Gain a Nationally Recognised Qualification in Animal Behaviour and Training
Do you love teaching people to have a better relationship with their dog? Would you love to learn how to influence an animal’s behaviour? How would you like to take your training to the next level? Our ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training is the gold star standard in Australia with input from internationally recognised experts in animal training.Â
Successful completion of this course provides you with the nationally recognised animal training qualification as well as membership to the internationally renowned Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT).
This is a 12-month blended course and is the perfect mix of online and practical training in Perth in a supportive learning environment. Our philosophy incorporates modern, positive-reinforcement based and force-free animal training, perfectly combined with clear and compassionate training for the human half! As a graduate, you’ll be prepared for employment as an animal trainer.
Practical training: Train with our expert trainers in 2 x 4-day immersive workshops – designed to boost your hands-on skills!
Classroom training: Fortnightly virtual sessions
Online study time: Approx. 23 hours per weekÂ
Prerequisite: HLTAID011 Provide First Aid (to be completed by first practical workshop)
Best suited to: Students with some knowledge or experience in the animal care and/or animal training industry, who are looking to consolidate their skills with a national qualification, and/or are looking to take the next step as a qualified animal trainer.
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 and 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 multiple 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 multiple books on dog training.
Ken Ramirez – Executive Vice-President and Chief Training Officer of Karen Pryor Clicker Training.
Dr Susan Friedman – Psychology Professor at Utah State University who pioneered Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for animals.
Dr Robert Hewings – Retired police dog trainer and creator of the UK College of Scent Dogs.
Plus, you’ll also hear from these highly respected industry professionals:
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, just advise us so suitable arrangements can be made.
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 can use a family or friend’s dog if they are happy for you to train with.Â
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 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.
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).
What will you learn?
ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training contains 16 units of study (including your compulsory prerequisite HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid) covering a broad range of topics relating to animal training and behaviour. You will become competent in:
Interpreting animal behaviour
Understanding and applying animal learning theory
Evaluating best practice conditioning and training methodologies and techniques to meet the welfare needs of animals
Conducting group training classes and consultations
Providing ethical training services for carers/clients
Developing and implementing enrichment strategies
Understanding animal anatomy
Interacting safely with animals
The skills and knowledge you will learn can be applied in a range of roles from trainers to animal handlers. For more information on careers working with animals read our article Top 6 Animal Care Careers.
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Course outcomes
Our graduates can go on to a wide range of roles across the animal behaviour and animal training industry. Successful completion of this course prepares students for AVT’s Canine Behaviour Consultant Course.Â
Job outcomes
Graduates from this course can go on to careers such as:
Animal Trainer (self-employed or working for an organisation)
Puppy Class trainer
One to one pet dog training consultations
Group Dog Class Trainer
Trainer in an animal rescue/shelter
Shelter Worker
Assistance Dog Trainer
At home enrichment Provider
Walk and Train Dog Trainer
Trainer in an animal boarding facility
Trainer in an animal services facility (day-care, veterinary clinic, etc)
Trainer or handler for a government organisation
Educational role within the animal care industry
Skills outcomes
Some of the skills you will be able to apply once qualified include:
Providing group dog training classes
Providing one to one animal training consultation services
Conditioning and training animals
Provision of appropriate enrichment for individual animals
Interpretation of animal body language
Understanding animal learning theory
Ability to interpret animal behaviour in a safe manner
You must complete the following 8 units (in addition to completing your compulsory prerequisite, HLTAID011 Provide First Aid prior to the first practical workshop. You will need to complete this unit with another provider).
ACMBEH301 Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals
ACMBEH403 Evaluate animal conditioning methodology and program design
ACMBEH404 Condition animal behaviour
ACMWHS401 Maintain workplace health and safety processes
ACMGEN402 Advise on animal industry compliance and practices
ACMBEH402 Develop, implement, and monitor enrichment strategies for animals
ACMGEN304 Promote positive wellbeing in self & others in animal care workplaces
Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training Students will also be required to study:
ACMARM403 Identify and respond to animal behaviour in animal management and regulation environment
ACMBEH405 Provide individual advice on animal behaviour management/training
ACMBEH406 Conduct group training classes for animal owners or carers
ACMBEH407 Conduct animal behavioural assessments
ACMVET411 Prepare, deliver and review animal care education programs
ACMARM407 Conduct community awareness programs
ACMADT403 Train dogs using operant and classical conditioning techniques
What makes our Animal Behaviour & Training course different from the rest?
