Online Pathway · Dog Training and Business

Work With Dogs and Run Your Own Business

Maybe you already read dogs better than most people do. This pathway goes into canine senses, behaviour, obedience and working dogs. The business modules then cover setting up on your own.

From €29a week, no deposit
18 Monthsof course access
~400 Hoursof study
No Examsever
At a Glance

Course Snapshot

Study AreaDog Training and Business
DeliveryOnline, study whenever suits you
Duration18 Months Access, about 400 hours
TutorsNamed pet and animal care tutors
AssessmentNo exams, ever
PaymentsFrom €29 per week
Comes with
  • Dog care and canine psychology, both covered
  • Obedience and working dog training
  • Business plan built into the pathway
  • CPD credits as you go
Who It’s For

Why Do This Course

Why The Dog Does That

Senses, communication and normal behaviour come before any command.

Then How To Change It

Obedience, movement control and the basics of working dog training.

Then How To Charge For It

Structures, a plan and a way to find your first clients.

Where The Skills Fit

Where These Skills Could Take You

Dog trainers work in classes, in homes and in daycare. Most of the work is self employed or hourly.

Dog Trainer

One to one work in homes and parks.

Dog Obedience Instructor

Run group classes on a weekly schedule.

Freelance Dog Trainer

Your own clients, your own hours.

Puppy School Instructor

Early socialising and first commands.

Pet Business Owner

Training alongside walking or sitting.

Dog Daycare Operator

Group handling through a full day.

Pet Services Entrepreneur

Build a service list around dogs.

Animal Welfare Assistant

Support shelter and rescue teams.

Roles where these skills are useful, not promised outcomes. Every employer is different. Some roles ask for experience or further study.

The Course

What You'll Learn

Care, then psychology and training, then the business.

01
Certificate in Caring for Dogs
Health, breeds and daily care.
Introduction to Dog Care
Canine Biology
Dog Health: Nutrition
Dog Health: Disorders
Exploring Dog Breeds
Responsible Dog Breeding
Dog Behaviour and Training
Grooming Dogs
Other Dog Services
02
Certificate in Dog Psychology, Behaviour & Training
What drives the dog, and how training lands.
Nature and Scope of Canine Psychology
Canine Senses and Communication
Understanding Natural Canine Behaviour
Canine Behavioural Development
Canine Behavioural Disorders
Basic Dog Training Principles
Dog Obedience Training
Controlling a Dog's Movement
Training Working Dogs
03
Start Your Own Business with Xero & AI
Setting up as your own boss.
Starting Up & Business Types and Structures
Preparing your Business Plan
Introduction to Accounting & Bookkeeping
Certificate in Xero
Certificate in Digital Marketing with AI (optional, unlocks after completing core modules)
Included

What You’ll Get

In the Course

  • Dog care, health, breeds, nutrition
  • Psychology, senses, signals, disorders
  • Training, obedience and working dogs
  • Business, structures, plan, marketing

As a Student

  • Self paced, about 400 hours
  • No exams, none at all
  • Access, 18 months from enrolment
  • Online, study whenever suits you
Why This One

What Makes It Different

Three things worth knowing.

01
Behaviour Before Obedience

A full certificate on canine psychology sits ahead of the training work.

02
Tutors With Names

Rachel H and Kris D are your listed animal care tutors.

03
Proceeds Go To The ISPCA

Part of every course fee funds rehabilitation and adoption work.

The Credentials

What You'll Earn

PATHWAY

Certificate of Achievement

Issued by the college once you finish

Certificate Of Achievement

Yours once the modules are done.

CPD Credits

Credits you can put toward professional development.

Industry Backing

ICOES and the CPD Standards Office stand behind the pathway.

Getting Started

How It Works

Step one

Tell Us The Aim

Classes, home visits, or your own service.

Step two

Ask The Questions

An advisor walks you through the modules.

Step three

Sort Payments

Upfront, or weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

Step four

Start Learning

Log in and open the first module.

The Investment

How to Get Started

From €29 / week
Pay upfront, or spread it on an interest free plan.
No deposit to start
No credit check
Weekly, fortnightly or monthly
14 day money back guarantee
Enquire Now
Good to Know

Common Questions

Do I need to own a dog?

It helps for practice, but the study does not require one.

How long does it take?

About 400 hours of study, with access for eighteen months.

Are there exams?

None, ever. You work through the modules at your pace.

Is behaviour covered as well as obedience?

Yes. A full certificate on canine psychology sits before the training work.

Can I set up on my own after this?

The business modules cover structures, a plan and marketing.

Is this a QQI award?

It is not. Not accredited by QQI, and not a national qualification.

What if it is not for me?

There is a 14 day money back guarantee, less the admin fee.

Delivered By

About the College

The Career Academy has run online courses for over fifteen years. It says it helps more than 25,000 students a year.

The college donates a portion of course proceeds to the ISPCA.

Over 15 years runningICOES accredited centreNamed animal care tutorsSupports the ISPCA
Your Own Client List

Enquire Today

Picture a Saturday class of six dogs, all yours to run.

Enquire Now