New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management – Canine Behaviour and Training

Summary

With growing public and legislative interest concerning the management of animals (dogs in particular), the industry is looking for work-ready graduates with the technical and transferable skills needed to take up job opportunities in canine-related industries.

In this programme, you’ll gain a broad understanding of canine behaviour and husbandry (and that of other companion animals).

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• You will be able to develop your capability to manage day-to-day canine health and wellness in a training environment and apply your practical training skills to create and modify behaviour in a variety of dogs.
• About health and safety planning, the ethics, philosophies, and regulatory procedures that surround the roles and responsibilities of canine industries,
• To understand the Animal Welfare Act as it applies to all New Zealand animals (specifically dogs).

This programme is taught at two locations, more information on Auckland block course dates and timetable or Christchurch block course dates and timetable.

Highlights

• Focus on applied learning covering many aspects of canine behaviour and training, including extensive practical training.
• Practical work experience. You’ll complete at least two work placements at an external canine facility.
• A passionate teaching team of experts. Our highly experienced lecturers continue to work closely with the industry and are experts in animal behaviour, management, welfare, and practical dog training.
• A mixture of on and off-campus learning. You’ll be required to attend up to four weeks of on-campus learning, and the rest will be online. You can now do your block course in Christchurch. via Ara

Dog requirements

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 your furry companion, your dog must:

• The dog must be no younger than 18 months and ideally no older than seven years. There are no breed or size restrictions. However, dogs must be physically able to undertake the programme.
• The dog must be registered, vaccinated, and in excellent health to enable them to excel in the more physical aspects of the programme.
• They must also be social towards others and dogs and strongly desire to work for food and toys during training sessions.
• We also prefer dogs to be insured since, in a learning environment, we cannot guarantee that dogs will not be injured. ​

To ensure your dog is a good fit with you on the programme, Unitec’s dog training tutors must assess.

Before being accepted into the programme, Unitec’s dog training tutors must assess your dog. They must have high food and toy motivation and be confident around other dogs and students. If we feel that your dog doesn’t quite meet these motivations, we may offer you tips to increase these motivations or recommend another dog.

Where to next?

If you want to continue your studies, this programme will give you the academic admission requirements for the Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Management and Welfare).

Career Options

• Animal welfare organisations (canine)
• Dog support services
• Kennels/dog daycare
• Pet Dog Trainer

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students

$8,400

(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)

International students

This programme is not open to international students - check our international study options instead.

Semester Dates

Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun

Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov

For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.

For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest.

Study options schedule” below to view the semester dates by study option

Downloads and resources

Programme regulations - New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management – Canine Behaviour and Training [Order a personalised brochure](https://www.unitec...