iPET Network News

In today's evolving landscape of dog training, where over 8 million dogs share our homes in the UK alone, the need for qualified, professional trainers has never been greater. The Xtra Dog Academy, in conjunction with iPET Network, has created what may be considered the gold standard in training dog trainers. The Xtra Dog Accredited Instructor Programme, which incorporates the iPET Network Level 3 Certificate in Dog Training regulated by Ofqual, represents a revolutionary approach to professional education, combining cutting-edge scientific understanding with practical expertise.

In the sun-drenched landscape of Portugal's Algarve region, where ancient olive trees cast dancing shadows across training grounds, Gail Skinner has established herself as one of the most respected figures in modern dog training. As Senior Instructor at the Xtra Dog Academy and lead instructor for the iPET Network Level 3 Certificate in Dog Training, her journey from an Agricultural Boarding School in South Africa to becoming a pioneering force in professional dog training education is nothing short of remarkable.

'Those early years were invaluable,' Gail reflects on her beginnings. 'Working with different breeds and disciplines gave me a solid foundation in understanding canine behaviour and the importance of ethical training methods.' Her early experiences, which included training and showing Bull Terriers, Golden Retrievers, and Australian Cattle Dogs, laid the groundwork for what would become a revolutionary approach to dog training.

Gail's journey to becoming a trainer wasn't straightforward. Despite her extensive background in various training disciplines, Gail found herself questioning traditional methodologies. 'I discovered that the most effective training methods were often the most unorthodox,' she notes. 'It's about finding what works for each individual dog whilst maintaining their emotional well-being.'

This philosophy is deeply embedded in the iPET Network Level 3 Certificate's curriculum. The programme consists of four essential units, each building upon the last to create a comprehensive understanding of professional dog training. Students begin with Introduction to Canine Ethology, where they explore the fascinating world of dog evolution and behaviour. Drawing from her experience as a qualified Veterinary Nurse, Gail emphasises the importance of understanding both physical and behavioural aspects of dog care.

Alex Wilson, Course Director at Xtra Dog, speaks with evident pride about the programme's exceptional teaching team. 'We are so proud of our instructors who will guide students through the course. Alongside Gail Skinner, we are thrilled to have Nicky Lucka, a highly successful puppy trainer from Johannesburg, sharing her knowledge of working with dogs and demonstrating practical exercises that students can teach their clients.'

A particularly innovative aspect of the course is its treatment of noise sensitivity in dogs, an often-overlooked yet crucial area of training. With studies suggesting that 30-40% of dogs experience some form of noise sensitivity, Dr Erica Cosijn's specialised training module proves invaluable. Her expertise, developed through years of work as a noise impact assessment consultant and author of many Noise Impact Assessment Reports, brings a unique perspective to this challenging aspect of dog behaviour.

Erica's approach, detailed in her book 'Nasty Noises: From Cowering to Calm', emphasises that noise phobia affects all of a dog's senses. 'When you have storm phobia or noise phobia, it is about all the senses,' she explains. 'The sight is affected, the hearing is affected, the proprioception is affected, the balance is affected with the air pressure, and there are funny tastes and smells in the air.'

Her methodology involves a comprehensive analysis of environmental triggers and their impact on the seven senses, followed by creating individualised treatment plans that consider each dog's specific preferences and responses. This systematic approach helps trainers understand why some dogs seek specific environments during stressful situations - such as bathrooms during storms, where grounded pipes can help neutralise static electricity, or under blankets, which can shield them from multiple sensory triggers simultaneously.

The programme includes practical strategies for managing various noise-related challenges, from thunderstorms to fireworks, and even specific issues like gunshot sensitivity in rescue dogs. Students learn to observe and interpret dogs' responses to different environmental triggers, developing targeted intervention strategies that can significantly improve their quality of life. As Erica notes, whilst not all animals can be completely cured, a combination of various modalities usually results in substantial improvement.

The health aspect of dog training is taught by veterinary surgeon Dr Monika Kleyenstruber. Her sessions cover everything from pain to vaccination protocols, following the guidelines of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. This medical knowledge proves essential for trainers who must recognise when health issues might impact training outcomes. The programme's health component is extremely thorough, being taught by a qualified vet; students learn to recognise both obvious and subtle signs of health issues that might impact training outcomes. This includes understanding common conditions that affect behaviour, ensuring trainers can make informed decisions about when to proceed with training and when to refer to veterinary professionals.

