Unit 1 

Puppy basics:

• Responsibility and care
• Cleanliness and identification
• Attentive responses to name
• Puppy play
• Socialisation
• Handling and inspection
• Puppy recall
• Basic puppy positions
• Walking in a controlled manner
• Stay for approximately 10 seconds
• Take article away from the puppy
• Food manners

Unit 2 

Bronze level:

• Cleanliness and identification
• Collar and lead
• Walk on lead
• Control at door/gate
• Controlled walk amongst people and dogs
• Stay on lead for one minute
• Groom
• Present for examination
• Return to handler
• Responsibility and care

Unit 3

Silver level:

• Play with the dog
• Road walk
• Rejoin the handler
• Stay in one place
• Vehicle control
• Come away from distractions
• Controlled greeting
• Food manners
• Examination of the dog
• Responsibility and care

Unit 4

Gold level:

• Road walk
• Return to handler’s side
• Walk free beside handler
• Stay down in one place
• Send the dog to bed

On successful completion of this course you’ll receive the Animal Care College Certificate* in Good Citizen Dog Scheme Support Course, graded to show the standard you have reached. There are no exams.

You will also receive the Certificate of Achievement at QLS Level 3 when you complete this course**.

Quality Licence Scheme endorsement involves robust and rigorous quality audits by external auditors to ensure quality is continually met. A review of courses is carried out as part of the endorsement process.

* The Animal Care College Certificate will be issued once you have successfully completed your course and finished your course payments.

**QLS registration fees included.

There are no prerequisites for this course. We classify our courses by level to guide students towards the best course based on their experience. However, we strongly believe open study should be just that. If you’re open to challenging yourself, our tutors will be on hand to help.

This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress your career in the animal care sector, or better understand your own pet.

Once it’s completed, you may wish to further your study. If that’s the case, we’d suggest:

• Introduction to Canine Psychology
• Fit For Life – Training, Feeding and Caring for the Family Dog

If you are looking to set up your own business then you should consider obtaining insurance cover. Further information is available on request.

If you’d like to turn what you’ve learned into a career, or you’re wondering how best to apply it to your existing role, get in touch with one of our tutors, or contact our support team from 9am – 5pm.

Your first unit will be sent to you when you enrol, you can start as soon as you want and progress through the course at your own pace, studying when and where you choose.

Your course materials are broken down into manageable units and will include helpful guidance and advice as well as additional reading lists and tools to signpost where you can source further information. We would encourage you to carry out wider reading and research on topics covered in the course materials.

Your learning materials have been developed by experts so studying is easy and enjoyable. At the end of each unit, there will be an assessment to complete and submit to your tutor.

Studying with the Animal Care College is a great place to start your learning journey and will give you a solid grounding in animal care subjects.

The Animal Care College’s courses promote the best care of pets at all stages of their development. We believe working and engaging with animals is a deeply rich and rewarding experience. Although the theory learning is important, being able to put your skills into practice beyond the theory is even more so. We are here to help you every step of the way as you build meaningful bonds with animals and gain in-depth knowledge that can only be obtained by working directly with animals. We can help advise on potential placements and work experience where necessary.

There are no deadlines for this course. Simply study in the comfort of your own home, and in your own time.

Distance learning is designed to be flexible, but as a guide, students who can spend 4-6 hours a week studying tend to complete a single unit within a month.

You can contact our support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, at any point during your studies – to ask questions or for advice. Your tutor will mark your lessons, giving valuable, constructive feedback – helping you to master each step before moving on to the next. You can contact them for support or advice throughout your studies.