New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management - Canine Behaviour and Training

With growing public and legislative interest concerning the management of animals (dogs in particular), the industry is looking for work-ready graduates with the technical and transferable skills needed to take up job opportunities in canine-related industries. 

In this programme, you’ll gain a broad understanding of canine behaviour and husbandry (and that of other companion animals).

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Aspects of daily care and management. You’ll develop your skills for managing daily canine health and husbandry in a training environment and apply your knowledge to train a variety of dogs in a range of disciplines.
• The role and responsibilities of canine professions. Learn about health and safety planning and the ethics, philosophies and regulatory procedures surrounding Aotearoa New Zealand’s canine industry.
• Get to know canine legislation. You’ll also develop an understanding of the Animal Welfare Act as it applies to all animals in Aotearoa New Zealand (and dogs specifically).

Highlights

• Focus on applied learning covering many aspects of canine behaviour and training, including extensive practical training in our on-campus dog agility area.
• Practical work experience. You’ll complete at least two work placements at an external canine facility of your choice.
• A passionate teaching team of experts. Our highly-experienced lecturers continue to work closely with industry and are experts in animal behaviour, management, welfare and practical dog training.

Dog requirements

To apply for this programme, you must have arranged regular access to a suitable dog (as approved by Unitec's specialist dog trainers). To ensure a safe and effective learning environment for you and your furry companion, your dog must:

• Be no younger than 18 months and no older than 7 years at the start of your first semester
• Have current registration details 
• Be in good health to cope with, and excel in, the physical aspects of the programme, such as agility and tracking work
• Be desexed, vaccinated, and up-to-date on parasite prevention
• Have a good play and food drive, and be sociable with other dogs and people 
• There are no breed or size restrictions.
• In case of injury, we recommend you have pet insurance. 
• Desexed, vaccinated and up to date on parasite prevention are a requirement. 

To ensure your dog is a good fit with you on the programme, Unitec’s dog training tutors must assess it.

Before being accepted into the programme, Unitec’s dog training tutors must assess your dog. It’s essential they have a high level of food and toy motivation and are confident around other dogs and students. If we feel that your dog doesn’t quite meet these motivations, we may offer you tips to increase these motivations or recommend another dog. If you don’t own a dog before applying for a place on the programme, Unitec’s dog training tutors may be able to help you find a suitable dog.

Where to next?

If you’re interested in continuing your studies, this programme will give you the academic admission requirements for the Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Management and Welfare).

Please note: International students who graduate will NOT be eligible for a post-study work visa upon completion of this programme