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Train dogs and teach owners

Dog trainer courses.
Become a professional dog trainer

Your dream job — now your career

View the curriculum
Duration
6 months
Per month
US$160US$99
Next intake

About the course

Understand dogs and know how to work with them

Why does a dog react this way? How do you choose a suitable training method? What should you change when an exercise is not working? How do you explain to an owner what to do between sessions?

These questions are central to a dog trainer’s work. On the NSHSS course, you study canine behaviour and physiology, learn training methods and apply them to specific situations. Practical assignments help you connect what you have learned with your own actions, while your teachers and mentor help you work through difficulties.

The programme is suitable for people who want to enter the profession, organise their existing experience into a coherent approach or study dogs in depth, starting with their own dog.

How the course works

Study, practise and review the results

Course essentials

6months of
training

No experience needed

First month
2 sessionsper week
From the second month
3 sessionsper week
Class format
Classes with teachers and supervised practice
Class times
Daytime and evening groups

Materials for revision

Recordings of completed classes help you revisit a difficult topic or study material you missed. Access conditions are set out in the training agreement.

Classes with teachers

Study the curriculum, discuss examples and ask questions. Your teacher helps you understand the material and relate it to the tasks you encounter when working with a dog.

Group lesson with dogs at the training ground

Practice with a mentor

Complete assignments with a dog and show your work to your mentor. Receive advice on the exercises and work through the parts you have not yet mastered.

Instructor guides a dog over a sloping obstacle at the training ground

Course outcome

Demonstrate your preparation in the final exams

The course concludes with theoretical and practical examinations. After passing them, you receive an NSHSS diploma confirming your training.

An instructor’s work draws on every part of the course: understanding canine behaviour, using training methods and teaching owners. This foundation can support the development of your own practice and further study in your chosen canine disciplines.

After graduation

We often invite our strongest graduates to join our team. Opportunities to work together are discussed individually, taking account of the graduate’s preparation and the school’s needs.

Student reviews

How studying changes your understanding of dogs

Students share their experiences of the curriculum, teachers, practical sessions and the knowledge they are already putting to use.

Study at NSHSS

Start your training at NSHSS

Our team will contact you within an hour to explain the course in detail and answer your questions.

Send an enquiry to discuss the curriculum, the next group and practical training arrangements.

Prefer to message us directly?

Message us on Telegram support@dogacademies.com
Participants and instructors standing with their dogs in a long line at an outdoor training ground

Course curriculum

The knowledge behind a dog trainer’s work

The programme covers nine subject areas. You study how a dog’s body works and how dogs learn, develop training techniques, explore working with owners and consolidate your knowledge through practice.

Canine biology, neurology and physiology

The structure and function of the body, brain and nervous system. Explore how physiological processes relate to behaviour and why a dog’s individual characteristics matter in training.

Ethology and behaviour

Dogs’ natural behaviour and the methods used to study it. Learn to understand species-specific needs and responses, distinguish them from learned skills and account for them in your work.

Dog training methods

Principles and techniques for training dogs of different breeds. Learn how to build skills progressively and choose a suitable approach for each dog.

Behaviour modification

Explore the situations that lead owners to seek help. Learn to investigate how difficulties arise and choose behaviour modification methods suited to the dog.

Odorology

How dogs perceive scents and the role scent plays in their behaviour. Explore how this knowledge is used in training and different areas of canine work.

Health, nutrition and care

The basics of veterinary care, nutrition and everyday care. Study the issues that help a trainer take a dog’s condition and needs into account when planning sessions.

Ethics and the psychology of interaction

Principles of humane handling and understanding a dog’s needs. Explore how to build an appropriate relationship during training and in everyday life.

Working with owners

Conducting consultations and developing individual training plans. Learn to explain your recommendations and help owners continue their dog’s training between sessions.

Practical training

Apply the methods you have studied while working with different dogs. Complete assignments under the guidance of an experienced instructor, receive feedback and work through difficulties.

NSHSS programme authors and teachers

Learn at a school that trains instructors and working dogs

NSHSS brings together instructor education, work with dog owners and specialist training programmes. The school’s programme authors create teaching materials and share experience gained through practical work with dogs.

This connection shapes the course: a future instructor needs to understand canine behaviour, explain the reasoning behind a chosen method and make their actions clear to the owner.

Before you enrol

Your questions answered

Can I enrol without prior experience?

Yes. The programme starts with the basics: the dog’s body, behaviour and principles of learning. You gradually progress to training methods and practical assignments. You do not need previous experience as a dog trainer to enrol.

Is the course suitable if I currently just want to understand my own dog better?

Yes, if you want a structured education and are ready to study dogs in greater depth. You will explore canine behaviour, physiology and training methods, as well as an instructor’s work and communication with owners. You do not have to decide in advance whether dog training will become your profession.

What does the curriculum cover?

Nine areas: canine biology, neurology and physiology; ethology; training; behaviour modification; odorology; health and care; ethical interaction; working with owners; and practical training. The content is described above. You can discuss individual topics and examinations with the NSHSS team before enrolling.

How can I complete practical training if there is no NSHSS branch nearby?

Practical training can be arranged with remote guidance from a mentor. You study the demonstrated techniques, complete assignments with a dog and submit your work for review.

You do not have to own a dog: with their owners’ agreement, you can work with dogs belonging to friends or other people. Before the course starts, we will agree which dogs you will work with and the conditions for your practical assignments.

Can I combine the course with work?

NSHSS offers daytime and evening groups. Classes take place twice a week in the first month and three times a week from the second month. Recordings of classes for which recording is included in the programme help you catch up on missed material. When choosing a group, also allow time for practical assignments.

What document will I receive?

After completing the programme and passing the theoretical and practical examinations, you receive an NSHSS diploma. If you complete the course but do not pass the examination, you receive a certificate of course completion.

These are documents issued by the school confirming your training and its outcome. A public profile in the register is arranged separately; requirements for professional practice depend on the country where you work.

When does the course start and how much does it cost?

The next intake is . The current fee is US$99 per month and the course lasts 6 months. The total is US$594 when paying monthly, or US$500 when paying in full upfront with an additional 15% discount.

We will confirm your group’s language and timetable when you enrol.

Can I pay monthly?

Yes. You do not have to pay the full course fee upfront. Monthly payment is available. If you need a different payment schedule, discuss it with the NSHSS team before the course starts.

Does NSHSS help graduates start working?

NSHSS helps graduates organise their own practice and often invites its strongest graduates to join the team. Tell us about your professional plans so we can discuss possible areas of work and further development. Decisions about working together are made individually.