Behaviour & Training Archives

November 7, 2022

4 Important Steps to Become a Dog Trainer

If you are an animal enthusiast, have a strong connection with them, and love helping pets and people, a career as a Dog Trainer could be a great fit for you. Dog training is a fantastic opportunity to significantly impact the quality of life of dogs and their owners. Not only that, you get paid for spending your days with animals!

Why Should You Become a Dog Trainer?

There are several reasons you should consider choosing a career as a Dog Trainer. These include:

Increase in Demand for Dog Trainers

Over the past few years, there has been an increase in demand for Dog Trainers as dog owners hope to create a closer bond with their pets. Many new pet owners now recognise that responsible dog ownership includes early socialisation and ongoing training. With this knowledge, they are turning to Dog Trainers to assist them.

Increase in Popularity of Dog Ownership

The increase in demand for Dog Trainers can also be attributed to the growing popularity of dog ownership. Pet owners report that having a furry companion at home motivates them to maintain a daily routine and boosts their physical and mental health. These benefits have contributed to the popularity of pet ownership in Australia, with dogs taking 40% of the total pet ownership in the country.

You can make a Difference – a Real Difference!

There is increasing evidence showing that undesirable behaviours in dogs compromise their own welfare as well as the humans in their lives. In recent studies, undesirable behaviours have emerged as the predominant course of mortality in younger dogs. With this knowledge at hand, the role of the Dog Trainer in our society to help modify and manage behaviour is now essential in reducing euthansia in young healthy animals.

Increased Use of Dogs in Service (Assistance Dogs)

Assistance dogs are specially trained to aid people who are living with physical disabilities. They help people perform daily activities and tasks more confidently and independently. There are several organisations throughout Australia who employ Dog Trainers to assist with the important role of selecting and training puppies and adult dogs.

Steps to become a Dog Trainer in Australia

Before you embark on a career as a Dog Trainer, we recommend following the following four steps to ensure you make the best decision for you and the steps you can take to have a rewarding introduction to working as a Dog Trainer.

Step 1 – Understand if You Have What it Takes to Become a Dog Trainer

To succeed as a professional dog trainer, you will ideally possess the following qualities and skills:

Excellent communication skills

As a Dog Trainer, you will work closely with dog carers of all experiences and backgrounds to share knowledge, instruct and demonstrate skills.
Patience

Just like no two people are the same, dogs are individuals too. As a Dog Trainer, you will possess a relaxed and calm attitude to help dogs of different life stages, breeds and backgrounds complete their training.
Persistence

Not all carers and dogs will immediately understand and embrace their training activities. If the carer or a dog fails to understand the tasks you are training, you will need to be persistent and consistent in your approach.

Natural love of dogs

If you have a natural love and passion for canines it is more likely you will feel more comfortable working with all kinds of breeds, sizes, and characters.
Problem-solving approach

Throughout your career you will be met with complicated cases including dogs with unique training needs. Your ability to problem solve will assist you in successfully resolving more challenging cases.
Keen observation skills

Much of your insight about a dog's temperament and behaviour will be gained by using objective observation skills. This will help you to understand a dog's behaviour and develop suitable training plans.

Step 2. Get Experience Handling and Working with Dogs

Before jumping into a dog training career, you need to gain practical experience. First-hand experience working with animals provides you with valuable practical skills, as well as references to pop on your CV. Here are three ways you can gain experience with animals and start to learn about the unique behaviours dogs display:

Work in the animal care industry: if you intend to become a successful Dog Trainer, working with animals will allow you to regularly interact and handle them giving you more confidence to pursue a career in training.

Foster animals: animal fostering is not only rewarding, it will also expose you to a range of animals with unique personalities and in some cases those that need extra attention and training.

Volunteer with an organisation: animal shelters and rescue groups are constantly looking for volunteers to help with various tasks. As you carry out your daily activities in the shelter, you will have an opportunity to interact with furry friends of all traits.

Need more knowledge?

Haven’t yet started a qualification? Learn about our Nationally Accredited Course in Animal Behaviour and Training and get the edge you need to start your career!

Step 3. Find a Mentor Who Can Help You Gain Experience

Working with a mentor can help you grow your skills and confidence quickly. They can also provide you with insights and knowledge about their experiences before you seek formal training.

Step 4. Complete a Qualification

If you wish to help pet owners confidently build a relationship with their dogs, then consider enrolling in ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training. The course is a mix of online and practical training in a supportive learning environment, giving you a quality experience at your convenience.

Enrolling on this course allows you to gain the necessary skills from professional trainers. In addition, you will interact with like-minded students and make lifelong friends, who can become an essential part of building your career.

Once qualified, you will hold a national recognised certificate and will also receive membership to the internationally recognised Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT).

Jobs for Dog Trainers

There are various career and job options for Dog Trainers including:

Dog Trainer working with families and their pets either one-on-one or in group classes
Puppy Pre-school Trainer
Dog Trainer in an animal boarding facility, day-care, vet clinic or animal rescue or shelter
Dog Trainer or Dog Handler for a government organisation, e.g. Quarantine Dogs, Drug and Narcotics
Detection Dogs, Police Dogs, etc
Assistance and Service Dog Trainer
Educational role in the animal care industry

Final Thoughts on Choosing a Career as a Dog Trainer

Choosing a career path as a Dog Trainer has many benefits for you. The animals you help will live happy and long lives. As a professional trainer, you will get paid for what you love, spend your time with pups and dogs, and positively impact your furry trainees’ lives.

