Program Overview

Program Overview

The New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management (Canine Behaviour and Training) is a one-year full-time course.

Program Structure

The program normally requires students to bring their dogs to Unitec's Mt Albert campus twice a week for practical training. However, due to lockdown, the program has been adapted to online learning.

Program Details

• The program includes a practical component, which has been transferred to online learning.
• Students have a YouTube channel to share their training videos and receive feedback from lecturers.
• Lecturers check in with students four times a week in Zoom meetings to plan and discuss their training.
• Students have had to be creative with equipment at home for agility training.
• Some students have had to start training from scratch at home with different dogs.

Student Experience

• Students have adapted well to online learning, with some finding it more concentrated.
• The theory part of the Certificate has been easy to pick up online.
• Students miss being on campus and socializing with other dogs.

Research and Training Areas

• Canine behaviour and training
• Agility training
• Animal health and welfare

Program Staff

• Jo Thorne, programme co-ordinator and dog trainer
• Sacha Berger, lecturer
• Laura Harvey, Academic Programme Manager in Applied Animal Health