to train dogs or implement behaviour-management programs over multiple sessions so you can demonstrate progress and adjust your training approach. You will record and submit video evidence of your practical skills, together with any required training plans, session records and supporting documents, for assessment.
The course runs in order, building from foundation knowledge through to independent assessment.
The opening stage builds the foundation the rest of the course sits on: safe interaction with animals, welfare assessment, workplace health and safety, and canine first aid. You complete this stage online, at your own pace, before moving into behaviour theory.
Key learning areas:
In this stage you delve into the science of dog behaviour, training methodologies and behavioural modification techniques. You explore how dogs learn, interact and respond to different training techniques, allowing you to develop effective, ethical training programs.
You study canine body language, enrichment strategies and animal behaviour assessments, enabling you to make informed decisions when working with different dog temperaments and behavioural challenges. This stage also introduces group training methodologies, providing insight into how to train multiple dogs and educate dog owners.
Key learning areas:
This stage bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical training. You apply what you have learned in realistic case studies and scenarios, testing your ability to assess behaviour and develop training solutions.
By analysing real-world behavioural challenges, you refine your skills in problem-solving, behaviour modification, and designing training programs for different situations. This stage prepares you for the hands-on training experiences that follow.
Key learning areas:
2 weeks, at Master of Puppies
In this first hands-on training block you begin applying your knowledge in a supervised practical setting. This stage focuses on building practical dog training skills, including obedience techniques, environmental exposure and engagement training.
You work directly with dogs, practising food and toy luring techniques, shaping behaviour, and introducing distance obedience training. This stage also introduces lesson planning, ensuring you understand how to structure effective training sessions.
Key learning areas:
2 weeks, at Master of Puppies
The final practical stage is an intensive training experience where you refine your skills through real-world training applications. You conduct behavioural assessments, develop group training plans, and deliver structured training sessions.
This stage focuses on training dogs for real-life situations, ensuring they can respond to basic obedience commands and develop good lifestyle behaviours. You also gain experience delivering group training sessions and refining your ability to work with both dogs and owners.
Key learning areas:
The practical blocks at Master of Puppies teach you the skills and techniques. The assessments are where you demonstrate them. Following the blocks, you complete your practical assessment tasks in your own time and in an appropriate training environment — your workplace, your own training setting, or with dogs you have access to.
Many tasks require you to train dogs or implement a dog behaviour-management program over multiple sessions so you can demonstrate progress and adjust your approach when required.
Specified practical assessment tasks must include video evidence that clearly shows you working with the dog and demonstrates your skills and abilities. Training plans, session records and other supporting documents may also be required.
Your assessor will review the evidence and provide feedback. If additional evidence is needed, you will have an opportunity to revise or resubmit your work. Your qualification will be issued once you have successfully completed all assessment requirements and been assessed as competent in every required unit.
Key learning areas:
All practical training blocks are delivered at Master of Puppies, our practical training facility. Each student attends one Block A and one Block B. Practical assessments are completed afterwards, in your own time and in your own training environment.
2026 dates
Practical Training Block A
2027 dates
Practical Training Block A
Practical Training Block B
A Unique Student Identifier (USI) is a personal reference number that creates a secure online record of all your nationally recognised training in Australia. Every student must have a USI to enrol in accredited courses and to receive their qualification or statement of attainment.
If you are currently working, or have previously worked, in a relevant dog training or animal care role, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning. RPL allows your existing skills and workplace experience to be formally assessed against the units of competency for this course, potentially reducing the amount of study you need to complete.
To explore RPL opportunities, contact our team at admin@nsti.edu.au to discuss your experience and begin the assessment process.
Get in touch and we will send you the enrolment form and walk you through it, including choosing your practical block dates.
When a student enrols into a course, the National Skills Training Institute needs a form of ID to support the enrolment. This is used to ensure the student matches the USI number. All documents are kept securely in the student’s file.
