DOG TRAINING SPECIALIST – HIGHER DIPLOMA
Start: 18 June 2026
THURSDAY – 6PM-8PM
The Dog Training Specialist Higher Diploma is a specialist programme designed for trainers seeking to master advanced behavioural techniques and applied training strategies. Through immersive modules and hands-on practice, students learn to transform complex canine behaviours using evidence-based methods and compassionate, results-driven approaches.
This advanced programme is designed for trainers ready to specialise in behavioural training and elevate their impact in the field. You’ll explore cutting-edge methodologies, master behaviour modification techniques, and refine your ability to address complex behavioural challenges with confidence and clarity.
More than a technical upgrade, this course empowers you to become a thought leader in modern dog training — equipped to navigate behavioural nuance, guide clients ethically, and stay ahead of industry developments.
Entry Requirements: Applicants should have completed the Progressive Dog Trainer Diploma or an equivalent qualification from another institution or be an established trainer.
Course Requirements:
- Ability to train dogs to a standard level of obedience.
- You can commit to sessions on Thursday evenings for 3 months
- You have additional time to read the subject specific literature and prepare your assignments.
Dedicate at least 1-2 hours daily to assignments. - You have a dog to work with at home.
- Your computer needs the following requirements: Windows 7-10 or Mac OS x, Internet
connection, broadband or wireless (3g or 4g/LTE), speakers and microphone, webcam, or built-in camera.
Course Modules
2. Advanced Training Skills
- Slow and fast lures
- Fading lures
- Marker-based training
- Primary and secondary reinforcers
- Capturing and shaping
- Prompts
- Behaviour chains
- Verbal cues and hand signals
- Movement as a cue
- Emotion and body language as a cue
- Proofing behaviours
- Generalisation
3. Engaging Dogs for Success
- Predatory motor patterns
- Sensory enrichment
- Enrichment on walks
- Kinetic enrichment
- Enrichment in the home and garden
- Training on the go
4. Planning and Tracking
- Training plans
- Management plans
- Criteria
- Splitting and Lumping
- Rate of Reinforcement
- Criteria testing
- Latency testing
- Training logs
5. Stress and its effect on Training
- How dogs respond to stress
- Visible signs of stress
- The autonomic nervous system
- The four F’s pertaining to dogs
- Creating calm
- Low-stress activities
- Training a dog to behave calmly
6. Psychology of dealing with clients
- Frame of reference and backgrounds
- Human reactivity
- Client compliance & motivation.
- Personalities
- Mindful listening
- Managing expectations
- Setting boundaries
Dates
- June 18,25
- July 2,16,23,30
- August 13,20,27
- September 3(exam)
Course Details
- 6 Module Course – intensive study over 3 months.
Students are assessed on weekly assignments, 2 projects, presentation of final assignment and an on-line verbal exam. Every module and project must be passed as well as the examination to gain the higher diploma. We require 100% attendance to qualify for the diploma, at the end of the course. - Venue: Online live webinars
- Day: Thursday
- Time: 6pm-8pm
Fees:
Payment options:
Full Course Upfront R11 100.00(includes booking fee)
or
Installments R11 100.00
- Paid over 4 months as follows:
- R1000 non-refundable booking fee
- R2525 due between 1 & 12 June
- R2525 due 1 July
- R2525 due 1 August
- R2525 due 1 September
NOTE: Contact us for more info or to request the Registration form. The form downloaded from the website is not applicable to this course.
Contact: 083 407 1316 Email: cbti@petsensecollege.co.za
I thoroughly enjoyed this course. Casey’s depth of knowledge is commendable, and the manner in which she conducted the classes was truly exceptional. Here’s to hoping for a Level 3 course someday!
