Canine Specialist

Becoming a Canine specialist is an ideal career choice for anyone who is passionate about working with dogs.

Whether your goal is to train and care for dogs at home, or work toward a career as a canine specialist, Stratford can help you get the knowledge you need to get started.

Our comprehensive course covers a variety of topics including proper nutrition, training, grooming, exercise, breeds, temperaments and more.

The best part is that you can study at home in your spare time to learn more about this exciting and varied field of study!

Canine Specialist Module 1
Introduction to Dog Breeds & General Care
• Choosing the Right Dog
• Primitive Dogs
• Working Dogs
• Hounds
• Terriers
• Companion Dogs
• Crossbreeds
• Health & Feeding
• Handling
• Grooming
• Behavior & Socialization

Canine Specialist Module 2
Dog Training
• Goals and Training Plan
• Feeding, Potty Training and Crating
• Tethering Exercises
• Sit Training
• Verbal and Hand Cues
• Stay and Release
• Boundary Training
• Walking and Heeling
• Directional Cues
• Clicker Training and Dog Tricks
• Solving Behavior Problems
• Dog Park and Water Safety

Canine Specialist Module 3
Dog Behavior
• Learning to “Speak Dog”
• How to Match Dog and Owner
• How Dogs Learn
• Housetraining 101
• Safe Training Tools
• Common Problems
• Kids & Dogs
• Mental Health & Aggression
• Separation Anxiety
• Sound Sensitivity
• Compulsive Behaviors
• Older Dogs

Canine Specialist Module 4
Dog Grooming
• Bathing and Drying Tips
• Brushing Techniques
• Trims for Different Body Styles
• Different Canine Head Types
• Ear Styles
• Grooming Techniques and Style Options
• Working with Different Canine Foot Styles
• Tail Types and Grooming

Canine Specialist Module 5
Canine Nutrition
• Nutrigenomics: An Overview
• What to Feed your Dog & Why
• The Basal Diet
• Food Intolerances
• Weight Control
• Health Conditions & Aging

Canine Specialist Module 6
Starting a Dog Business
• Getting Started
• Finances
• Legalities & Liabilities
• Marketing
• Rates & Policies
• Building Staff

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This educational program is an introductory course designed to help students gain knowledge necessary for the vocational application of this subject. Completion of this program does not fulfill the legal requirements of particular provincial licenses or certifications, which may require additional training or apprenticeships. One or more of the course subjects/textbooks may vary as courses are updated.