Certificate in Canine Handling & Understanding Communication Signals
Certificate in Canine Handling & Understanding Communication Signals
Here at Canine Partners we breed, train and support expert assistance dogs to create loving, life changing partnerships with disabled people.
Across the UK, we support people with a variety of disabilities and their families, carefully matching them with a dog that suits their needs, personality and lifestyle.
Our dogs bring confidence and independence, love and companionship, reducing reliance on carers and giving people the freedom to live life their own way.
How this works
10% of every enrolment on this course is donated to Canine Partners.
The 10% is taken from the price actually paid, so it is proportionally lower when a discount or coupon applies, for example bulk enrolment codes or a promotional code.
Donations apply to enrolments between 22 Jul 2026 and 31 Dec 2026.
The total shown is the amount raised so far from completed orders. Milestones are markers along the way, and a new one begins each time we pass the last.
This veterinary approved and externally accredited online course has been written and designed by a qualified registered veterinary nurse and clinical animal behaviourist. It has been designed for pet professionals, fulfilling Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements. It is particularly suited to dog wardens, community officers, rescue centre workers and those working on trap and neuter programmes, but is also a valuable foundation for anyone who wants to understand safe handling techniques and canine body language.
Written with the benefit of practical veterinary and canine behaviour experience, informed by current safe working practices.
Please note: This course does not replace properly supervised, hands-on practical experience. However, it provides you with comprehensive, accurate underpinning knowledge which should equip you with a strong foundation for progressing and applying your skill-set.
Learning outcomes:
- Develop a solid understanding of canine communication methods, including auditory and visual signals and body postures.
- Learn to recognise and interpret canine body language in order to assess a dog's intent and take the necessary steps to work safely.
- Understand how to approach, handle and restrain dogs using safe and appropriate techniques, including the correct use of equipment such as leads, muzzles and graspers.
- Build confidence in applying canine handling and restraint principles in workplace settings, including kennels, rescue centres and field environments.
- Gain an understanding of canine welfare legislation and how human stress and behaviour can affect a dog's response.
- Learn safe practices for transporting dogs and maintaining hygiene and disease control protocols.
This course includes:
- 6 modules
- Bitesize lessons
- Access on all devices
- Lifetime access
- Webinars & videos
- Download guides & templates
- References, resources & research
- No assessments, just quizzes
- Certificate of completion
- CPD transcript
- Tutorial & technical support
Who this course is for:
- Dog wardens
- Community officers
- RSCPA inspectors
- Rescue centre workers
- Pet professionals
- Working/volunteering on trap and neuter programmes
- Animal behaviourists
- Veterinary Nurses
- Vets
Before you enrol:
This course includes videos with English subtitles. We design our courses to work with the way you learn — not against it. Whether you are neurodivergent, have a sensory or physical difference, or simply prefer flexible ways to study, the features below are here to support you.
- Reading Ruler: Highlights one line at a time to help maintain focus. Toggle it on/off from the toolbar at the top of each lesson.
- Table of Contents: Longer topics display a Contents button in the toolbar for quick navigation between sections.
- Dark Mode: Reduces eye strain in low-light environments. Toggle it from the sidebar panel (top-right icons).
- Reading Time: Each topic shows an estimated reading time in the toolbar so you can plan your study sessions.
- Auto-Generated Subtitles: Available on all of our videos (approximately 95% accurate). Enable them using the CC button in the video player.
- Video Transcripts: Text versions of video content with timestamps, allowing you to follow along or revisit specific sections.
- Adjustable Playback: Video quality adjusts automatically based on your connection. Use the gear icon for manual control, or adjust playback speed to suit your pace.
- Feature Boxes: Key information is presented in visually distinct boxes, helping break down content and improve focus for neurodivergent learners or those with reading difficulties.
- Colour Contrast: Our course materials use high-contrast colour schemes to aid readability, particularly for learners with colour blindness or visual impairments.
- Downloadable Resources: Slides and supporting materials accompany webinars, enabling you to take notes and refer back at your own pace.
About the instructor:
Course curriculum:
-
Course Overview & Canine Communication Signals
- Welcome Updated
- Introduction and Course Outline Updated
- Animal Welfare and Relevant Legislation
- Recognising Canine Body Postures: Auditory & Visual Communication Updated
- Understanding Canine Communication Signals (Webinar)
- Module 1: Multiple Choice Questions Quiz
-
Handling and Restraining Dogs Safely
- Equipment, Protective Clothing, Leads & Graspers Updated
- Muzzles, Food & PPE Updated
- How to Approach and Handle Unfamiliar Dogs Safely Updated
- Approaching a Dog in a Kennel
- Troubleshooting: What To Do When Things Go Wrong
- Lifting, Carrying and Restraining Dogs Safely Updated
- Handling and Restraining Updated
- Module 2: Multiple Choice Questions Quiz
-
Understanding Canine Fear & Aggression
- Recognising and Responding to Canine Body-language in the Workplace
- The Environment Updated
- Human Stress and How it Affects Dogs Updated
- Dealing with an Aggressive Dog Updated
- Module 3: Multiple Choice Questions Quiz
-
Transporting Dogs Safely, Hygiene and Disease Control
- Transporting Dogs Safely Updated
- Correct Handwashing Techniques & Cleaning Protocols Updated
- Module 4: Multiple Choice Questions Quiz
-
Final Visual Assessment
- Final Visual Assessment
- Answers
Student reviews:
- Students felt more confident approaching and handling dogs safely after learning to read body language and stress signals
- Reviewers praised the mix of videos, written content and visual aids for making practical techniques clear and easy to understand
- Students valued how the course fitted flexibly around their schedules with short modules they could revisit at their own pace
- Learners appreciated gaining knowledge they could apply immediately in their jobs, whether as dog walkers, kennel staff or handlers
Based on 76 published student reviews across all star ratings for this course.
Ian B.
VerifiedInformative and well produced
Really nice course, not too overloaded and easy to use,navigate.
Thank you
Kevin B.
VerifiedExcellent and easy to follow
The videos help give a practical view to go along side the reading
Ruairi M.
VerifiedInformative
I enjoyed this course , I was expecting more information on surving a dog attack and how to get the dog to release its bite.
Adam A.
VerifiedGreat for further learning
Easily accessible, very informative and easy to understand for further education
Jhonatan M.
Verifiedvery helpful on my daily basis.
This is solid introductory course for anyone who works with dogs. It gives a good foundation in reading dogs signal and handling dogs safely.
John B.
VerifiedVery helpful
Very helpful and educational, easy to understand
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