Whilst this is certainly not a veterinary qualification, there are aspects of healthcare which are essential for trainers to be aware of, from an understanding of when puppies can start training, vaccination protocols, spaying and castration. This knowledge will help our students to have a better understanding of the dog/s they are working with.

The qualification ensures students develop a thorough understanding of canine anatomy and its relationship to behaviour. This knowledge proves essential when designing training programmes that consider each dog's physical capabilities and limitations, ensuring safe and effective training approaches that support both behavioural and physical wellbeing.

Linda Reader, a former grooming instructor at a major further education college, guides students through the intricacies of canine anatomy. Her expertise ensures students develop a deep understanding of how physical structure affects movement and behaviour, essential knowledge for any professional trainer.

The programme's anatomical training is remarkably thorough, ensuring students develop a comprehensive understanding of canine structure and function. Students learn to identify and understand key anatomical landmarks, from the cranium to the digits, developing detailed knowledge that proves invaluable in practical training situations.

The course places particular emphasis on understanding the relationship between anatomical structure and movement. Students learn to identify and assess crucial points such as the point of shoulder, sternum, and elbow, understanding how these structures work together to create fluid movement. This knowledge becomes particularly relevant when adapting training methods for different breeds or dogs with specific physical characteristics.

A unique aspect of the anatomical training is its integration with sensory understanding. Students explore the five primary sensory organs - the nose for scent, the ears for hearing, the tongue for taste, the eyes for sight, and the skin and hair for touch. This comprehensive approach helps trainers understand how dogs perceive and interact with their environment, leading to more effective training strategies.

Understanding that passion alone doesn't build a successful business, the programme includes comprehensive business training. Students receive practical guidance on establishing and growing their businesses, from essential health and safety compliance to GDPR requirements and effective budgeting. The course recognises that successful dog trainers need to be both skilled practitioners and savvy business owners.

The business component addresses crucial aspects of marketing in the modern dog training industry. Students learn to navigate various marketing channels. Jodee Peevor, who has run a successful marketing company for over 20 years, will share her expertise with students, sharing her 'Choose Your Guide Concept’.

The programme emphasises the importance of building a strong online presence whilst maintaining professional standards and ethical practices.

A significant focus is placed on helping students understand their target market and develop appropriate pricing strategies. This includes guidance on structuring services, from one-to-one training sessions to group classes, ensuring graduates can create sustainable business models that serve both their clients' needs and their own professional goals.

The programme also addresses the practical aspects of running a dog training business, including insurance requirements, record-keeping, and client communication protocols. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are well-prepared for the business aspects of their future careers.

The programme's learning resources are extensive, featuring approximately 150 carefully crafted video tutorials ranging from six-minute focused sessions to ninety-minute masterclasses. These resources demonstrate how theory translates into practice, showing students how to adapt their approach based on each dog's individual needs.

The programme's approach emphasises working with the dog in front of you, rather than getting caught up in labels or preconceptions. This philosophy is exemplified through innovative techniques like 'free work', where dogs are allowed to explore and interact with their environment naturally. This approach provides valuable insights into a dog's temperament and needs, often revealing as much as an initial owner consultation. The course places significant emphasis on observation skills and the interpretation of canine body language. Students learn to recognise subtle signals and understand that, as Alex Wilson notes, 'Dogs don't lie - what they're doing, they're doing for a reason.' This understanding forms the foundation for developing effective, individualised training approaches. The programme emphasises real-world application of theory. As Alex Wilson explains, 'It's all very well to look at canine body language and learn it, but if you're not putting it into real-world life, dog training becomes theoretical. We need to start thinking about why the dog is doing what they're doing and what we can influence to help that dog

A unique aspect of the programme is its focus on different elements of teaching, a framework that helps trainers adapt their methods based on the dog's responses. This flexible approach ensures that when a particular technique isn't working, students have the tools to adjust their methods, whether it's changing the surface area of contact, modifying their breathing, or altering their approach entirely.

An exciting bonus that students will receive is our plug-and-play lesson plans. Gail Skinner teaches many different types of training classes at her training centre, and she will be sharing week-by-week lesson plans for her most popular courses. For those running classes, this will provide content they need if they are not confident about the content or are looking for exciting ideas so that they can offer excellent training classes.

