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 from 22 Jul 2026 onwards.
The total shown is the amount raised so far from completed orders. Milestones are markers along the way — 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.
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 feel significantly more confident reading dogs' body language and recognising stress signals after completing the course.
- Reviewers appreciated the varied learning methods—videos, diagrams, and written content—that made complex concepts accessible and engaging.
- Students value the immediate practical application of handling techniques for their jobs, volunteering, and personal pet safety.
- Learners wish the course included more hands-on practice guidance, particularly for managing aggressive dogs in real-world situations.
Based on 68 published student reviews across all star ratings for this course.
Hannah M.
VerifiedVideos helped
As above- Online training is fine if you have experience with dogs. But if you have never had a dog before, you would 100% need some practical experience too- not just this online course.
Mark L.
Verifiedinformative and well presented course.
The course was presented well to include theory, practical application using video and relevant knowledge tests.
I feel it would be beneficial to demonstrate how to locate, secure and transport aggressive dogs with colleagues working together.
Amy C.
VerifiedEveryone should do this!
A well written, informative course that everyone should do! The amount of times people just come up to my dog without asking and approach in ways completely against what is correct, is at large. It really encompasses the dogs’ welfare and emotional state and keeps these at the forefront all the way through. I will most definitely recommend this course to anyone who I speak to regarding dog behaviour and handling. I will also consider much of it when putting together my dog photography business plan.
Toni-Jenna L.
VerifiedI think the videos were really helpful as it showed you what to look for rather than just describing it.
I would recommend, I have found the course really helpful.
Jayne M.
VerifiedA great course for families that want to understand dogs better.
A great course for someone wanting to understand dogs in every day life. I am wanting to gain more practical experience with dogs and families so this provides a good level of theory beforehand.
I would love to see more courses on working with families and dogs as this is a big interest area for me.
Caroline’s courses are fantastic and I have recommended them to others working in the pet care field.
Tracy C.
Verifiedloads of useful information
the videos were very useful i enjoyed the course
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