Become a Professional Dog Trainer

Not sure where to start? Follow our proven path from beginner to qualified, specialised trainer — at your own pace, from home.

Dog training is one of the most popular paths at Pet Sense College — which also means it’s the area with the most course options. This page shows you the simplest route: where to start, what comes next, and how to specialise once you’re qualified. You don’t need to take every course. Most students follow one of the stages below, then choose specialisations that match their interests.

The Path

① START HERE — Build Your Foundation

Route A – Build confidence from home first

Choose one

Foundations in Canine Behaviour Management Diploma Best if you’re completely new to dog training and want the broadest grounding before choosing a direction. View course →Foundations in Canine Behaviour Management

— or —

Canine Behaviour and Psychology Diploma Best if you’re specifically interested in why dogs behave the way they do, as a base for behaviour-focused work. View course →Canine Behaviour and Psychology Diploma

— or —

Canine Behaviour and Training Diploma Best for learners who want both an introduction to canine behaviour and the principles of practical training but need a fully home-study starting point. View course→ Canine Behaviour and Training Diploma

Planning to become a hands-on professional dog trainer? Start directly with PDT if you can attend the practical weekends. If you cannot, the Canine Behaviour and Training Diploma is usually the most relevant home-study starting point because it combines behaviour knowledge with training principles. You can progress to PDT when the practical format suits your availability.

② QUALIFY — Your Core Trainer Credential

Route B – Best if you are available to attend the required weekend live lessons

Progressive Dog Trainer Diploma ⭐ Our flagship course

This is the qualification that makes you a dog trainer. Eight modules combining online classes with in-person, hands-on training in Johannesburg, Cape Town, or virtually. Covers obedience, behaviour shaping, and aggression management.

Runs in intakes of approximately 3 months — check current start dates →View course →Progressive Dog Trainer Diploma

③ SPECIALISE — Stand Out and Expand Your Services

Add any of these once you’re qualified, in any order

MHERA™ Certified Trainer Learn to read a dog’s emotional wellbeing so your training is kinder, clearer, and more effective. A modern, evidence-based edge that sets you apart from trainers using outdated methods. Runs in intakes of approximately 3 months. Check current start dates→View course →Mhera Certified Trainer

Canine Aggression Diploma Specialise in one of the most requested — and most difficult — areas of dog training. Comprehensive study of aggression causes, recognition, and safe handling. View course →Canine Aggression Diploma

Canine Communications Diploma Deepen your ability to read body language, vocalisations, and scent marking — valuable for more accurate behaviour assessment with every client. View course →Canine Communications Diploma

Puppy Training Certificate Help new puppy owners build good habits early. Learn appropriate socialisation, early training foundations, common puppy challenges, and how to guide owners confidently. View course →Puppy Training Certificate

Search and Rescue Dog Handler Stage 1, 2 and 3. Better understand what a dog is faced with when working and how to best use his abilities. View course → Search and Rescue Dog Handler

Introduction to Solving Dog Behaviour Problems Diploma Addressing and understanding common behaviour challenges in dogs. Explores key issues owners and handlers face. View course →Introduction to Solving Dog Behaviour Problems Diploma

Professional Rescue Dog Handler Diploma  or Kennel Operator Diploma Want to work in a kennel with rescue and surrendered dogs? This course equips students with the skills needed to care and manage dog in a professional setting. View course →Professional Rescue Dog Handler Diploma or Kennel Operator Diploma