ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training

Laura Ryder, IMDTB KPACTP CPDT-KA FFCP

Laura has worked as the Head Dog Trainer and Behaviour Consultant for a busy veterinary clinic for over 25 years. She is a Fear Free Certified Professional and Member of the Fear Free Speakers Bureau. She holds her Certificate IV in Dog Behaviour Training and a Certificate IV in Training & Assessment is a full member of IMDT, APDT and PPG.

She has presented both locally and overseas to the AVA, VNCA, IMDT, APDT (USA) and PPG on a wide range of dog behaviour and training topics.

Fiona Cowie, IMDT

Fiona also has over 20 years’ experience in the industry, including 14 years as a detection dog handler with two government departments. She has also run a successful dog training business and is passionate about supporting new dog trainers entering the industry.

Fiona holds a Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Dog Training and Behaviour and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. She is also a full member of IMDT and PPG.

Both Fiona and Laura are passionate about professional development and have completed numerous industry recognised courses.

Guest Video Presentations

The course also includes guest video presentations by leading international experts:

• Steve Mann – Founder of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers and Author of the books Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy, Easy Peasy Doggy Squeezy, Easy Peasy Doggy Diary and Easy Peasy Awesome Pawesome Dog Training for Kids
• Ken Ramirez – Executive Vice-President and Chief Training Officer of Karen Pryor Clicker Training and Author of the books Animal Training: Successful Animal Management Through Positive Reinforcement and The Eye of the Trainer: Animal Training, Transformation and Trust.
• Dr Susan Friedman – Psychology Professor at Utah State University who has pioneered the application of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to captive and companion animals. Susan created the concept of ‘Unlabel Me!’ and the Hierarchy of Behaviour-Change Procedures.
• Dr Robert Hewings – Retired police dog trainer (Metropolitan Police Dog Training Establishment – London), creator of the UK College of Scent Dogs and Author of the book Scent Training for Every Dog.

Plus, you’ll also hear from these highly respected industry professionals:

• Hannah Branigan
• Michael Shikashio
• Mikkel Bekker
• Lori Stevens
• Laura Monaco-Torelli
• Lori Chamberland
• Allie Bender
• Emily Strong
• Carrie-Anne Selwyn
• Mary Hunter
• Louise Ginman
• Dr Rachel White
• Scotti Harvey
• Peta Clarke
• Barbara Hodel
• Helen Motteram
• Aileen Stevenson
• Ryan Cartlidge
• Petra Edwards

This is a blended learning 12-month course. You will participate in:

• Online learning from home (Approx. 23 hours per week)
• Compulsory fortnightly Zoom (virtual) training sessions
• Compulsory 2 x 4 day practical workshops based in Perth, WA. See: Key dates for workshop dates

Requirements for Practical Workshops:

• Suitable training dog required
  Each participant will need to have a dog that is comfortable around other dogs and humans, crate trained and capable of lots of training. If you do not have access to a suitable dog, or are travelling from elsewhere in Australia to attend, you will need to advise us so suitable arrangements can be made.

Students must:

• Complete a pre-training review, including a language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) assessment. More info about the LLN >>
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be available to participate in ALL practical training days
• Have access to a dog who will be comfortable to undertake the practical training elements. For the at-home learning components, there are no training pre-requisites for the dogs, as they will be in their safe environment. If you do not live with a dog, you will need to ensure you have access to a dog (i.e., family or friend’s dog they are happy for you to train with)
• Be physically capable of restraining animals, lifting and carrying objects up to 10kg and standing for extended periods of time.
• Have a reliable internet connection and access to a desktop computer or laptop. You will be required to write, submit and in some cases upload assessments and various types of multi-media files online in your own time, therefore we strongly recommend using a desktop or laptop computer for your studies
• Hold the HLTAID011 First Aid Certificate – you are required to show proof of unit completion one week prior to the first practical workshop. You will need to study this certificate with an approved provider (see www.training.gov.au for a full list of providers)

This course is highly competitive and has limited places. Therefore, successful students are selected based on prior work experience, education, individual attitude and aptitude. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by an AVT team member.

At workshops, you will be required to wear:

• An AVT polo shirt and name badge (supplied by AVT)
• Enclosed black shoes (supplied by student)
• Neatly presented, long comfortable work pants suitable for bending and manual work (supplied by student).