Full course fee — $6,000
This qualification is not funded under the Queensland Government Career Start Program. Payment plans and instalment options are available — contact our team to set up an arrangement that suits your budget.
Sixteen units make up this qualification — eight core units and eight electives.
| Code | Unit title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| ACMBEH301 | Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals | Core |
| ACMBEH402 | Develop, implement and monitor enrichment strategies for animals | Core |
| ACMBEH403 | Evaluate animal conditioning methodology and program design | Core |
| ACMBEH404 | Condition animal behaviour | Core |
| ACMGEN303 | Assess the welfare status of an animal | Core |
| ACMGEN304 | Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces | Core |
| ACMGEN402 | Advise on animal industry compliance and practices | Core |
| ACMWHS401 | Maintain workplace health and safety processes | Core |
| ACMGEN309 | Provide basic animal first aid | Elective |
| ACMGEN311 | Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing | Elective |
| ACMSPE316 | Provide general care of a domestic dog | Elective |
| ACMGEN315 | Communicate effectively with clients and team members | Elective |
| ACMBEH405 | Provide individual advice on animal behaviour management and training | Elective |
| ACMBEH406 | Conduct group training classes for animal owners or carers | Elective |
| ACMBEH407 | Conduct animal behavioural assessments | Elective |
| BSBOPS404 | Implement customer service strategies | Elective |
Unit codes and titles are drawn from the ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package. You can verify this qualification and our scope of registration at training.gov.au under RTO 41462.
Everything students ask us about the qualification, work placement, online study and recognition of prior learning.
Yes, all courses offered by the National Skills Training Institute (NSTI) are nationally accredited in Australia. Our programs meet the rigorous standards set by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), ensuring that our students receive high-quality, industry-relevant education and training that is recognised nationwide.
NSTI is a Registered Training Organisation and our number is 41462. You can view our registration details on the Australian Government’s training website, training.gov.au, which provides information on registered courses and training providers. We highly recommend using the RTO website to research any training organisation you are considering.
At the National Skills Training Institute (NSTI), we understand the importance of flexibility in education. That’s why we allow students to start their course at any time. Enrol today and begin your journey with NSTI at your convenience.
Yes, you can finish the course faster than the set duration. Our courses are designed to accommodate different learning paces. If you are committed and dedicated to your studies, you may be able to complete the course more quickly. Your progress will depend on your individual effort and the time you are able to dedicate to your coursework.
We understand that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may need more time to complete your course.
Yes, you can extend the duration of your course if you do not finish it in time. We typically do not charge any fee for this extension, as we believe in supporting our students through their learning journey without added financial stress. If you find yourself needing an extension, please reach out to our support team and we will guide you through the process.
Competency-based training is an educational approach that focuses on equipping learners with the specific skills and knowledge required to perform tasks to industry standards. Rather than traditional time-based education, competency-based training allows students to progress at their own pace, ensuring they master each competency before moving on.
This method is highly practical and outcome-focused, making it ideal for vocational education and training. By emphasising real-world application and hands-on experience, competency-based training ensures that graduates are job-ready and meet the performance expectations of their chosen industry.
Work placement, also known as Structured Workplace Learning, is an integral part of many of our courses. This practical component allows students to apply and expand their learning in a real-world setting, providing invaluable hands-on experience.
During your work placement you will undertake tasks and be assessed on your performance, ensuring you develop and demonstrate the skills and knowledge you have acquired in your course. This experience not only enhances your learning but also helps you build professional connections that can be beneficial for your future career.
Yes, you can complete your practical training at more than one workplace. This flexibility allows you to gain diverse experiences and insights from different environments. However, we recommend limiting your placements to no more than two organisations to maintain a consistent learning experience.
When selecting your workplaces, ensure that your practical placement aligns with the species-specific unit you have chosen as your elective. A signed Workplace Approval Form is required for each placement to confirm its suitability for your studies.
Students are assessed through a comprehensive Practical Task Portfolio during their work placement. This portfolio includes a logbook and practical assessments such as workplace assignments, which may involve case studies, photographs, written descriptions of workplace procedures, and video evidence of practical tasks.
