Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training

ACM40322

This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.

Overview

This qualification describes the skills and knowledge required for an animal trainer and/or animal training practitioner working with a specific species or across a range of species and workplaces where they are required to work closely with animal carers or owners (clients). The qualification provides options for individuals wanting to work in animal-assisted services, animal rehoming/adoption, rehabilitation roles, exhibited animal facilities or who specialise in conditioning or training different species.

The qualification is for individuals with experience in working with and caring for animals, to develop the skills required to interpret animal behaviour, apply animal learning theory, and to evaluate best practice conditioning and training methodologies and techniques to meet the welfare needs of animals, and to provide ethical services for carers/clients.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.

  • Financial help

  • Cost

    Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.

    • VET Student Loans are not available
    • You may need to pay for equipment or materials.

  • On-the-job training

    • Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.

  • Entry requirements

    This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.

  • Duration

    You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.

    • Qualification only:
      6 months – 2 years

  • Delivery options

    You may be able to access this training in these ways:

    • Part-time available
    • Partially online
    • Classroom-based

Course content

This course is made up of units.

All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.

For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.

Unit Unit type
Advise on animal industry compliance and practices Core
Assess the welfare status of an animal Core
Condition animal behaviour Core
Develop, implement and monitor enrichment strategies for animals Core
Evaluate animal conditioning methodology and program design Core
Identify behaviours and interact safely with animals Core
Maintain workplace health and safety processes Core
Promote positive wellbeing in self and others in animal care workplaces Core
Address compliance requirements for new business ventures Elective
Advise on transitioning and rehoming horses Elective
Apply disability awareness to animal-assisted services Elective
Assess greyhounds for suitability to transition to a pet Elective
Assess prospective handler's suitability for an assistance dog Elective
Carry out greyhound adoptions Elective
Conduct animal behavioural assessments Elective
Conduct community awareness programs Elective
Conduct group training classes for animal owners or carers Elective
Develop, monitor and review behavioural husbandry strategies Elective
Educate horses in initial handling Elective
Educate horses to be driven Elective
Educate horses to be ridden Elective
Educate pack horses Elective
Establish operational strategies and procedures for new business ventures Elective
Evaluate horse education methodologies and individual programs Elective
Handle horses Elective
Identify hazards, assess and control safety risks for horse handling and riding activities Elective
Implement customer service strategies Elective
Instruct handlers with disability to train assistance dogs Elective
Instruct horse handling skills Elective
Interpret and address horse behaviour and welfare Elective
Interpret and manage greyhound behaviours Elective
Lead team effectiveness Elective
Maintain and monitor animal health and wellbeing Elective
Manage animals and facilitate human-animal interaction in animal-assisted services Elective
Manage finances for new business ventures Elective
Manage selection of horse for handler, rider or driver Elective
Market new business ventures Elective
Mentor in the workplace Elective
Plan and conduct assistance dog training in specific and complex tasks Elective
Plan, organise and facilitate learning in the workplace Elective
Prepare, deliver and review animal care education programs Elective
Provide advice on companion animal selection and general care Elective
Provide basic animal first aid Elective
Provide First Aid Elective
Provide individual advice on animal behaviour management and training Elective
Provide person-centred services to people with disability with complex needs Elective
Provide work skill instruction Elective
Re-educate horses to manage behaviours and/or transition to new purposes Elective
Select appropriate equipment for an assistance dog and handler Elective
Train dogs using operant and classical conditioning techniques Elective
Work collaboratively to manage complex animal behaviour Elective
Work with diverse people Elective

Job prospects

The Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.

  • Dog Handler and Trainer

    ANZSCO 361111

    Dog Handlers or Trainers teach dogs to obey commands and undertake specific tasks.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate III or IV

  • Pet Groomer

    ANZSCO 361113

    Pet Groomers wash, dry, brush, comb, cut and style pets' coats, clip their nails and clean their ears.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate II or III

  • Other Animal Attendant and Trainer

    ANZSCO 361199

    Other Animal Attendants and Trainers includes jobs like Crutching Contractor, and Muleser.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate II or III

  • Veterinary Nurse

    ANZSCO 361311

    Veterinary Nurses care for animals under treatment and in temporary residence at veterinary facilities and assist Veterinarians to perform procedures and operations.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate III or IV

Training providers delivering Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training

It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.

Showing: 8 providers

How to enrol in this course

To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.

When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.

The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.

Delivery locations can change as students enrol. If you're doing any workplace-based training, like an apprenticeship, this will take place in a different location from your classroom training. Contact your training provider to confirm delivery locations.
Government funding may be available. Contact your training provider to confirm.
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