The practical training components include working with various surfaces and environments, understanding how different conditions affect dog behaviour. From the challenges of walking on hot sand to navigating different terrains, students learn to consider environmental factors in their training approaches. This comprehensive understanding helps them develop more effective, context-aware training strategies.

The qualification's structure ensures students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, representing a significant but worthwhile investment in a professional future. Students benefit from regular coaching livestream calls with instructors, where they can discuss actual case studies, receive assignment support, and deepen their understanding of the material.

Assessment takes various forms, including written assignments and video submissions, culminating in a final assessment livestream where students demonstrate their skills to an assessor. The programme maintains high standards through both internal and external quality assurance processes, ensuring consistent professional marking.

The iPET Network Level 3 Certificate in Dog Training stands as a testament to the evolution of professional dog training education. Its combination of scientific understanding, practical experience and business acumen creates well-rounded professionals ready to make a positive impact in the lives of dogs and their owners.

Currently, whilst dog training remains unregulated, the Ofqual regulated Level 3 qualification represents a recognised standard equivalent to an A-Level in the school system. This positions graduates advantageously should the industry become regulated in the future. For those considering a career in dog training, this qualification offers a clear path to professional success, providing everything needed to launch a rewarding career helping dogs and their owners build stronger, more harmonious relationships.

The programme's comprehensive reading list reflects its evidence-based approach to dog training. Students receive access to carefully selected texts that combine cutting-edge behavioural science with practical training applications. Among these essential resources is Dr Erica Cosijn's groundbreaking work 'Nasty Noises: From Cowering to Calm', which offers profound insights into managing noise sensitivity in dogs. Drawing from her background in noise impact assessment and her experience as a Tellington TTouch® practitioner, Erica provides a systematic approach to understanding and treating noise phobias, making complex concepts accessible through her unique analytical perspective.

'Talk Dog', co-authored by Alex Wilson with Nate Cant, serves as another cornerstone text, offering students a detailed exploration of canine body language and communication. The book draws on Alex's extensive experience as a Level 3 Tellington TTouch® practitioner and his background in developing innovative training approaches.

Karen Pryor's seminal work 'Don't Shoot the Dog!' provides students with fundamental insights into the science of positive reinforcement. This essential text helps students understand the principles underlying modern training methods, offering practical applications that extend beyond dog training to general principles of behaviour modification.

The reading list also includes Sarah Fisher and Marie Miller's '100 Ways to Train a Perfect Dog', which provides students with a comprehensive toolkit of training techniques, emphasising the importance of adaptability in training approaches.

The programme's emphasis on ethical training methods reflects the evolving understanding of dog behaviour and learning. Students explore various training techniques, from traditional methods to innovative approaches, always prioritising the dog's emotional wellbeing. This ethical foundation ensures graduates are well-equipped to handle the diverse challenges they'll encounter in their professional practice.

Looking to the future, the iPET Network Level 3 Certificate in Dog Training positions graduates advantageously in an industry that may soon face regulation. As an Ofqual-regulated qualification equivalent to A-Level standard, it provides a solid foundation for professional development and career advancement. This formal recognition sets graduates apart in an increasingly competitive field, demonstrating their commitment to professional excellence and ongoing education.

For those considering a career in dog training, the iPET Network Level 3 Certificate offers more than just a qualification; it provides a comprehensive foundation for a rewarding career helping dogs and their owners build stronger, more harmonious relationships. The programme's combination of scientific understanding, practical experience and business acumen creates well-rounded professionals ready to make a positive impact in the lives of dogs and their owners.

In an industry where understanding and communication are paramount, the iPET Network Level 3 Certificate continues to set the standard for professional excellence. It represents not just a qualification, but a gateway to a fulfilling career in professional dog training, supported by a network of experienced instructors and a community of like-minded professionals dedicated to advancing the field of dog training through ethical, evidence-based practices. Application is by interview; for those interested in this course, please visit www.xtradog.academy from where you can book a without-commitment interview with one of our enrolment team.

The final words go to Senior Instructor; Gail Skinner,

“If I were to turn back time the advice I'd give to my younger self is that if you put focus and passion into whatever you want, you will achieve it, no matter what other people think or say. Benjamin Franklin said it very well: 'By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.' So, prepare and put the groundwork in and you will succeed.”

To find out more visit the iPET Network website for more information.