Certificate in Caring for Dogs Course Guide

This course will provide an introduction to basic dog care requirements, including but not limited to the daily needs of a dog, essential considerations when buying a dog, the nature of the dog care industry and key facts regarding basic training. 

This course will provide an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of a dog, including but not limited to the functions of the skeletal system, the workings of the digestive system of a dog and the importance of ‘Thermoregulation’. 

This course will provide an introduction to nutritional requirements and health issues that affect a dog’s health and well-being. It will include but not be limited to the physiological stages of a dog’s life and their evolving diet requirements, the various pros and cons of different dog food products and common health issues that affect a dog’s health, well-being and longevity. 

This course will provide a further look at dog health including but not limited to preventative treatments for dogs, common ailments and disorders affecting dogs and their treatment options. 

This course will provide an introduction to different dog breeds and their associated characteristics. It will include but not be limited to the seven main breeds of dogs as classified by the Kennel Club of Great Britain, the characteristics of various dogs from the seven main breeds and the history of various popular cross-breeds of dogs. 

This course will provide an introduction to factors relevant to the breeding of dogs, including but not limited to the structure of the male and female dog reproductive systems, the sexual behaviour of dogs and mating interaction, the different stages of dog pregnancy and birth, and puppy development. 

This course will provide an introduction to dog training techniques and the practicalities of setting up a dog training business. It will include but not be limited to the main considerations in the science of animal behaviour, methods of training dogs to obey basic commands and how to prepare a plan for setting up and operating a dog training or dog behavioural consultancy business. 

This course will provide an introduction to professional dog grooming and will include but not be limited to the three main types of dog hair, the tools and equipment used in a dog grooming business, grooming requirements for each of a dog’s body parts and the traits of a successful professional dog groomer. 

This course will provide an overview of the various opportunities for either working on a voluntary basis or in paid employment within the dog services industry. It will include but not be limited to the role of vets and vet nurses, the work of a dog trainer or behaviour consultant, the services provided by day care and long stay services for dogs and the role of assistance dog services in the community.