Our Top 5 Canine Courses for Dog Lovers

Dogs are more than just domestic animals; they are beloved family members who are loyal and loving. Such is their importance to many families across the UK, it is no wonder that many of us want a career working with our four-legged friends. If you consider yourself a dog lover, then we have a range of canine courses that can kickstart a career in the animal sector. 

With so many options at your fingertips, we here at Animal Courses Direct have picked out our top 5 canine courses, ranging from dog grooming to small animal hydrotherapy. By studying our canine courses online, you can learn a new craft without having to neglect your existing commitments. Continue reading to discover the best accredited canine courses for you! 

1. Dog Grooming 

Is it your dream to set up your very own dog grooming salon? Well, with our Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming, you will learn how to run your own dog grooming business as well as learn essential grooming skills and techniques.  

While studying our online dog grooming course, you will learn how to groom various dog breeds and how to take different approaches depending on the canine’s coat type. Through a blend of online learning and practical training, you will become fully equipped with the techniques and knowledge to perform as a Dog Groomer and set up your own business. 

Our dog grooming courses, UK learners, don’t simply focus on how to enhance the appearance of a dog, they teach you how to maintain the health and hygiene of your canine clients. Gaining a solid understanding of the role and the benefits of dog grooming will set you up for an exciting career. 

Upon successful completion of the online dog grooming course, you will be a qualified Dog Groomer, with the ability to start your own salon. 
 

Canine Course Facts 

• Accredited – Our online dog grooming course is an Ofqual regulated qualification 
• Online learning – A portion of the course is taught entirely online, and you can make your way through each unit from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace 
• 25-day practical training – When studying our dog grooming courses, UK learners will undergo 25 days of practical training at a state-of-the-art dog grooming training school. Here, you will be observed, supported, and assessed by experienced canine tutors
• Entry requirements – We only ask that you are aged 16 or over, and have a good understanding of English as well as physical mobility. No formal qualifications are required 
• Assessment – You will be tasked with a series of in-depth theory assessments at the end of each unit, and you will also be assessed during your practical training 
• Course validity – After enrolling, you have two years to complete this online dog grooming course 

2. Canine Behaviour Management 

If you are interested in a role that involves the welfare and training of dogs, then you can learn everything you need to know through our canine behaviour courses. For those of you who want to become Canine Behaviourists, rather than go to university, you can achieve the equivalent of a degree with honours by studying our Level 6 Diploma. 

If you have no experience and are starting from scratch, you can benefit from our course package, which takes you from Level 3 through to Level 6. Our Combined Canine Behaviour Management Diplomas Ofqual Levels 3, 4, 5 and 6 will give you the knowledge you need to reach the highest level in canine welfare and behaviour management. 

Through our canine behaviour courses, you will develop skills that will enable you to understand why dogs behave the way they do in certain situations. With this knowledge, you can help owners cope with their dog’s various behaviours, from aggression around other dogs to general anxiety and fear. 

Canine Course Facts 

• Accredited – The course package is an Ofqual regulated Open College Network qualification, and meets the Animal Activities Licensing (AAL) Higher Standard requirements 
• Online learning – These canine behaviour courses are delivered online, so you can navigate through each unit at your own pace and around your existing commitments 
• Practical training – With the course package being made up of multiple levels, an element of practical training will be involved as you make your way through the course 
• Entry requirements – You don’t require any formal qualifications or experience, but you must be aged 18 or older 
• Assessment – After each unit of our canine behaviour courses, you will be issued with an online assignment based on the topics covered in the unit. Our internal qualified experts will assess your work 
• Course validity – You have 4 years to complete the course package and get qualified at Level 6 
• Membership – Upon successful completion of the full course, you will be eligible to apply for membership to The Association of INTODogs. You can then apply to join the International Companion Animal Network (ICAN) 

 

3. Canine Massage 

Dogs can deal with stress and illness, just like humans. One of the ways that can help alleviate symptoms and pain is through canine massages. Not only can this therapeutic treatment help canines heal faster from injuries, but it can also make them happier and improve the bond between the dog and their caregiver. 

To train in this treatment, enrol on our Level 3 Diploma in Canine Massage. With the knowledge and skills you will develop during your studies, you will be in a position to work in canine massage therapy and set up your own business, should you decide to take that route. 

From canine anatomy and behaviour to customer care and business management, you will explore a range of topics through our canine massage therapy online courses. What you learn can be put into practice during a period of practical training. 

