iPET Network
    Level 5
    QN: 610/6900/0
    Curriculum Active

    iPET Network Level 5 Diploma for Canine Behaviour Practitioners

    Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by iPET Network. Classified as a Vocationally-Related Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 162 hours.

    Qualification Level
    Level 5
    Awarding Body
    iPET Network
    Syllabus Units
    13 Units
    Guided Hours
    162 hrs
    Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.

    Course Syllabus & Study Modules

    Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.

    1

    Adolescent Dog Behaviour and Training

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand sexual maturity in dogs and how it impacts behaviour
    • Be able to study an adolescent dog
    • Understand how to address training problems in adolescent dogs
    • Understand social interactions and environmental management for adolescent dogs
    2

    Behavioural Modification

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the causes and behaviour management of dog-on-dog aggressive behaviours
    • Understand causes and behaviour management of dog-on-person aggressive behaviours
    • Understand the causes and behaviour management of separation-related behaviours in dogs
    • Understand the causes and behaviour management of fears and phobias in dogs
    • Understand the use of psychopharmaceutical medications
    • Understand the use of complementary or non-prescription therapies
    3

    Business Management and Marketing

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand business ownership types
    • Understand the principles of marketing and pricing for a canine behaviour practitioner
    • Understand the insurance requirements for canine behaviour practitioners
    • Understand the relevant legislation that relates to the role of a canine behaviour practitioner
    • Create a business plan for a canine behaviour business
    • Understand the importance of maintaining up to date knowledge and practice
    4

    Canine Anatomy, Physiology and Handling Equipment

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the basic functional anatomy of dogs
    • Understand the physiology of the stress response
    • Understand the use of a range of dog handling equipment
    • Understand the physiological and psychological impact of handling equipment on dogs
    5

    Canine Body Language

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the methods by which dogs communicate
    • Understand the importance of reading canine body language
    • Be able to recognise the behavioural states of dogs
    6

    Canine Breeding and Development

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the evolution and domestication of dogs
    • Understand the effect of genetics on health and behaviour
    • Understand the responsibilities and ethics of dog breeding
    • Understand puppy development and socialisation
    7

    Consultation and Behavioural Change Programmes

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the importance of preparation and risk assessments prior to a behavioural consultation
    • Be able to create documents for a behavioural consultation
    • Understand the principles of gathering information from clients during a behavioural consultation
    • Understand the process of developing a behaviour modification plan
    • Understand how to implement a behaviour modification plan
    • Understand professional collaboration and referral in the canine sector
    8

    Factors Influencing Canine Behaviour

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the common signs of ill health which influence behaviour
    • Understand how internal biological factors influence behaviour
    • Understand how the external environment can influence behavioural issues
    9

    Feeding and Diet-Related Problems

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the impact of diet and the gut microbiome on canine behaviour
    • Understand diagnosis and treatment of diet-related behaviours problems
    • Understand ingestive behaviour problems
    • Understand the use of food in the modification of behaviour
    10

    How Dogs Learn

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand learning theories
    • Understand how to apply learning theories in practice
    • Understand the importance of play and exercise in dogs
    • Understand environmental influences on stress in dogs
    11

    Practical Dog Training

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand training terminology
    • Understand classical and operant conditioning
    • Understand reinforcers, motivators, clickers and their application in dog training
    • Understand the welfare considerations in the management and training of dogs
    • Be able to assess dogs for training
    • Be able to use suitable techniques to train new behaviours in dogs
    • Be able to assess the impact of their work and identify areas for development
    12

    Puppy Training

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the appropriate use of crates and toilet training methods for puppies
    • Understand correctly settling a puppy into a new home
    • Understand comprehensive puppy care
    • Understand puppy training and exercises
    • Understand common unwanted behaviours in puppies, their prevention and solutions
    • Understand the benefits and drawbacks of puppy classes and play groups
    13

    Rescue and Street Dog Welfare

    Verified
    Key Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the needs of rescue dogs
    • Understand the processes of rehoming rescue dogs
    • Understand the lives of street dogs
    • Understand the issues and best practices of integrating street dogs into new homes

    Regulatory & Verification Details

    Qualification Number (QN)
    610/6900/0
    Regulated Status
    Available to learners
    Awarding Body
    iPET Network
    Qualification Type
    Vocationally-Related Qualification
    Operational Start
    Jan 2026