RTO 41462 · Nationally recognised training
Delivered byDog Trainer AcademyACM40322
For qualified dog trainers ready to specialise. Learn to train assistance dogs for a wide range of roles, and to instruct handlers with disability to train their own dogs.
Nationally recognised · RTO 41462
Up to 24 monthsMany students finish within that time frame
5 unitsAssistance dog specialisation
Online theoryPlus hands-on practical training
$5,000Payment plans from $43 per week
Any timeEnrol and start when you are ready
Certificate IV requiredACM40322 must be completed first
Master of PuppiesOur practical training facility
Your Cert IVA specialisation, not a restart
Prerequisite: you must have completed the ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour & Training before enrolling in this specialisation.
Training assistance dogs, and teaching handlers to train their own.
This program is designed for individuals who have already completed the ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training and are eager to expand their expertise in training assistance dogs. Throughout the course, students learn how to train assistance dogs for a wide range of uses and functions, making a meaningful impact on the lives of both dogs and their handlers.
The specialisation is structured to provide a holistic learning experience. It begins with an online component, where you cover the theoretical aspects of assistance dog training. This includes an in-depth understanding of the relevant legislation, ethics and techniques required in this specialised field. You will also explore the various roles assistance dogs can play in helping individuals with disabilities, and the specific training protocols associated with each.
Practical training is hands-on, and much of the work is as much about the handler as the dog — assessing whether a prospective handler and dog are a suitable match, and instructing handlers with disability so they can train their own assistance dog.
Everything about how this specialisation runs — delivery, requirements, enrolment and payment options.
This program is designed for individuals who have already completed the ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training and are eager to expand their expertise in training assistance dogs. Throughout this course, students embark on a journey to learn how to train assistance dogs for a wide range of uses and functions, making a meaningful impact on the lives of both dogs and their handlers.
The course is structured to provide a holistic learning experience. It begins with an engaging online component, where students delve into the theoretical aspects of assistance dog training. This includes gaining an in-depth understanding of the relevant legislation, ethics and techniques required in this specialised field. You will also explore the various roles assistance dogs can play in helping individuals with disabilities and the specific training protocols associated with each.
Practical training for this specialisation is hands-on and delivered at Master of Puppies, our practical training facility. Dates are arranged with the teaching team once you are enrolled, so your practical fits around your existing work and training commitments.
You are given up to 24 months to complete this specialisation, and many students finish within that time frame.
How quickly you complete the course depends on the number of hours you dedicate to study each week, your commitment to learning, and your level of competence.
This specialisation is taught using a blended approach that combines online lessons with practical training.
Online
The theory is delivered online, so you are not required to attend classes or lectures. You receive access to our Learning Portal where you will find course materials, interactive learning materials, videos and assessments, plus a hard copy of the Learner Resource. While studying online, you have access to our teaching support team via email, online chat or phone.
Practical training
Hands-on training is completed at Master of Puppies, working with dogs under supervision and covering handler instruction as well as dog training.
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 assistance dog or animal training 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 confirming your Certificate IV.
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 — $5,000
This specialisation is not funded under the Queensland Government Career Start Program.
Pay in four instalments:
Five units making up the Assistance Dog Training specialisation.
| Code | Unit title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| ACMADT301 | Select appropriate equipment for an assistance dog and handler | Specialisation |
| ACMADT401 | Assess prospective handler’s suitability for an assistance dog | Specialisation |
| ACMADT402 | Instruct handlers with disability to train assistance dogs | Specialisation |
| ACMADT403 | Train dogs using operant and classical conditioning techniques | Specialisation |
| ACMADT501 | Plan and conduct assistance dog training in specific and complex tasks | Specialisation |
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 whether this specialisation suits where you are up to.