Each unit also features Practical Task Worksheets that outline specific tasks to be completed during the placement. Supervisors sign off on each task once it is successfully completed. All practical assessments must be submitted via our online learning platform for evaluation by our tutors. Students must also maintain an attendance record signed by their supervisor to verify the completion of required placement hours.
If you are already working in a role that aligns with your field of study, you may be able to complete your work placement with your existing employer, provided they agree. This option is viable if your current workplace can fulfil all the requirements of the Structured Workplace Learning component of your course. If it cannot, you will need to complete the necessary hours elsewhere.
Your work placement must be supervised by a suitably qualified individual who has been approved by the National Skills Training Institute.
Yes, you can volunteer at an organisation for your work placement for an animal qualification. Many of our Animal Studies and Animal Care students complete their required hours in a voluntary position, whether at an animal or wildlife shelter or an animal-related business.
Before starting your work placement you will need to submit a Workplace Supervisor Form. Once we receive this form our teaching team will assess the organisation to ensure it meets the workplace criteria for your course.
Online learning at NSTI offers flexibility and convenience that sets it apart from traditional classroom-based courses. With online study you have the freedom to learn from anywhere — there is no need to be physically present on campus. You simply log on to our online learning portal to access all your learning materials and assessment tasks.
Our online courses are designed without set deadlines, allowing you to build your knowledge and skills at your own pace, as long as you complete your course by the specified expiry date. This self-paced model makes it easier to balance your studies with other commitments.
If you are new to studying or have not done so in a while, it is natural to feel uncertain about online learning. However, online study is designed to be accessible and flexible, making it a great option for almost everyone.
We provide all your learning materials and assessments through our online campus, so everything you need is in one convenient place. With just a computer and internet connection you can start your learning journey. Our dedicated Student Support team is here to assist you with any questions, time management tips, or study advice you might need.
With our custom-designed learning platform you can complete your coursework using a computer, laptop, tablet, or even a mobile device. Our platform is mobile responsive and user-friendly, allowing you to study anywhere, anytime.
All coursework is automatically saved, providing you with the flexibility to continue your studies without interruption.
Our online courses are designed to be accessible to individuals with varying levels of computer proficiency, from beginners to advanced users. Basic computing skills you will need include the ability to create, save and edit documents, access and search the web, and upload and save documents.
Having additional abilities can enhance your learning experience — participating in online discussions and webinars, uploading documents through websites, compressing image files, and creating different file types such as Word documents and PDFs.
Online study offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to learn when and where it suits you best. Delivering course materials through a customised online learning platform means students avoid the need to travel to a physical campus, saving both time and money. This is particularly advantageous for those balancing family, work or personal commitments.
Online study also promotes independent learning, catering to various learning preferences and paces. It is ideal for those who need to manage other responsibilities alongside their education and prefer a more self-directed approach.
Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) is a process used by Registered Training Organisations in Australia to assess and formally acknowledge the skills, knowledge and experience that an individual has acquired through previous education, work and life experiences.
RPL allows individuals to gain credit towards a qualification without having to complete the entire coursework. This helps to avoid redundancy in learning, enabling learners to fast-track their education and reduce the time and cost required to achieve a formal qualification.
Credit Transfer is a process that allows students to receive formal recognition for the competencies they have previously achieved through other accredited education or training programs. We acknowledge the qualifications and units of competency you have completed elsewhere, ensuring that your prior learning and achievements are not duplicated.
This means you can progress through your course more efficiently, avoiding unnecessary repetition and potentially reducing the time and cost required to complete your qualification.
To apply for credit transfer you need to provide certified copies of your previous qualifications and transcripts, which will be assessed by our academic team. Once submitted, our team will review your application and determine the eligibility of your previous studies for credit transfer.
Tell us where you are up to and we will come back to you with an honest answer, including how the practical blocks work and how to book them.
