New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management (Canine Behaviour and Training)

Please note: This programme requires you to have regular access to a dog for the duration of the programme. The application process also involves a dog interview to ensure a safe and effective learning environment for you and your dog.

With growing public and legislative interest concerning the management of animals (dogs in particular), canine-related industries are on the lookout for work-ready graduates. Study the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management (Canine Behaviour and Training) and you'll develop the technical and transferable skills needed to work in canine-related industries.

Begin to understand and recognise 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 canine industries, as well as develop an understanding of the Animal Welfare Act as it applies to all animals in New Zealand, specifically to dogs.

You'll also develop a broad understanding of the anatomy and husbandry of a range of animals which will enable you to provide them with general care.

Highlights

• A hands-on approach focused on practical experience in many aspects of canine obedience and training
• Extensive practical training in Unitec's on-campus dog agility and fenced "off-leash" areas, and fieldwork in selected off-campus environments
• Self-selected placement(s) in the canine industry
• Highly experienced lecturers who continue 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

Compulsory 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
• NB: There are no breed or size restrictions.

Non-Compulsory Dog Requirements

• 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 will try to identify the strength of your dog's motivation and interest in food and in toys, therefore it is 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 is essential that Unitec's dog training tutors help and guide you towards finding a suitable dog.

Where to next

If you're interested in continuing your studies, this programme will give you the academic admission requirements for higher-level animal programmes at Unitec, including the Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Management and Welfare).

Please note: International students who graduate will NOT be eligible for a post-study work visa upon completion of this programme.

Academic requirements

For this programme, you will need the following:

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 (Level 3) or an equivalent qualification. We also have a range of Bridging Education programmes which will help you prepare for further academic study.

English requirements

If English is not your first language you will also need one or more of the following:

• Have achieved NCEA Level 3 and New Zealand University entrance;
• Be able to provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency;
• Have 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, depending on your current level of ability.

If you don't meet these requirements, you may still apply under special or discretionary entrance.