Study with the Best
Professionally written and delivered – this course is written and presented by industry experts Laura Ryder IMDTB KPA CPDT-KA FFCP and Fiona Cowie IMDT.
Supportive Learning
Fortnightly Zoom classroom sessions, mentoring and training at your practical workshops plus additional assistance from our Student Support team.
Stress-Free
You will follow a structured study timetable to ensure you stay on track. Our Trainers and Assesors will follow your progress and provide feedback.
One Year Course
This course is interactive, engaging and hands-on. You will enjoy the flexibility of studying online and gain practical experience at our workshops.
Industry Leading Knowledge
We develop and deliver our own tailored course material, so you get the latest and most up-to-date knowledge.
IMDT Membership
A kite mark of quality in the dog training industry, also ensures you have continued support as you transition to employment in the industry.
What students say about our course
"The thing I enjoyed most about the course was the people. We had fantastic instructors and great support staff, but it was also wonderful to be able to work with a network of trainers. Whether you're starting out as a dog trainer, whether you don't have qualifications and you've been a dog trainer or maybe you've done some other courses in the past, this course is going to really solidify everything together and give you a formal qualification."
"In 2023 I completed my Cert IV In Animal Training and Behaviour. It was both a great mixture of hands-on and theory learning. The practicals were the highlight of the course, being able to meet fellow students and learn from amazing trainers.
Overall it was a great course to do, not just for someone wanting to get into the training industry but also just as an animal owner." (Facebook review)
"I completed my Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training in 2023, and I LOVED the program. I was already working as a dog trainer (IMDT qualified) but wanted to continue building on my skills. I loved the mixed delivery of the course (online and in person), the tutor support, and the content itself. Definitely one to look at if you're planning to work in the animal care industry!" (Google Review)
"I completed the Cert IV Animal
Training and Behaviour course through AVT. The course was absolutely fantastic. The content was current and delivered in such a professional way. The instructors are so supportive and very experienced in their professions, always so insightful and inspiring. The course good mix of theory and practical knowledge. The content consists of best practice and ethical methods which has inspired me as a trainer and an advocate for the best treatment of animals. Highly recommend this course, I was sad when it ended!" (Google Review)
Fees & inclusions
Total course fees: $6,850
Payable via our monthly payment plan. Enrolment deposit of $1,500 plus 10 x $535 monthly payments and includes:
Learning guides (Downloadable)
Textbooks (Downloadable)
Dedicated student support
Support from AVT Trainers
Assessments and Certification
Membership in private Facebook groupÂ
Practical training insurance
Practical Training Kit: Uniform, name badge, workbookÂ
IMDT Membership Assessment (Valued at $550)
Want more info about fees, the deposit or payment plan options?
*Fees, inclusions and payment plan amounts are subject to change. The compulsory prerequisite unit (HLTAID011 Provide First Aid) is an additional cost to the student.
If you decide to withdraw from study for any reason, refunds are not issued. Please see our policies page for full details.Â
The ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training course is delivered with a combination of online learning and practical training. The practical component includes 2x four day intensive workshops held in Perth, WA. The workshops are a crucial part of the course and attendance in person is compulsory. The hands-on experience gained during these workshops is essential for successful completion the course.
Due to the specific contact hours required for students to successfully complete the ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training course, the workshops must be conducted in person and cannot be conducted virtually.
We are here to support our students coming from other parts of Australia. We organise the workshop dates well in advance. The dates for the 2x four-day intensives are set prior to enrolment. This allows you to ensure the dates work for you, plus plenty of time to plan your travel arrangements.
AVT has been delivering Vet Nursing and Animal Care related courses for over 25 years. It's safe to say there are no plumbing or hairdressing courses here!
Outstanding Track Record
A recent NCVER VET student outcomes report found 93% of AVT graduates were employed or enrolled in further study after training and 95% of graduates would recommend the training provided by AVT.
Safe and Supported Learning
Our qualified teaching team have many years of experience as well as extensive backgrounds in the veterinary and animal care industry. They're approachable and dedicated to helping students succeed.
If you have some experience in animal care and wish to further your skills and knowledge, this is the perfect course to refine your skills. Take up to 12 months to complete this flexible Online Course.
ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (RSPCA)
A 6 month course providing you with hands-on practical training at the RPSCA WA and AVT under the supervision of AVT Trainers, plus online learning from the comfort of your home.
