National Dog Handling Academy (NDHA) – Terms & Conditions

Draft Version – To Be Refined Once Final Details Provided

1. Introduction

The National Dog Handling Academy (NDHA) is New Zealand’s first NZQA-accredited educational institution dedicated to dog handling training. By enrolling in any NDHA programme, students agree to all Terms and Conditions set out in this document.

These Terms & Conditions apply to all NDHA courses, including:

Junior Handler Qualification (Level 3, 5 NZQA Credits)
Intermediate Handler Qualification (Level 3, 5 NZQA Credits)
Senior Handler Qualification (Level 4, 5 NZQA Credits)

NDHA reserves the right to update these Terms at any time. Continued participation constitutes acceptance of changes.

2. Course Structure & Delivery

All course levels combine online theoretical modules and in-person practical handling sessions.

Level	Credits	Duration	Learning Hours	Structure
Junior	Level 3, 5 Credits	4 Weeks	~50 Hours	Entry-level training, kennel/boarding preparation
Intermediate	Level 3, 5 Credits	4 Weeks	~50 Hours	Leadership-focused professional dog handling, public pack walking
Senior	Level 4, 5 Credits	4 Weeks	~50 Hours	Independent handling, management, training & supervision

You must complete the lower levels before completing the next level – e.g. to start the Intermediate course you must have completed the Junior level course and so on.

Delivery Format:

40% online modules (via student portal)
60% practical sessions on a 10-acre farm in Waitakere Ranges (25 mins from Auckland CBD)

NDHA may adjust scheduling, delivery format, or session availability at its discretion.

3. Entry Requirements

All applicants must:

Have reliable transport to in‑person training sessions (NDHA does not provide transport)
Agree to follow NDHA safety and conduct policies
Disclose any medical conditions, injuries, allergies, fear of dogs, or limitations that may affect ability to participate safely

To successfully complete the Certificate in Dog Handling, learners must also be able to safely perform the physical tasks involved in working with dogs. This includes safely controlling dogs of varying sizes, observing canine behaviour, responding to movement and signals, and completing practical activities in a range of environments.

If you have any accessibility, health, or support needs, please let us know. We are committed to making reasonable accommodations wherever possible.

Intermediate and Senior entry requires successful completion of previous levels unless an exemption is granted.

4. Conduct, Safety & Liability

Students must behave professionally at all times and follow all safety instructions. Dogs handled in the programme belong to clients of Fetch Dog Walking or NDHA partner organisations, and must be treated with respect, care, and positive handling methods at all times.

NDHA reserves the right to remove any student from the programme without refund if their behaviour endangers animals, staff, clients, or other students, or if they fail to follow safety instructions.

Required standards include:

Covered footwear during all practical sessions
Respect toward dogs, staff, clients, and other students
Compliance with all handling protocols and instructor directions
No substance use before or during training sessions

NDHA is not liable for injury, loss, or damages resulting from:

Failure to follow safety instructions
Off‑site handling of animals outside official sessions
Pre‑existing medical conditions or personal property damage

Students acknowledge the inherent risks of working with animals, including potential injury, unpredictability of animal behaviour, physical strain, bites, scratches, and environmental hazards, and participate at their own risk. A liability waiver may be required prior to attending practical sessions.

5. Attendance & Participation Requirements

Students must attend practical sessions and complete online modules to receive credit.

Minimum requirements:

80% practical attendance (unless approved medical/exceptional circumstances)
Completion of all assigned assessments and competencies
Adherence to instructor evaluation criteria

Absences may require catch‑up sessions at additional cost.

6. Assessment & Certification

Credits and qualifications are awarded only upon successful completion of all required learning outcomes. NDHA reserves the right to withhold certification if a student:

Does not demonstrate safe or competent handling
Fails required assessments
Violates conduct policies

Completion of Junior, Intermediate, and Senior together constitutes full qualification.

7. Fees, Payment & Refund Policy

Course fees may be paid upfront or through approved third‑party instalment providers such as Afterpay. No late‑payment fees are charged; however, students may be suspended from attendance until payments are resolved.

Refunds:

No refunds once the course has begun, except at NDHA’s discretion in cases of serious medical or exceptional circumstances
Full refund if withdrawal occurs 14+ days before course start
50% refund if withdrawal occurs 13–1 days before course start

Because NDHA offers only one programme stream, transfers to alternative courses or credits for future enrolment are generally not available except under exceptional circumstances.

8. Intellectual Property & Media Use

All course materials, training methods, and assessments are intellectual property of NDHA and may not be copied, shared, or used for commercial purposes without written consent.

By enrolling, students provide default consent for NDHA to capture and use photos or video for educational and promotional purposes. Students may opt out only by written request prior to course commencement.

9. Animal Welfare Policy

NDHA adheres to New Zealand animal welfare standards. Students must handle dogs using:

Positive reinforcement methodologies
Low‑stress, ethical principles
No physical punishment or coercive techniques

Violation may result in immediate dismissal with no refund.

10. Complaints & Dispute Resolution

Concerns should first be raised with NDHA staff. If unresolved, students may escalate formally through NDHA’s internal process. As an NZQA‑accredited institution, external complaints may also be directed to NZQA.

11. Weather & Session Cancellations

Practical sessions are held outdoors and may be affected by weather. In cases of severe or unsafe conditions (such as storms), NDHA may cancel, delay, or reschedule sessions. NDHA will make reasonable efforts to provide alternative dates where possible, but cannot guarantee replacement sessions in all circumstances.

12. Acceptance of Terms

By enrolling, attending, or participating in any NDHA course, students acknowledge:

They have read and agree to these Terms & Conditions
They understand the risks involved in animal handling
They agree to NDHA policies and enforcement rights