BECOME A FULLY QUALIFIED SENIOR DOG HANDLER IN 150 HOURS

JUNIOR + INTERMEDIATE + SENIOR

NZQA Approved Qualification

The senior handler certificate prepares you for full-time leadership, fully equipping you for full-time professional senior handling roles with the ability to confidently train & supervise other handlers, or start your own business involving dog-handling.

This course covers all three levels (Junior, Intermediate, Senior) spanning 12 different modules with 60% of it being practical, hands-on in person handling sessions, and 40% being theory through our student portal.

OR BECOME A QUALIFIED INTERMEDIATE HANDLER IN 100 HOURS

JUNIOR + INTERMEDIATE

NZQA Approved Qualification

The intermediate handler certificate equips you for professional leadership in full-time dog handling roles, intermediate off-lead pack walking & daycare roles.

This course covers two levels (Junior & Intermediate), spanning eight different modules with 60% of it being practical, hands-on in person handling sessions, and 40% being theory through our student portal.

JUNIOR HANDLER QUALIFICATION - 50 HOURS

NZQA Approved Qualification

The Junior Handler certificate provides an entry-level understanding into the dog handling industry, qualifying those for dog kennel and boarding positions.

This course spans four different modules with 60% of it being practical, hands-on in person handling sessions and 40% being theory through our student portal & classroom.

WHICH QUALIFICATION SHOULD I APPLY FOR?

JUNIOR HANDLER QUALIFICATION

Perfect if you love dogs but are not yet sure if you want to pursue dog handling as a full-time career path.

Start here if you have passion, but not fully committed.

INTERMEDIATE HANDLER QUALIFICATION

Best if you want to step into a full-time role with expertise in professional leadership with dogs.

Choose this if you’re committed to taking professional dog-handling as a long-term pathway.

SENIOR HANDLER QUALIFICATION

For those aiming to be leaders in professional handling, train & supervise others, or start their own dog business.

Apply if you want to be at the top level of professional expertise.

STILL UNSURE?

We’re happy help you one on one to answer all your questions.

MEET OUR GRADUATES

SAMI

JUNIOR HANDLER QUALIFICATION

“I learned so much about animal welfare and the small but important details you wouldn’t typically pick up without doing a course like this. They have amazing teachers. They’re patient, kind, and incredibly knowledgeable. Their passion for working with dogs and teaching others really shines through, and it genuinely inspires you to develop that same passion yourself.”

DANI

JUNIOR HANDLER QUALIFICATION

“I loved how simple it was. Full of knowledge specifically key areas of what is required for our job. Learning at the NDHA made simple and easy, you aren’t overloaded with information, and being able to put our knowledge to the test through quizzes and practically. Kat is an amazing teacher. For someone who is a visual learner, The NDHA provided an environment that felt catered to my learning style”

JASMIN

JUNIOR HANDLER QUALIFICATION

“The course was very informative and really well thought out. It never felt rushed, and the feedback throughout was incredibly helpful. Overall, the NDHA was a really positive experience. I’m excited to continue with the next section and keep building my skills.”

EMILY

JUNIOR HANDLER QUALIFICATION

“The NDHA was great with amazing teachers who were patient, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about dogs and teaching others. The small group environment created a relaxed, supportive space where it was easy to ask questions, have open conversations, and learn from her wealth of experience. Overall, it was an incredibly positive, inspiring experience.”

PIPER

JUNIOR HANDLER QUALIFICATION

“The NDHA had excellent mentors and trainers they offered me fantastic advice and learning experiences though the NDHA and working along side each other, I struggled with my confidence starting off in the pack walking industry and very quickly they taught me everything i needed to know and had me walking 9 dogs with ease.”

ZOE

JUNIOR HANDLER QUALIFICATION

“What I really loved about the NDHA was the mix of theory and practical learning. We’d go through detailed explanations of different handling styles and animal behaviours, then immediately head out and put it into practice with the dogs. Having Kat there to guide us and make corrections on the spot was incredibly helpful and made the learning really stick.”

KATIE

JUNIOR HANDLER QUALIFICATION

“I really valued the ability to ask lots of questions and learn from our teachers expertise. The course content was in-depth and highly informative, while the practical elements allowed us to put what we’d learnt into practice in a nice environment. The small group dynamics also made the experience more personal, supportive, and engaging.”

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM EACH COURSE

JUNIOR OUTLINE

5 Credits Lvl 3. Hours 50.

NDHA 101: Welfare, Handling & Safety in Professional Contexts

Apply animal welfare principles and safe handling practices across varied environments and
scenarios

5 hours theory, online +face to face and self-directed. 5 hours practical

NDHA 103: Risk Management & Incident Prevention

Proactively Identify, prevent, and respond to risks in diverse public and private

5 hours theory, online +face to face and self-directed. 10 hours practical

NDHA 102: Understanding & Managing Dog Behaviours

Recognize, interpret, and respond to complex behaviour signals in multi-dog and public settings.

5 hours theory, online +face to face and self-directed. 5 hours practical

NDHA 104: Pack Handling in Public & Private Settings

Demonstrate control and leadership in small-to-medium pack scenarios across varied environments.

5 hours theory, online +face to face and self-directed. 10 hours practical

INTERMEDIATE OUTLINE

5 Credits Lvl 3. Hours 50.

NDHA 201: Welfare, Handling & Safety in Professional Contexts

Apply animal welfare principles and safe handling practices across varied environments and
scenarios

5 hours theory, online +face to face and self-directed. 5 hours practical

NDHA 203: Risk Management & Incident Prevention

Proactively Identify, prevent, and respond to risks in diverse public and private

5 hours theory, online +face to face and self-directed. 10 hours practical

NDHA 202: Understanding & Managing Dog Behaviours

Recognize, interpret, and respond to complex behaviour signals in multi-dog and public settings.

online +face to face and self-directed. 5 hours practical

NDHA 204: Demonstrate control and leadership in small-to-medium pack scenarios across varied environments.

Demonstrate control and leadership in small-to-medium pack scenarios across varied environments.

5 hours theory, online +face to face and self-directed. 10 hours practical

SENIOR OUTLINE

5 Credits Lvl 4. Hours 50.

NDHA 301: Advanced Welfare, Health & Professional Standards

Demonstrate mastery in integrating welfare, behaviour health into high level professional practice.

5 hours theory, online +face to face and self-directed. 5 hours practical

NDHA 303: High-Level Risk Management & Emergency Response

Lead proactive risk analysis, crisis response, and incident management across multiple dogs and handlers.

5 hours theory, online +face to face and self-directed. 10 hours practical

NDHA 302: Advanced Behaviour & Complex Scenarios

Interpret subtle, layered behaviours and apply leadership strategies in high pressure contexts.

5 hours theory, online +face to face and self-directed. 5 hours practical

NDHA 304: Leadership in Pack Management

Master leadership of large or complex packs in diverse environments while ensuring safety, welfare and control.

5 hours theory, online +face to face and self-directed. 10 hours practical