Course Info
The Learn Canine Instructor Course (Core) is designed for anyone ready to move from passionate dog lover or skilled handler to a confident, knowledgeable instructor. It blends science, empathy, and experience into a practical, career-shaping learning journey that sets the benchmark for professional dog training education in South Africa and beyond.
Drawing on more than two decades of teaching and behavioural expertise from Shannon McKay MSc CPDT-KA® and the McKaynine team, the course builds a solid foundation in canine systems, behavioural development, learning theory, and practical teaching skills. You’ll explore how dogs learn and develop, how to communicate effectively with both dogs and humans, and how to turn knowledge into results that improve real lives.
The curriculum covers everything from anatomy and sensory systems to emotional welfare, handler psychology, and class management. You’ll learn not just what to teach, but how to teach it–through structured modules on coaching processes, marketing, safety, welfare, professional obligations, and the design and delivery of puppy, beginner, and intermediate obedience classes.
Each topic is grounded in current scientific understanding and real-world application. You’ll learn to anticipate behaviour changes, design ethical training plans, and manage group dynamics with calm authority. You’ll also gain insight into the business and operational side of instructing–building your confidence to step into professional teaching roles or elevate the quality of your existing classes.
Whether you aim to start a training school, refine your existing methods, or simply deepen your understanding of canine behaviour, the Learn Canine Instructor Course (Core) will equip you with the tools, mindset, and modern ethics to succeed. This isn’t a quick how-to guide–it’s a transformation in how you see, teach, and work with dogs and their people.
By the end of the course, you’ll not only understand the science of learning–you’ll embody it. You’ll emerge as an instructor who can communicate with clarity, teach with compassion, and inspire confidence in every student, on both ends of the leash.
What the student will learn
- Learning how to structure and run outstanding dog training classes with your knowledge of Learning theory and its application.
- Understanding the importance of Puppy socialisation and how it forms the foundation for ongoing training.
- Understanding how to market and promote your school effectively
Course Content
- Unit 1
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- Key scientific principles behind animal behaviour
- Critical thinking and compassionate application
- Body systems relevant to canine behaviour
- Unit 2
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- Dog domestication, history and theories
- Comparison wolves vs dogs
- Informed interpretations where research is limited
- Emphasis on evidence-based, humane practice
- Unit 3
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- Classical and operant conditioning
- Differences between conditioning types
- Consequences and their value in learning
- Unit 4
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- Positive reinforcement – the most effective training method
- Reinforcement schedules and levels of command
- How to apply learning theory safely in dog training
- Unit 5
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- Dogs’ primary need: feeling safe with their instructor
- Safety in all training contexts
- Compromised safety – the effects on dog behaviour
- Unit 6
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- Instructors training both dogs owners
- Helping owners gain dog training skills
- Building competence and confidence in clients
- Unit 7
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- Essentials of marketing
- How to promote your services effectively
- Unit 8
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- Creating logical, structured syllabus’
- Progression and meeting learning outcomes
- Balancing structure with flexibility
- Unit 9
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- Goals and theory behind puppy training
- Socialisation and free play importance
- Building foundations for future training
- Unit 10
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- Establishing foundational obedience skills
- Building communication, confidence, and cooperation
- Preparing handlers and dogs for more advanced training stages
