New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management (Canine Behaviour and Training

LEVEL 4 NEW ZEALAND CERTIFICATE IN ANIMAL MANAGEMENT (CANINE BEHAVIOUR AND TRAINING)

Total credits 120 (1.0 EFTS) Campus Mt Albert Start dates February Duration Full-time for one year Annual tuition fees $7,300 (NZD) (Approximate domestic fee only)

Career opportunities • Dog trainer • Dog support services • Kennels/Doggy daycare • Animal welfare organisations (canine)

Highlights • A hands-on approach focusing on practical experience in many aspects of canine obedience and training. • Extensive practical training at our oncampus dog agility and fenced “off-leash” areas, as well as field work in selected off-campus environments. • Self-selected placement(s) in the canine industry. • Highly experienced lecturers whocontinue to work closely with industry and are experts in the fields of animal behaviour, health and welfare, and practical dog training. • On-campus individual kennel areas for safe housing of dogs.

Note: International graduates will not be eligible for a post-study work visa upon completion of this programme.

Learn to care for and train your furry friend by studying canine behaviour and training. In this certificate, you’ll explore what influences canine behaviour and husbandry, develop your knowledge of the roles and requirements of canine-related industries in New Zealand, and apply your knowledge through practical training in our dog agility facility.

Programme overview With growing public and legislative interest concerning the management of animals (dogs in particular), the industry is on the lookout for work-ready graduates. Study our canine behaviour and training programme and you’ll develop the technical and transferable skills needed to work in canine-related industries.

Begin to understand and recognise what influences canine behaviour, develop your skills to be able to manage day-to-day canine health and husbandry in a training environment, and apply your knowledge to train a variety of dogs in a range of disciplines.

Learn about health and safety planning, the ethics, philosophies and regulatory procedures that surround the roles and requirements of canine-related industries, and develop an understanding of the Animal Welfare Act as it applies to all animals in New Zealand (specifically to dogs).

You’ll also gain a broad understanding of the anatomy and husbandry of a range of animals which enables you to provide them with general care.

Dog requirements

To be eligible to apply for this programme, you must have arranged regular access to a suitable dog (as approved by Unitec's specialist dog trainers). To ensure a safe and effective learning environment for you and for your dog:

Dogs must be no younger than 18 months and ideally no older than 7 years at the start of this programme Dogs must have current registration details Dogs must be in good health in order to cope with, and excel in, the physical aspects of the programme such as agility and tracking work Dogs must have good play and food drive, and be sociable with other dogs and people There are no breed or size restrictions. In case of injury, we recommend that your dog is insured. We also recommend that your dog is desexed.

Dog eligibility

Before being accepted into the programme, your dog must be assessed by Unitec’s dog training tutors. We’ll identify the strength of your dog’s motivation and interest in food and toys - it’s essential that your dog has a good level of food and toy motivation to succeed in this programme.

If we feel that your dog does not have these motivations, then we may offer you tips to increase these motivations or recommend another dog. If you do not own your own dog before applying for a place on the programme, it’s essential that Unitec’s dog training tutors help and guide you towards finding a suitable dog.

Admission requirements For this programme, you’ll need:

Academic

1. 36 credits at NCEA Level 2 including 12 credits in English 2. 12 credits at NCEA Level 1 in a relevant science subject 3. Have consistent access for the duration of the programme to a dog that has been evaluated and deemed suitable by Unitec's specialist dog trainers.

If you don’t meet the academic criteria above, we'll also accept the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Companion Animal) (see pg. 7) or an equivalent qualification. Alternatively, we have a range of programmes that will help you prepare for study.

CANINE TRAINING

English

If English is not your first language, you’ll need one or more of the following:

Achieved NCEA Level 3 and New Zealand University Entrance Provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency such as IELTS Achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years

If you don’t meet the English criteria above, we have a range of English Language programmes available (see unitec.ac.nz/english).

There are additional English requirements for international students – you can find more information on our website.

Other options

If you don’t meet these requirements, you could apply for special or discretionary admission.

For more information download the programme regulations: unitec.ac.nz/animals

International Students, please visit unitec.ac.nz/international

Apply Now

If you’re studying canine behaviour and training, you’ll be paws-itive(ly) delighted to know we have all the facilities for you and your furry friend too.

There’s the purpose-built agility and off-leash area so your dog can feel safe while you’re learning and developing your handling skills. As you gain confidence throughout the year, you’ll take advantage of other locations around campus for more hands-on, practical experience testing your dog’s training abilities in real-life situations. When they’re ready for some time out, there are on-campus kennels you can use.