We’re excited to share that we are exploring the possibility of delivering another class of ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training in Tasmania, a nationally recognised dog trainer course. If you’re a Tasmanian dog trainer, animal care professional, or someone ready to step into the world of behaviour and training, this could be your opportunity to gain a dog training qualification in Tasmania.
Tasmania intake - November 2026*
For many animal trainers, travelling interstate for practical workshops can be a barrier. By delivering the practical intensive workshops locally in Tasmania, students would be able to complete the qualification without the additional cost and disruption of travelling to Perth.
This opportunity is particularly suited to:
- Tasmanian trainers wanting to gain a national qualification in behaviour and training locally
- Animal care professionals ready to take the next step into behaviour and training
- Experienced handlers looking to strengthen their professional credibility
This intake may also appeal to Victorian trainers. With the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, travelling with your vehicle and your dog becomes possible, making the workshops both accessible and practical.
Successful completion of this course provides you with a nationally recognised animal training qualification, along with membership to the internationally renowned Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT). This means you’re not just completing a course, you’re strengthening your professional credibility both nationally and internationally.
Learn from experienced industry experts
This course is delivered by AVT Trainers and Assessors, Laura Ryder and Fiona Cowie, two highly respected professionals who have spent decades shaping the field of modern, ethical animal training.
Reflecting on the previous Tasmanian cohort in 2022, Laura shared how memorable the experience was.
“Teaching the Certificate IV in Tasmania was one of those experiences that stays with you,” Laura said.
“The enthusiasm, collaboration and commitment to force-free training practices from students was incredible. The hands-on sessions and supportive learning environment helped the group build real confidence and capability.”
When asked about the possibility of returning to Tasmania, Laura said she would love to see another local cohort take the next step in their professional journey.
“I’m thrilled to potentially be heading back to deliver it again and to keep strengthening behaviour and training skills across Australia. It’s a valuable opportunity for trainers to engage in nationally recognised, industry-aligned learning close to home.”
Fiona shared similar memories of the previous Tasmania workshops, “travelling to Tasmania to meet the students was awesome. Their fresh perspectives and genuine enthusiasm made every session a joy,” Fiona said.
“It was wonderful watching the students’ practical skills, knowledge and confidence grow, but it was even more inspiring to see lifelong friendships form and strong professional networks take shape.”
Fiona also highlighted the strength of the online learning environment, “the Zoom classrooms are very interactive, it never felt like the students were far away, though sometimes the weather was different!”
She also reflected on the strong connections that continued long after the course finished, “we’ve stayed connected through IMDT membership, which is Australia-wide, and I absolutely love following our Tassie members’ business journeys, catching up at conferences or online. Our Tassie trainers continue to make us proud, there must be something special in the water!”
From previous Tasmanian student
Isabella, A Bark Above Dog Training and Behaviour, AVT Tasmania Class of 2022
For Isabella, completing the Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training was both a professional milestone and a deeply meaningful personal experience.
“I absolutely loved the experience. One of the most special parts was meeting and getting to know a group of passionate, like-minded people who all shared the same values around ethical, reward-based training,” Isabella said.
“Coming from a space where I hadn’t always felt supported by other trainers in the industry, this course was a really warm and uplifting environment. It felt collaborative rather than competitive. I’m incredibly proud to say that some of my closest friends today actually came from this course.”
Having the workshops delivered locally made a huge difference.
“I had wanted to undertake this course for quite some time, but travelling from Tasmania to Perth always made it difficult to commit. Having the opportunity to learn from industry leaders while staying here in my home state was brilliant. It made such a high quality qualification far more accessible for Tasmanian trainers.”
Since graduating, Isabella has continued to build her professional reputation within the Tasmanian dog training community.
“I’m very proud to be the first trainer on the North West Coast of Tasmania to hold the Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training. Being able to bring the first nationally recognised, ethically aligned qualification in behaviour and training to our region felt incredibly meaningful, both personally and professionally.”
She has also continued her professional development by completing the Canine Behaviour Consultant Course, which she described as a challenging next step. “It was a real deep dive into behaviour. It definitely pushed my capacity and made me think critically about behaviour cases, but the confidence it gave me was second to none. The cohort was incredibly supportive throughout the process, and the Trainers were kind, patient and exceptionally knowledgeable.”
For anyone in Tasmania considering studying behaviour and training, Isabella has simple advice: “Go for it. Chase those dreams. Being able to say you’ve achieved the highest formal qualification in this field within our country, especially one grounded in ethical standards and positive reinforcement methods, is incredibly rewarding.”
Why study Animal Behaviour and Training in Tasmania?
Tasmania has a passionate and growing community of dog trainers, veterinary professionals, animal welfare organisations and companion animal services. For many people working in these roles, accessing formal training opportunities can involve interstate travel.
A locally delivered animal behaviour course in Tasmania makes it easier for trainers and animal care professionals to gain a dog training qualification without leaving the state.
Whether you’re working in a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, council ranger service or running your own dog training business, building a strong understanding of learning theory, behaviour and humane training techniques can strengthen both your confidence and professional credibility.
By bringing this dog trainer course to Tasmania, we hope to support local trainers and animal care professionals to continue developing their skills while staying connected to their communities.
Who is this course is suitable for?
This animal behaviour and dog trainer course in Tasmania is ideal for people already working with animals, as well as those ready to begin a professional pathway in behaviour and training.
- Professional dog trainers
- Veterinary nurses and assistants
- Animal attendants and shelter staff
- Rangers and animal management officers
- Puppy preschool and trick trainers
- Pet industry professionals such as groomers and daycare staff
- Animal care workers
Submit your expression of interest
We’re currently reviewing interest for a Tasmanian intake for November 2026*. Submitting an Expression of Interest allows us to keep you informed as plans progress.
If the intake is confirmed, you will be the first to receive the details. There is no obligation at this stage.
If you’ve been searching for a dog trainer course in Tasmania or a nationally recognised animal behaviour course, we encourage you to learn more and submit your Expression of Interest.
*Subject to confirmation
About AVT
We have been training animal care, animal behaviour and training, equine care and veterinary nursing students for over 25 years in Australia. Students who undertake AVT courses range from high school-aged students just starting their pre-vocational journey right through to mature-aged students seeking an alternative career path. Graduates are highly respected and sought after by industry professionals, businesses and organisations. If you want the background knowledge and skills to help you secure your career in the animal care industry, check out our qualifications here or gain new skills by studying one of our short courses.
Commence Your Studies in Dog Training
Get Qualified
ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training
Behaviour and Training - Tasmania
Animal Behaviour and Training
Further Your Pathway
Canine Behaviour Consultant Course
About this Short Course
