Dog Trainer Qualification UK (Aligned with recognised Industry bodies)
A structured accredited route into becoming a professional dog trainer in the UK, with real training, real dogs and real in person training.
Using 15 years of both academic and practical learning the Spirit Dog Trainer qualification aligns industry regulation bodies with a structured accredited route into becoming a professional dog trainer in the UK.
These courses are open to all; however you will be required to carry out a minimum of 500 hours real life dog training to secure your certificate.
On completion of the qualification you will have the opportunity to purchase your own exclusive franchise territory at a discounted rate and run your own business as part of a recognised and respected industry brand.
All the Spirit™ Dog Trainer courses are accredited with the Skills & Education Group
In an unregulated world it is a minefield on which company to use for training to be a dog trainer. All the Spirit™ Dog Trainer courses are accredited with the Skills & Education Group, our internal verifier is Nicki Kelly, who has substantial experience in the Higher Education Sector. The final practical assessment will be carried out by an external assessor.
Prior to accreditation Emma took the extra steps of sending the course content to no less than 5 industry professionals. This was not required during the accreditation process but it assured candidates of the best quality information. “Outstanding” was just one of the quotes given.
This is a professional dog trainer development pathway that can be delivered across the UK and anyone interested in hosting the qualification outside of Essex, Suffolk or Lincoln should get in touch on admin@essentialcaninelifeskills.co.uk
What Are Others Saying?
The courses are developed with a mixture of academic learning and practical hands-on and are delivered in person with support.
All learning styles have been considered, and course material can be provided in audible formats where required.
We are totally committed to allowing the courses to be totally accessible so if you have a particular learning requirement then please do let us know.
The Spirit™ Dog Trainer
(specialist in Holistic Dog Training)
Accredited Course
Total Cost is £1800.00
September 2026 Special Offer £720 – please email for easy payment options and to discuss further
Essex
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7th September 2026
* 2 full classroom days of academic learning (7/8 September Richmond Hall, Benfleet 9am - 4pm)
* 1 full day practical training dog handling - dogs supplied - 7th October - Hill Farm, East Hanningfield 9am - 3pm)
* 1 full day class and teaching practice with dogs and handlers Wednesday 21st October- Hill Farm, East Hanningfield 9am-3pm)
* Your Assessment date will be agreed ongoing with Emma
* Final classroom session (pre assessment) Monday 2nd November 9-1
The above in person dates MUST be attended
In addition to this you will also be required to carry out a minimum of 5 external home visit case studies
Portfolio Work -
Winter 2027
* 2 full classroom days of academic learning (20/22 January Richmond Hall, Benfleet 9am - 4pm)
* 1 full day practical training dog handling - dogs supplied (24th February - Hill Farm, East Hanningfield 9am - 3pm)
* 1 full day class and teaching practice with dogs and handlers (17th March- Hill Farm, East Hanningfield 9am-3pm)
* Your Assessment date will be agreed ongoing with Emma
* Final classroom session (pre assessment) 12th April 9-1
The above in person dates MUST be attended
In addition to this you will also be required to carry out a minimum of 5 external home visit case studies
Portfolio Work -
Autumn 2027
* 2 full classroom days of academic learning (6/8 September Richmond Hall, Benfleet 9am - 4pm)
* 1 full day practical training dog handling - dogs supplied (6th October - Hill Farm, East Hanningfield 9am - 3pm)
* 1 full day class and teaching practice with dogs and handlers (27th October- Hill Farm, East Hanningfield 9am-3pm)
* Your Assessment date will be agreed ongoing with Emma
* Final classroom session (pre assessment) 24th November 9-1
The above in person dates MUST be attended
In addition to this you will also be required to carry out a minimum of 5 external home visit case studies
Portfolio Work
Spirit Dog Trainer
Accredited Course
The Spirit™
Foundation Agility Dog Trainer Course (Accredited)
This course would be a great tool for someone already offering dog training and wants to add fun agility as an add-on. Alternatively pet dog owners wishing to undertake their own training. It covers the responsibilities of offering agility training (health, welfare and suitability of the dog), safe introduction of sequencing for jumps and tunnels and some basic skills for the dog and handlers, along with some games and exercises to get you started. This course does not cover weaves and contacts which are covered in other courses.
Duration of the course is 2.5 days and will be a mixture of academic and practical learning, including a practical assessment.
On completion of the course, you will be able to safely offer pet dog agility training and be confident in the knowledge that should your client wish to go on and do competitive agility then you have given them the best possible start to their chosen sport.
Cost is £1000.00
November 2026 Special Offer £550 – Discounts and easy payment options can apply – please email for further details
Essex
The Spirit™ Foundation Agility Dog Trainer Course
Safe introduction of contacts and weaves
The Spirit™ Foundation Agility Dog Trainer Course – Safe introduction of contacts and weaves
This course is a great add on to the Agility Trainers Foundation Course and explores the safe introduction of agility contact equipment and successful weave methods. Health and safety aspects are covered and the importance of fitness and physical checks for dogs for carrying out these pieces of equipment. A knowledge-based course carried out in practical environments.
On completion of this course, you will have the knowledge to introduce contacts and weaves should you wish.
Duration of this course is one day.
Cost is £175.00
Essex
The Spirit ™ Reward & Reinforcement
Training Course
A great add on to any of our courses, exploring the magic of successful reward and reinforcement in dog training (both intentional and unintentional). This is delivered over zoom, and the duration is approximately 2 hours.
Cost is £90.00
