If you are serious about becoming a dog trainer, this is where you begin. The IICBT Level 5 Diploma in Canine Training and Instruction is built for people who want to work with real dogs and real owners, not simply collect an online certificate.

By the time you complete the course you will be able to:

• Plan and deliver structured training for puppies, adolescents and adult dogs
• Use humane, modern methods that protect welfare and build trust
• Read canine body language and manage safety in homes, classes and public spaces
• Run professional consultations and coach owners so they feel supported and confident
  

You will study online at your own pace, then attend a two day practical workshop and assessment at The Kennel Club, Stoneleigh.

On completion you will:

• Be a qualified dog trainer working within an appropriate scope of practice
• Meet the training prerequisite for the IICBT Level 6 Diploma in Canine Behaviour Practice

Why choose IICBT for your trainer qualification

• Independent, outcomes led standards for canine training and behaviour
• Programme recognised through iPet Professional Development Recognition (PDR)
• Practical workshop and assessment at The Kennel Club, Stoneleigh
• Clear pathway into the IICBT Level 6 Canine Behaviour Practitioner Diploma

You will study eight modules that build your skills step by step. Together they cover: ethics, learning theory, handling and safety, programme design, client coaching, common training challenges and professional development.

Want the full detail of every learning outcome and assessment criteria?

[Download the full syllabus (PDF)]

Module 1. Professional Practice, Welfare and Ethics

You will:

• Understand your duty of care as a professional trainer
• Apply the five domains approach to support canine welfare in training
• Compare training methods in terms of welfare and risk
• Define your own ethical position and scope of practice
• Know when and how to refer to veterinary or behaviour professionals
  

Module 2. Canine Learning Theory and Training Methods

You will:

• Explain key learning theory concepts in plain English
• Use reinforcement, shaping and other tools to build behaviour
• Design step by step training plans for common goals
• Evaluate different training methods against evidence and welfare
• Justify your choices when speaking to clients or other professionals
  

Module 3. Canine Communication, Handling and Safety

You will:

• Recognise key postures and signals that indicate stress, fear and overarousal
• Read body language in context rather than as isolated signals
• Use low stress handling suitable for a training role
• Set up safe environments for classes and one to one sessions
• Identify red flags that mean a case may be outside a trainer’s remit
  

Module 4. Designing and Delivering Training Programmes

You will:

• Plan multi week programmes for puppies, adolescents and adult pet dogs
• Write clear lesson plans, including goals and homework
• Balance theory, demonstration and practice in your sessions
• Adapt plans when a dog or owner is not progressing as expected
• Reflect after sessions and use feedback to improve your delivery
  

Module 5. Foundation Skills, Life Skills and Obedience

You will:

• Teach and troubleshoot core skills such as recall, loose lead, stay and settle
• Build real life skills such as calm greetings, walking in public and relaxing in busy environments
• Break exercises into small, achievable steps for novice owners
• Create homework tasks that fit into everyday life
• Support owners to maintain and generalise skills outside sessions
  

Module 6. Working with Clients: Coaching and Communication

You will:

• Run structured consultations and take clear histories
• Set realistic, shared goals with owners
• Explain training in simple, non technical language
• Use basic coaching techniques to keep clients engaged and motivated
• Manage common challenges such as non compliance or conflicting advice
  

Module 7. Common Training Challenges and Low Risk Behaviour Issues

You will:

• Distinguish between training challenges, mild behaviour issues and complex cases
• Work safely with typical issues such as pulling, jumping up and overexcitement
• Combine management, training and owner education into simple plans
• Recognise when behaviour has a possible medical component
• Make timely, appropriate referrals to behaviour practitioners or vets
  

Module 8. Professional Portfolio and Reflective Development

You will:

• Build a portfolio that evidences your skills across real or simulated cases
• Record client journeys from enquiry to review
• Reflect on what went well and what you would do differently
• Identify your strengths and learning needs as a trainer
• Create a personal development plan, including preparation for Level 6 study
  

The Level 5 Diploma is designed so you can study alongside work, family and other commitments, while still gaining high quality, in person experience. You will:

• Study theory online at your own pace using structured lessons, videos, case studies and knowledge checks
• Access your materials through a simple student portal so you always know what to do next
• Complete short practice tasks with dogs in your own environment
• Receive guidance and feedback from experienced tutors
  

In addition to your distance study, you will attend a two day practical workshop and assessment event at The Kennel Club, Stoneleigh.

