Professional Practice Higher Certificates
Our essential certificates for those embarking on a full-time career to the highest standards of professional education in dog training and behaviour.
Higher certificates are everything you need to reach whatever destination you desire in your career.
Below is a list of our Higher Certificates. Each one of these consists of completing several of our courses in order to gain the Higher Certificate, click on any of these to find out more information. The post-nominals ‘CIDBT Cert’ may be used after your name upon successful completion.
*There are no additional charges for issuing a Higher Certificate.
Everything you need
Completing the Certificate allows you to apply for ‘Trainer’ membership of the Guild of Dog Trainers
This Higher Certificate course can be used as a pathway to joining the Canine & Feline Behaviour Association (CFBA) – Britain’s largest canine specific behaviour association
The CIDBT Higher Certificate course described on this page is recognised by the following:
We are an Open College Network (West Midlands) Accredited Centre
After you’ve gained this Higher Certificate you can use the post-nominal letters after your name of CIDBT Cert
Higher Certificate in Professional Dog Training
The Higher Certificate in Professional Dog Training is suitable for current or aspiring dog trainers. This certificate takes you on a journey through understanding body language, breed specific behaviours and a huge array of training techniques; looking at how dogs learn best and what we can do to facilitate sensible, solid, reliable obedience training. This course is a suitable introduction to move from dog owner, to dog trainer and beyond.
Pre-requisite
Before starting this Higher Certificate you need to complete the pre-requisite course shown below. Those with six months or more experience may forego this course.
CIDBT 4110 Understanding Canine Care and Behaviour
This is a four phase course which gives an insight into dog psychology, dog training, canine behaviour observation skills, understanding human/canine relationship and why dogs do what they do!
£425 - 4 Phase Course
In order to gain the Higher Certificate in Professional Dog Training, you need to complete the courses shown below:
CIDBT 4004 Fundamental Skills in Dog Behaviour and Training
This two phase home study course is designed to provide a solid foundation in understanding, handling, and training dogs. Ideal for dog lovers, owners, and those considering a future in the canine industry, it offers grounded, practical knowledge that can be built upon through real-life experience and further hands-on training.
Created with beginners in mind, the course focuses on developing essential dog handling and basic training skills, helping learners gain confidence, insight, and a deeper understanding of canine behaviour. Rather than teaching you to become a dog training instructor, it equips you with the core principles and practical awareness needed to work more effectively and thoughtfully with dogs in everyday life.
£175 - 2 Phase Course (optional workshop can be booked separately)
CIDBT4020 Professional Dog Handling & Training
Our Essential Insights in Dog Handing and Training is thoughtfully crafted for beginners and passionate dog lovers eager to deepen their knowledge and confidence, whether for personal enrichment or as a stepping stone on your professional dog training career.
£525 – 2-Day Workshop
CIDBT 4101 Smart Puppy Training
This Course is all about puppies and more specifically the Puppy and its new owner - suitable for the new owner or the aspiring trainer.
£325 - 3 Phase Course
Higher Certificate in Professional Dog Training Instruction
The Higher Certificate in Professional Dog Training Instruction is our most popular training qualification for:
Dog Training Clubs, classes and schools
Professional dog trainers
Puppy school trainers
Specialist dog handlers
Canine Behaviourists
This certificate is for all instructors within the various obedience training disciplines with puppies and or adult dogs. You can study around your current work schedule making these courses flexible.
Pre-requisite
Before starting this Higher Certificate you need to complete the pre-requisite course shown below. Those with six months or more experience may forego this course.
CIDBT 4110 Understanding Canine Care and Behaviour
This is a four phase course which gives an insight into dog psychology, dog training, canine behaviour observation skills, understanding human/canine relationship and why dogs do what they do!
£425 - 4 Phase Course
In order to gain the Certificate in Professional Dog Training Instruction you need to complete the courses shown below:
CIDBT 4101 Smart Puppy Training
This Course is all about puppies and more specifically the Puppy and its new owner - suitable for the new owner or the aspiring trainer.
£325 - 3 Phase Course
CIDBT4020 Professional Dog Handling & Training
Our Essential Insights in Dog Handing and Training is thoughtfully crafted for beginners and passionate dog lovers eager to deepen their knowledge and confidence, whether for personal enrichment or as a stepping stone on your professional dog training career.
£525 – 2-Day Workshop
CIDBT 5005 Advanced Professional Instructor Skills
This course is focused on raising the bar, ‘upping your game’ and developing a unique, bespoke and amazing product.
£485 - 2 Phase Course with Workshop