Your pathway into professional behaviour practice

If you are already competent in training and instruction and want to handle complex behaviour cases, this is your next step. The IICBT Level 6 Diploma in Canine Behaviour Practice builds on a solid training foundation and focuses on assessment, formulation and behaviour change in real world, often emotionally charged situations. This degree level programme is designed at a level comparable with final year undergraduate study in the UK, but delivered as a flexible, professional course so you can study alongside your existing practice.

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

• Carry out structured behaviour assessments and take detailed case histories
• Formulate cases using clear, evidence informed models rather than labels
• Design multi component behaviour plans that are humane, realistic and safe
• Assess and manage risk, including cases involving aggression and vulnerability
• Work collaboratively with veterinary surgeons and other professionals
• Maintain clear boundaries, use supervision and protect your own wellbeing
  

You will study online at your own pace, working through structured modules and applied case study tasks designed specifically for behaviour practitioners.

On completion you will:

• Be ready to practise as a canine behaviour practitioner within IICBT’s defined scope of practice
• Have a portfolio of behaviour cases that evidences your skills to clients, vets and employers
  

Why choose IICBT for your behaviour qualification‍

• Independent, outcomes led standards for canine behaviour and training
• Programme recognised through iPet Professional Development Recognition (PDR)
• Strong focus on real cases, risk, ethics and vet collaboration
• Built as the next step for graduates of the IICBT Level 5 Diploma in Canine Training and Instruction

A clear, structured curriculum for complex behaviour

You will study eight modules that build your skills step by step. Together they cover: ethics and legislation, clinical behaviour, assessment, formulation, behaviour planning, risk and aggression, collaboration with vets and allied professionals, and advanced reflective practice.

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

[Download the full syllabus (PDF)]

Module 1. Advanced Professional Practice, Ethics and Legislation in Behaviour Work

You will:

• Clarify the role and limits of a canine behaviour practitioner and how this differs from a trainer
• Apply ethical frameworks to complex behaviour cases, including those involving risk and conflicting interests
• Recognise key areas of UK legislation that affect behaviour practice and know when to seek formal legal advice
• Set and maintain professional boundaries around scope of practice, dual roles and conflicts of interest
• Maintain appropriate records, consent processes and data protection for behaviour work

Module 2. Clinical Canine Behaviour: Emotion, Motivation and Learning

You will:

• Explain how emotion, motivation, learning history and environment interact to produce behaviour
• Describe common categories of behaviour concern such as aggression, fear, anxiety and frustration in functional, not just descriptive, terms
• Understand how health, pain and neurobiology can influence behaviour and why veterinary input is essential in many cases
• Evaluate information sources and research with a critical, evidence informed mindset
• Integrate learning theory with modern understanding of affective state and welfare

Module 3. Behaviour Assessment, Case History and Functional Analysis

You will:

• Plan and conduct behaviour assessments using detailed client interview frameworks and observation guidance
• Take structured case histories that capture context, triggers, consequences, medical background and household factors
• Use tools such as ABC charts and functional analysis to understand what maintains problem behaviours
• Identify when further veterinary investigation or diagnostic work is needed before progressing
• Produce clear assessment notes that support formulation and can be shared with vets where appropriate

Module 4. Case Formulation and Behaviour Planning

You will:

• Integrate history, observation and functional analysis into coherent case formulations
• Distinguish between labels and explanations, and move beyond “what” to “why” behaviour is happening
• Set realistic, measurable goals in collaboration with clients and, when needed, veterinary surgeons
• Design behaviour plans that combine management, skills training, behaviour modification and owner support
• Justify your chosen approaches with reference to current evidence and welfare considerations

Module 5. Behaviour Interventions: Design, Implementation and Review

You will:

• Implement behaviour plans in a way that is safe, humane and workable for the specific household
• Coach owners through structured behaviour change programmes, adjusting pace and communication style to their needs
• Monitor progress using agreed indicators and review points
• Adapt interventions in response to progress, setbacks or new information
• Recognise when a case requires more specialist input or a change in approach, and respond appropriately

Module 6. Risk Assessment, Aggression and Safeguarding

You will:

• Identify different forms and functions of aggression and the factors that increase or reduce risk
• Carry out structured risk assessments that consider the dog, environment and people involved
• Develop practical risk management and safety plans, including environmental controls and handling guidance
• Recognise safeguarding concerns relating to adults and children and know how to escalate concerns in line with current guidance
• Communicate risk, safety recommendations and limitations clearly and calmly to clients and other professionals

Module 7. Multi disciplinary Working and Communication with Vets and Allied Professionals

You will:

• Understand the respective roles of veterinary surgeons, vet nurses, trainers and behaviour practitioners
• Prepare clear, concise behaviour reports and updates suitable for veterinary and professional audiences
• Communicate findings and recommendations in a way that supports collaborative working rather than conflict
• Work with consent and information sharing principles in a multi disciplinary context
• Manage professional disagreements respectfully while keeping welfare and safety at the centre

Module 8. Professional Practice Portfolio and Reflective Development

You will:

• Compile a portfolio of behaviour work that evidences assessment, formulation, planning, intervention and review
• Use structured reflective tools to review your own cases and decision making
• Identify your strengths, limits and areas for further growth as a behaviour practitioner
• Create a professional development and supervision plan that aligns with IICBT expectations and any relevant professional bodies
• Articulate clearly your scope of practice and how you will maintain standards over time

Advanced distance learning

The Level 6 Diploma in Canine Behaviour Practice is delivered 100% online so you can study from anywhere while continuing to work with dogs and clients.