At The Kennel Club, Stoneleigh:

Day 1: Workshop day

• Small group practical teaching
• Handling and observation exercises
• Running elements of classes and one to one sessions
• Client communication and coaching practice

Day 2: Assessment day

• Observed practical assessment with a dog and owner
• Demonstration of safe handling and appropriate equipment use
• Clear explanation of exercises and rationale
• Professional, supportive interaction with the owner
  

Events at The Kennel Club, Stoneleigh, run once a month. You select the date that matches your study progress and schedule, subject to availability. For many learners, training at such a well recognised venue is a strong selling point to future clients. Most learners complete the course within 6 to 12 months, studying part time.

What this looks like in real life

Many learners study for around 1 to 2 hours on three or four days a week. You might complete an online lesson in the evening, then practise a short training exercise with your own dog at the weekend. You choose when to book your Stoneleigh workshop so it fits around your work and family life.

Assessment is there to confirm you can apply what you know with dogs and owners, not just recall information.

You will complete:

Online knowledge checks and short written tasks

‍To test your understanding of learning theory, welfare, ethics, risk management and scope of practice.‍

Training and class plans

‍You will design realistic plans for puppy courses, life skills classes and one to one programmes, including goals, progression and homework.‍

Face to face practical assessment at The Kennel Club, Stoneleigh

‍You will be observed working in a realistic training scenario. Your assessor will look for:

• Safe, confident handling and appropriate use of equipment
• Accurate reading of canine body language and suitable responses
• Clear explanation of exercises and next steps for the owner
• Professional, ethical decision making in the moment‍

Professional portfolio of evidence

‍Across the course you will build a portfolio that usually includes:

• At least one client journey from enquiry and consultation to follow up
• Copies of your plans, records and owner homework
• Written reflections on what went well and what you would change
• Any feedback or testimonials you are able to collect
  

You will be given clear criteria and examples so you know exactly what is expected at each stage.

The IICBT Level 5 Diploma in Canine Training and Instruction is designed as a launch pad for a range of roles, such as:

• Dog trainer offering one to one training and group classes
• Puppy and life skills class instructor
• Trainer within a day care, training centre or pet business
• Training support role in rescue and rehoming organisations
• Assistant or associate working alongside a behaviour practitioner

It also supports you if you want to:

• Start or grow your own dog training business
• Add structured training services to an existing pet business
• Build a professional profile that reassures clients, veterinary practices and referral partners

The diploma provides the training foundation you need to progress to the IICBT Level 6 Diploma in Canine Behaviour Practice if you choose to move into more complex behaviour work in future.

On successful completion you will be awarded the:

IICBT Level 5 Diploma in Canine Training and Instruction

The programme also holds iPet Professional Development Recognition (PDR), providing external assurance of the structure and quality of your training.

Graduates receive:

• An IICBT certificate confirming successful completion of the Level 5 Diploma
• Confirmation that the programme is recognised through iPet PDR
• The right to use the post nominal IICBT-MDT (IICBT Master Dog Trainer) in line with IICBT brand guidelines, for example on websites, email signatures and marketing materials
  

To enrol on the IICBT Level 5 Diploma in Canine Training and Instruction you should:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be able to read, write and communicate in English to engage with course materials and client records
• Have regular access to at least one suitable dog for practice
• Have basic computer or tablet skills and reliable internet access
  

You do not need to be an existing professional trainer, but you should feel comfortable around dogs and be motivated to learn more about their behaviour and training.

If you are already taking on complex behaviour cases, we may recommend discussing the Level 6 route with us. If you are unsure which pathway fits you best, contact us and we will help you decide.