If you have a passion and love for dogs and want to start a career as a professional Dog Trainer, ensure that you possess all the necessary skills to facilitate your success. In addition, be sure to enrol on our nationally accredited dog training course for high theoretical knowledge and intensive hands-on practical training.

About AVT

We have been training animal care, animal behaviour and training, equine care and veterinary nursing students for over 20 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

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ACM40322 Animal Behaviour and Training

Help others gain a better understanding and relationship with their dog by developing a knowledge of different dog characteristics and gaining an understanding of the science of training.

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Animal Behaviour and Training

This is a 1 year course with online learning and practical training. You will gain a nationally recognised qualification and membership to the internationally renowned Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT)

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Other Options

Follow your passion and get a dream job!

Start today and register for one of our nationally recognised qualifications across a broad range of animal related areas. You can start your career pathway with AVT. Learn about our courses.

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Choose from our range of courses

Choose a study mode to suit you and your location including flexible online learning from anywhere in Australia or on-campus in Perth WA.

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Certification and choosing a course for your career

October 20, 2021

How Can You Tell if a Course is Nationally Accredited in Australia?

If you are looking to start a career caring for animals including a career in veterinary nursing, there are a few things you should know about choosing a suitable course. Firstly, after a quick website search you will find there are two types of courses offered, accredited and non accredited. A vocational education and training (or VET) accredited course has the following characteristics:

Meets AQF standards – This stands for “Australian Qualifications Framework”. This is the national standard for training and education in Australia. It began in 1995 to create a baseline of quality that governs any qualification earned in the country related to schools, training programmes, higher education and so on.
Contains a special code that can be found on the National Register – This is one way you can be sure that it has the quality that you need for your future career. e.g ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Has been developed by industry consultation – accredited courses reassure employers your skillset matches those required by industry – Accredited courses are designed specifically to meet the needs of industry ensuring all the relative laws and regulations are incorporated.

What is a Nationally Recognised Qualification?

There are many institutions throughout Australia offering a range of courses in the area of animal care. However, there are only a few courses that are industry recognised and also deemed a “Nationally Recognised Qualification.” These courses are regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority or ASQA (Australian Government).

What’s the difference between a Non-accredited and Accredited Course?

Courses that are non-accredited may still be useful for increasing your knowledge and skills, but they won’t help you receive an accreditation. A vocational education and training (VET) accredited course has been assessed by ASQA as compliant with the Standards for VET Accredited Courses 2021 and the Australian Qualification Framework (learn more). Courses that don’t have the VET designation and that haven’t been approved by ASQA are not accredited.

Why choose an accredited course?

There are many benefits to choosing an accredited course.

Employers often list accredited certifications as essential criteria in their job advertisements. We find this to be the case in the animal care and veterinary industry.
Courses are reviewed by industry panels and therefore reflect the current skills needs of workplaces.
Accredited providers are regularly audited to ensure the training offered meets the stringent requirements of ASQA.
Units studied in an accredited course can be used for RPL (recognition of prior learning) in other accredited courses.

What types of courses can be accredited?

Just about any type of course can be accredited. You can search training.gov.au to find a course that covers topics you are interested in.

How do you know if a training course is accredited?

One of the most surefire ways to see whether the course is accredited is to check the Australian Government’s website, training.gov.au. You can search for the course, then check the training provider you are researching is approved to offer the course.

Who can deliver an Accredited Course and what does RTO mean?

A registered training organisation (RTO) is a provider registered by ASQA or a state regulator, such as the Training Accreditation Council (TAC) in Western Australia, to deliver recognised VET training and qualifications. Registration with ASQA or a state regulator confirms that the provider is capable of meeting rigorous government standards and is permitted to issue nationally recognised qualifications (learn more). There are two ways you can identify an RTO. Firstly look out for the ‘Nationally Recognised Training” logo and secondly an RTO provider number. An RTO number must be displayed on an RTO’s advertising materials including their website. Once you have the RTO number, be sure to search training.gov.au to ensure the organisation’s registration is current and they are approved to deliver the course you are interested in.

About AVT

Courses working with animals - how to study and juggle work

October 29, 2019

7 tips to Juggle Work and Study in the Animal Care Industry

If you are preparing and studying for a career in animal care, you have made a great decision. The animal care industry is continually growing, with a diverse range of job options available and career paths that can be both interesting and rewarding.

As students, whether focusing on animal studies or veterinary nursing, it can be challenging to juggle studies, practical training as well as paid work and other responsibilities. If this sounds like you, let’s look at some tips to help you balance the various areas of your life as you prepare for your new career.