You will:

• Work through structured online lessons, readings, case examples and knowledge checks
• Apply concepts to detailed written case studies and, where appropriate, anonymised examples from your own practice
• Complete guided tasks that mirror real behaviour assessment, formulation and planning
• Receive written feedback and support from tutors with extensive behaviour practice experience
  

All learning and assessment are completed at a distance using our online learning platform. There are no attendance requirements.

What this looks like in real life

Many learners study for around 2 to 4 hours a week, usually spread across several evenings or quieter times in their schedule. You might complete a theory lesson, then work on a case formulation or behaviour plan task. The course is designed so you can integrate learning into your current work without needing to travel or attend fixed in person sessions.

Assessment that reflects real behaviour practice

Assessment at Level 6 focuses on your ability to think, analyse and plan like a behaviour practitioner. Everything is designed to be completed at a distance.

You will complete:

Online knowledge checks and written assignments

To test your understanding of clinical behaviour concepts, ethics, legislation, risk and multi disciplinary working.

Case formulations and behaviour plans

You will produce detailed formulations and behaviour plans based on rich written case studies and, where appropriate, anonymised cases from your own experience, explaining your rationale and how you would communicate this to clients and vets.

Behaviour reports and professional communication

You will prepare at least one written behaviour report suitable for a veterinary audience, demonstrating clarity, professionalism and appropriate recommendations.

Structured risk assessments and safety plans

You will complete written risk assessments and safety plans for cases involving aggression or vulnerability, showing how you balance welfare, safety and realistic household management.

Professional practice portfolio

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

• Behaviour case histories, assessment notes and formulations
• Behaviour plans and progress reviews for case study tasks
• Risk assessments and safety plans where relevant
• Behaviour reports or example communications for veterinary surgeons or other professionals
• Reflective notes that show how you think about your own practice
  

If you choose to draw on real cases from your own work, we will guide you on how to anonymise information appropriately and work within relevant professional requirements.

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

Where this qualification can take you

The IICBT Level 6 Diploma in Canine Behaviour Practice is designed for practitioners who want to take responsibility for behaviour cases within a clear, ethical framework.

Typical roles include:

• Canine behaviour practitioner working independently or within a clinic
• Behaviour consultant receiving referrals from veterinary practices or trainers
• In house behaviour specialist within a training centre, day care or rescue organisation
• Behaviour practitioner working alongside a multi disciplinary team in welfare or charity settings
  

The qualification also supports you if you want to:

• Build or grow a behaviour focused practice on top of your training services
• Strengthen your position when working with veterinary practices and referral partners
• Work towards membership or recognition with professional bodies that align with IICBT values
  

Your Level 5 training and instruction skills remain essential. Level 6 builds on that base so you can work confidently with complex behaviour cases and higher risk situations.

Your qualification and recognition

On successful completion you will be awarded the:

IICBT Level 6 Diploma in Canine Behaviour Practice

This is a degree level professional development programme, designed and assessed at a level comparable with Level 6 study in the UK frameworks (the same level as the final year of an undergraduate degree). It is delivered as a professional programme recognised through the iPET Network Professional Development Recognition (PDR) scheme.

This programme is recognised through the iPET Network Professional Development Recognition (PDR) scheme, providing external assurance of the structure and quality of your training.

Graduates receive:

• An IICBT certificate confirming successful completion of the Level 6 Diploma in Canine Behaviour Practice
• Confirmation that the programme is recognised through iPET Network PDR
• The right to use the post nominal IICBT-CBP (IICBT Canine Behaviour Practitioner), in line with IICBT brand guidelines, for example on websites, email signatures and marketing materials
  

This is a professional education programme, designed around IICBT’s standards for competent, ethical behaviour practitioners. Where you need to make decisions with legal or regulatory implications, you should seek formal professional advice.

Is this course right for you

To enrol on the IICBT Level 6 Diploma in Canine Behaviour Practice you should:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Hold the IICBT Level 5 Diploma in Canine Training and Instruction, or an equivalent training and instruction qualification that IICBT recognises
• Have substantial hands on experience working with dogs and owners in a training context
• Be comfortable with core concepts in learning theory and ethical, reward based training
• Be able to read, write and communicate in English to a level that allows you to engage with detailed written materials and case records
  

You should already feel confident working as a trainer. Level 6 is not designed to replace a training foundation, but to add a behaviour specialism on top.

If you are unsure whether your existing qualification or experience meets the entry criteria, you can contact us for guidance and an informal discussion.