Start your dog training career
Canine Training Instructors Course

No matter your experience level, you'll fit right in at PACT!

Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned dog enthusiast, our Canine Training Instructor Course is designed to support you on your journey. Throughout the course, you'll gain valuable hands-on experience by logging your training hours in various roles – as a handler, coach, and observer. This ensures you graduate with the practical skills and confidence to make a real difference in the lives of dogs and their humans.

Ollie Hood, PACT Student Member (scholarship)

"As someone who had the scholarship due to disability, I can confidently say that it is an amazing opportunity and those who run the course are so supportive and understanding.

I have never had any course I’ve taken, even at college or university, make me feel like I’m being supported to reach my full ability like I am with PACT. If anyone is considering the course and is thinking of going for the scholarship, then I would really recommend it."

Paula Dobson, PACT CTIC Student (2024)

“I joined the course to fill in lots of gaps in my training knowledge but the course has far exceeded my expectations. With a great community group, supportive mentors and really positive constructive feedback on skills, it has helped build confidence in my abilities and revive my love for dog training.

Alongside full time work and a blended family of 4 kids, the youngest being a wild and wonderful 2 years old, I have really had to do this course at my own pace but it’s been doable due to the course being broken down into manageable steps. Well worth investing in yourself. Highly recommended.”

Gain Confidence and Practical Skills at Our Fieldwork Sessions

Join us in Southampton for two 2-day immersive experiences designed to boost your dog training expertise and practical skills. You'll have the chance to:

• Put your knowledge into practice with real dogs.

• Build confidence in delivering classes and 121 training sessions.

• Learn from experienced instructors and get personalised feedback.

• Network with fellow students and build your support system and community.

Attendance at these is highly recommended but not mandatory.

Jo Sellers, PACT Accredited Member

"No, but you will need access to one. At the fieldwork days I attended, I had my own dog but also 'loaned' her out to other students so I could take different roles during the day, not just always the 'client'. It does help to be able to practice with a dog you know, but the videos for the assessments are with client dogs/ones you don't know."

Caz Bunce, PACT Accredited Member

No! The assignments are really varied and include infographics, video and social media projects as well as written work.The guidelines are easy to follow and there is loads of support if needed.

Yes! Our online courses allow you to learn at your own pace. Lectures are released each week over a 6 month period, and you can keep with that pace or take your time as you have access to the course for 18 months. We recommend that our students put a few hours aside a week to study which should be manageable alongside full time work.

You can either pay for the whole course in one go at the start, or sign up to our monthly payment plan or 10 equal payments. We are happy to look at bespoke payment plans on a case by case basis so please contact us if you would like to find out more.

All lectures are recorded so you can watch back at a convenient time

Yes! Read the Grants, Scholarship, Discounts and Payment Plans Policy available via our Policy page, to find out about all options available for you to access the course. Visit the Scholarship page to see if you may be eligible.

At PACT, we believe that practical experience is essential for becoming a skilled and confident dog trainer. That's why our Canine Training Instructor Course includes:

• Two 2-day in-person fieldwork sessions: Hone your skills and gain hands-on experience with real dogs and their guardians.

• 17 detailed training tutorials: Learn essential techniques through video demonstrations and guided practice. Then recreate those sessions with a dog and submit them.

• Personalised feedback: Receive expert guidance on your training videos from our experienced team.

Real-world experience: Log your training hours as a handler, observer, and coach to solidify your skills and build that, all important, confidence.

We want you to feel prepared and confident when it comes to assessment. Here's how it works:

• Online Theory Assessment: Test your canine training instructor knowledge with a 50-question online exam, taken at your own pace in a comfortable environment. We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs.

Practical Video Assessment: The final step in your PACT journey involves demonstrating your practical dog training abilities. You'll submit two videos of real-life training sessions, allowing you to showcase your skills in action. Our experienced assessors will review your videos and provide constructive feedback to help you grow as a trainer. Don’t worry though - Throughout the course, you'll receive ongoing support and guidance from our team, ensuring you're well-prepared for this final assessment.