Tip 1. Be calendar savvy

When you have a lot to do, it is essential to create an efficient schedule. If you have a job, you will have to be disciplined about fitting in coursework. If you only study when you get around to it or have free time, it will be tempting to procrastinate. Set aside specific periods for study. Mark important events such as exams, coursework deadlines, and workplace meetings on your calendar so you are not caught unawares. Arrange your study sessions based on priorities and complete the most important items first. If you have an exam on Animal Anatomy coming up, for example, you will want to start your study session on that topic.

Be creative about finding times and places to study. If you commute, it is often advantageous to take public transportation so you can use this travelling time to study. You might also sneak in some study time while doing the laundry, waiting for food to cook in the oven, or any extra minutes you can find during the day.

Tip 2. Reduce time wasting activities

Everyone has areas where they waste time. For you, it might be watching TV, playing computer games or browsing social media for hours. This is not to say you have to live a spartan existence where you do nothing but work and study. You need to give yourself some “unproductive” time that’s just for fun or relaxation. Sometimes, however, such activities can become addictive and interfere with your responsibilities. One way to handle this is to schedule your downtime as well as your productive activities. Time management apps can help you track your activities and help you make the most of your time.

Tip 3. Work in the industry

Working in the animal care industry is ideal if you are pursuing studies in this field. This way, your job and studies perfectly complement one another. You will be able to apply the knowledge learned in courses to your job as well as obtain the required practical training hours, provided your workplace has been approved.

Whether you are working in the animal care industry or not, let your employer know that you are studying. You may be able to arrange flexible hours at work to make it easier to find study time.

Tip 4. Keep multitasking to a minimum

When you are busy, it is tempting to multitask. You might feel that you are being efficient when you engage in several activities at once. However, the latest research indicates that multitasking is not a sound practice. It actually reduces your efficiency and, in some cases, can even be dangerous. If you are trying to read course material while watching TV or talking on the phone, for example, you will be distracted and not absorb as much information as you would if you were only studying.

Be careful about trying to combine work with study time. If you have actual downtime at work, this may be acceptable at certain jobs. However, do not let studying distract you from essential duties at work. The other issue here is that you cannot give your studies complete attention if you are dealing with customers or work-related tasks. When you multitask, you end up giving less than your best effort at each task. You are better off setting up dedicated times for each activity.

Tip 5. Take care of yourself

Do not let your busy schedule harm your health or well-being. Having a balanced life means eating well, getting enough sleep, and having some time to relax. It can be hard to fit all this in when you are working and studying. However, if you try to do too much, you will end up burning out.

Make sure you get sufficient rest. Lack of sleep is not only detrimental to your health, but it will also reduce your effectiveness as a student and employee.
Take breaks. Just as most jobs provide employees with regular breaks, you should also take breaks from study. Even short breaks where you get up, stretch and maybe take a short walk will help keep you refreshed.
Exercise regularly. Exercise helps you stay healthy and keeps your energy levels high.
Eat nutritious foods and do not rely on junk foods, caffeine or energy drinks to stay alert. These habits backfire and contribute to burnout in the long run.
Plan leisure and downtime. Give yourself a little time to kick back and relax, socialise or just do nothing at all.

Tip 6. Practise, Practise, Practise

Unlike many careers, animal care is all about working with living animals. While there is plenty of knowledge to absorb, it is also important to get as much practical experience as possible in the field to build your confidence and to get exposure to as many species as you can.

Even if your job has nothing to do with animals, we recommend trying to get as much practise in handling animals as possible. If time permits, consider volunteering at an animal shelter, offer to pet sit or walk your friends’ dogs or even consider house sitting for other people with animals. There are many online resources where you can offer your services or find people in need of help.

By doing this, when it comes to submitting assessments and having your practical skills signed off, you will be more comfortable and confident in your own abilities when working with animals.

Tip 7. Choose a flexible online course for your animal care or veterinary nursing related course

One of the benefits of online learning is that it allows you to maintain a flexible schedule. Attending traditional classes, in addition to working, makes it harder to plan a schedule. With online courses, however, you can study at home or in any public space with internet access. It is also good to study with an organisation that offers a variety of courses as well as great support to their students.

It is not always easy to balance work, study and other areas of your life.

The above tips can help you create a more productive schedule while still finding time for yourself. It helps to keep your goals in mind. Remember that once you complete your studies, you will be one step closer to starting your exciting career in animal care. Keeping this in mind will help motivate you when things get a bit hectic and challenging.

If you are looking to start a career in animal care we recommend choosing a nationally recognised Certificates in Veterinary Nursing, Animal Care (Animal Studies) or Animal Behaviour and Training,

You can learn more about getting started in the animal care industry or about our qualifications below.

Excellent communication skills

Patience

Persistence

Natural love of dogs

Problem-solving approach

Keen observation skills

Need more knowledge?

Commence Your Studies in Dog Training

Get Qualified

ACM40322 Animal Behaviour and Training

Animal Behaviour and Training

Other Options

Follow your passion and get a dream job!

Choose from our range of courses

What is a Nationally Recognised Qualification?

Tip 6. Practise, Practise, Practise

Tip 7. Choose a flexible online course for your animal care or veterinary nursing related course

Start your career working with animals...

Choose a course

Follow your passion and get a dream job!

Choose from our range of courses

Get started

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Online)

Animal Care Online Course