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National Dog Handling Academy (NDHA) – Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

The National Dog Handling Academy (NDHA) delivers practical dog handling training in partnership with QED Associates Limited.

By enrolling in any NDHA programme, students agree to these Terms and Conditions.

These Terms apply to all NDHA programmes, including:

  • 5621 — Certificate in Junior Dog Handling (Micro-credential)

     

  • 5624 — Certificate in Intermediate Dog Handling (Micro-credential)

     

  • 5626 — Certificate in Senior Dog Handling (Micro-credential)

     

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

2. Course Structure & Delivery

Each certificate includes:

  • Approximately 50 learning hours

     

  • Approximately 4 weeks duration

     

  • 40% online learning (student portal)

     

  • 60% practical, in-person training

     

Practical training is conducted on a private farm in the Waitākere Ranges.

Students must complete certificates in sequence:

  • Junior → Intermediate → Senior
     (unless an exemption is granted)

     

NDHA reserves the right to adjust:

  • Schedules

     

  • Delivery format

     

  • Session availability

     

where reasonably required.

3. Entry Requirements

Students must:

  • Have reliable transport to practical sessions

     

  • Follow all NDHA safety and conduct policies

     

  • Disclose any relevant medical conditions, injuries, allergies, or limitations

     

Students must be physically capable of:

  • Safely handling dogs of varying sizes

     

  • Observing and responding to canine behaviour

     

  • Participating in outdoor practical activities

     

NDHA will make reasonable accommodations where possible.

Entry into Intermediate and Senior certificates requires successful completion of prior certificates unless otherwise approved.

4. Health, Safety & Conduct

Students must:

  • Follow all safety instructions at all times

     

  • Wear appropriate clothing, including closed footwear

     

  • Treat all dogs, staff, clients, and students with respect

     

  • Comply with all handling protocols

     

  • Refrain from alcohol or substance use before or during training

     

Dogs used in training are real client dogs and must be handled using appropriate care and professionalism.

NDHA reserves the right to remove any student without refund if their behaviour:

  • Poses a safety risk

     

  • Breaches conduct expectations

     

  • Compromises animal welfare

     

5. Risk Acknowledgement & Liability

Students acknowledge that working with dogs involves inherent risks, including:

  • Bites, scratches, and unpredictable behaviour

     

  • Physical strain and environmental hazards

     

Students participate at their own risk.

NDHA will take all reasonable care but is not liable for:

  • Injury resulting from failure to follow instructions

     

  • Off-site activities outside official sessions

     

  • Pre-existing conditions

     

  • Loss or damage to personal property

     

A liability waiver may be required prior to practical participation.

6. Attendance & Participation

To successfully complete a certificate, students must:

  • Attend a minimum of 80% of practical sessions (unless approved otherwise)

     

  • Complete all online modules

     

  • Meet all assessment requirements

     

Missed sessions may require catch-up training, which may incur additional costs.

7. Assessment & Certification

Certification is awarded upon successful completion of all required competencies.

NDHA reserves the right to withhold certification where a student:

  • Does not demonstrate safe or competent handling

     

  • Fails required assessments

     

  • Breaches conduct or safety policies

     

Completion of all three certificates constitutes full programme completion.

8. Fees, Payment & Financial Protection

All student fees are held securely through Public Trust in accordance with NZQA requirements.

This ensures:

  • Independent protection of student funds

     

  • Transparency in fee handling

     

  • Protection if a course is not delivered as agreed

     

Fees must be paid in accordance with agreed terms prior to course commencement.

Payment plans or third-party providers may be offered at NDHA’s discretion.

9. Refund Policy

Refunds are subject to the following:

  • Full refund if withdrawal occurs 14 or more days prior to course start

     

  • 50% refund if withdrawal occurs 1–13 days prior to course start

     

  • No refund once the course has commenced

     

Exceptions may be made at NDHA’s discretion in cases of:

  • Serious medical circumstances

     

  • Exceptional situations

     

10. Student Support & Wellbeing

Students should first seek support from NDHA staff for:

  • Course-related queries

     

  • Day-to-day support

     

  • Learning assistance

     

Unresolved matters may be escalated to QED Associates Limited, which is responsible for:

  • Upholding the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021

     

  • Ensuring student wellbeing and safety

     

11. Complaints & Dispute Resolution

Students must follow this process:

  1. Raise the issue with NDHA

     

  2. Escalate to QED Associates Limited if unresolved

     

  3. If still unresolved, escalate to New Zealand Qualifications Authority

     

12. Animal Welfare

NDHA operates in accordance with New Zealand animal welfare standards.

Students must:

  • Use positive reinforcement methods

     

  • Avoid physical punishment or coercion

     

  • Maintain ethical handling practices

     

Failure to meet these standards may result in immediate removal without refund.

13. Weather & Session Changes

Training is conducted outdoors and may be affected by weather.

NDHA may:

  • Cancel

     

  • Delay

     

  • Reschedule sessions

     

NDHA will make reasonable efforts to provide alternatives but cannot guarantee replacement sessions in all circumstances.

14. Intellectual Property & Media

All course materials are the intellectual property of NDHA and may not be copied or distributed without permission.

Students consent to the use of photos or video for training and promotional purposes unless they opt out in writing prior to course commencement.

15. Privacy

Student information is collected and stored in accordance with New Zealand privacy laws and used for educational and administrative purposes only.

16. Acceptance of Terms

By enrolling, attending, or participating in any NDHA programme, the student confirms that they:

  • Have read and understood these Terms and Conditions

     

  • Accept all course requirements and policies

     

  • Acknowledge the risks associated with dog handling

     

  • Agree to comply with NDHA and QED requirements