CIDBT4020 Professional Dog Handling & Training

Essential Insights in Dog Handling & Training

Built on Insight, Backed by Experience

Develop your understanding of dogs whilst building practical handling and training skills in this engaging and hands-on workshop.

Designed for beginners, dog owners, and aspiring canine professionals, this rewarding programme combines classroom learning with practical training to explore canine behaviour, communication, learning theory, handling techniques, and the foundations of effective dog ownership. Throughout the workshop, you will gain valuable insight into how dogs learn, how to communicate more effectively, and how to confidently handle and train dogs in everyday situations.

Whether your goal is to enhance your relationship with your own dog, gain new skills and confidence, or take your first steps towards a future career working with dogs, this workshop offers a rewarding and enriching learning experience guided by experienced tutors in a supportive and welcoming environment.

What You’ll Learn

• Understanding canine behaviour and communication
• Reading body language and recognising behavioural signals
• Effective handling skills for home, public spaces, on and off lead
• Using voice, body language and rewards to communicate clearly
• Core training techniques, including marker training and fundamental exercises
• How dogs learn and why they behave the way they do
• Building confidence, trust and cooperation through positive interactions

Taking Your Training Further

Beyond the foundations, we explore the principles that underpin successful dog training and behaviour modification. You’ll gain an introduction to learning theory, including classical and operant conditioning, whilst discovering how professional trainers develop reliable behaviours through techniques such as shaping, proofing, chaining and marker training.

We also examine common training myths, breed-specific considerations, and the differences between real-world training and competitive training, helping you develop a balanced and practical understanding of modern dog training.

The CIDBT Experience

In true CIDBT style, the workshop combines practical training, classroom discussion, thought-provoking films, and plenty of opportunities to work with dogs in a fun, supportive, and engaging environment. Our aim is not simply to teach exercises, but to help you understand the dog in front of you and build a lasting partnership based on communication, trust and mutual understanding.

Upon successful completion, learners will receive the ‘CIDBT Higher Certificate in Insightful Dog Handling & Training’

Cost for Two Days: £525
Cost for One Day: £325

Venue: Chiltern Dog Rescue Society, Tring, Hertfordshire, on the edge of the beautiful Chiltern Hills.

For further information, please contact Team@cidbt.org.uk.