Upon successful completion of our canine massage courses, UK learners will be qualified and ready to embark on their own careers in canine massage therapy. 

Canine Course Facts 

• Accredited – Our canine massage courses, UK learners, are Open College Network qualifications, regulated by Ofqual 
• Online learning – You will cover 13 in-depth units, the majority of which are taught solely online. This means that you can complete them from home and fit your studies around your existing commitments 
• 11-day practical training – The practical element of the course consists of 11 days at a state-of-the-art facility, split into manageable blocks. You can choose to complete this part of the course in the Isle of Wight or in Warwickshire 
• Entry requirements – We request that learners are aged 16 or older and have Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English 
• Assessment – To achieve your diploma, you will be required to provide a portfolio of evidence, as well as demonstrate your practical skills 
• Course validity – When you enrol on our canine massage therapy online courses, you have two years to complete it 
• Membership – Qualifying as a Canine Massage Therapist will enable you to apply for membership at the International Association of Animal Therapists (IAAT) 

 

4. Small Animal Hydrotherapy 

Dogs can enjoy longer and healthier lives thanks to advancements in medicine and therapeutic treatments. Small animal hydrotherapy is one such treatment that involves using water-based techniques to help dogs and other small animals recover from injuries, enhance their mobility, and prolong their lives. 

Essentially, a dog will be placed in a shallow pool, where they will carry out a range of exercises with the help of machinery, such as underwater treadmills. Our Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy will provide you with the knowledge and skills to get you started in a career as a Small Animal Hydrotherapist. 

We stand above other canine hydrotherapy training courses as we focus specifically on practical aquatic treadmill therapy and advanced treadmill techniques. This is something that many of our competitors do not offer.  

Our small animal hydrotherapy courses are delivered through a blend of online learning and practical training, where you will learn theoretical principles and put them into practice. Once you have completed this course, you can start working in this animal care sector or further your studies in animal hydrotherapy and physiotherapy. 

Canine Course Facts

• Accredited – Our small animal hydrotherapy courses are accredited by Open College Network, a regulated Ofqual qualification. It is also approved by the Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA) 
• Online learning – You will study 14 units in total, with the majority of which being delivered solely online, which means you can learn from home! Not only that, but you can schedule study time around your existing commitments 
• 6-day practical training – As part of our canine hydrotherapy training courses, you will experience 6 days at a training facility run by Woozelbears Hydrotherapy. They offer practical placements in Chepstow, Witney and Melksham.
• Entry requirements – You don’t require any formal qualifications, but you must demonstrate previous experience with animals. You also need to be aged 16 or older, have a strong understanding of English, and be a confident swimmer 
• Assessment – You will complete a series of online assignments based on the units covered, and you will be assessed during your practical training 
• Course validity – After enrolling on our canine hydrotherapy training courses, you will have two years to complete it, but you can achieve your qualification much sooner if you choose 
• Membership – Once qualified, you will be eligible to apply for membership at the International Association of Animal Therapists (IAAT) 

 

5. Assistance Dog Training 

Assistance dogs are crucial companions to many people all across the UK. Some individuals live with sight problems, hearing difficulties, and disabilities that affect their physical mobility. Assistance dogs are there to help these individuals lead independent lives.  

If you want to be part of this rewarding sector, then come to us for assistance dog training. UK residents can enrol on our Level 3 Diploma in Assistance Dog Training course, which is ideal for anyone who wants to train guide dogs, hearing dogs, seizure alert dogs, disability dogs, and many more assistance dogs. 

From canine behaviours and puppy development to first aid and relevant legislation, you will explore a wide range of topics during our assistance dog training courses.  

Canine Course Facts 

• Accredited – Our assistance dog training, UK learners, is accredited by Open College Network, an Ofqual regulated qualification 
• Online learning – You will make your way through our assistance dog training courses online, enabling you to study from home. With this level of flexibility, you can learn at your own pace and in your own time 
• Entry requirements – Having previous experience working with dogs would be beneficial, but it is not essential. We will only accept learners aged 16 or older 
• Assessment – You will be required to provide an online portfolio of evidence and there will be tasks to complete during your studies 
• Course validity – You have two years to complete our assistance dog training, UK learners, but you have the freedom to finish it earlier if you choose to 

Enrol On Our Canine Courses Online Today!

If our accredited canine courses have sparked your interest, then start your learning journey today! As soon as you enrol on one of our canine courses online, you can get started straight away. To begin, speak to one of our Course Executives on 01202 006 040 or contact us online. Alternatively, click below to discover our range of canine courses.

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