Welcome to the Journeyman Level of Your DogNostics Dog Trainer Certification Program
Welcome to the Journeyman Level of the DogNostics Dog Trainer Certificate Program
Hello, and a very warm welcome!
I am delighted to welcome you to the Journeyman Level of the DogNostics Dog Trainer Certificate Program. My name is Louise Stapleton-Frappell, and I will continue to be your instructor and guide throughout this exciting stage of your professional development.
Having successfully completed the Apprentice Level - or joined us with equivalent knowledge - you've already established a strong foundation in the science and practical application of modern, force-free dog training.
The Journeyman Level has been carefully designed to build upon those foundations by developing greater fluency, confidence, and consistency in both your practical skills and professional decision-making. You'll continue to expand your understanding of learning theory while refining your ability to apply it thoughtfully and effectively in real-world training situations.
About the Journeyman Level
The DogNostics Dog Trainer Certificate Program is structured into three progressive levels:
- Apprentice
- Journeyman
- Master
You are currently enrolled in the Journeyman Level, which sits at the heart of the program and plays a vital role in strengthening your practical competence while preparing you for more advanced study.
The Journeyman course consists of six modules, each including:
- Engaging written lessons
- Video and audio resources
- Comprehensive supporting notes
- Supplementary learning resources
- Online knowledge assessments
- Practical skill assignments designed to refine your training skills and professional judgement
Each module builds upon the knowledge you've already acquired, placing greater emphasis on application, problem-solving, observation skills, and consistency across a variety of training situations.
What to Expect at the Journeyman Level
As you progress through the Journeyman Level, you will:
- Strengthen your understanding of learning theory and training mechanics
- Develop greater confidence, fluency, and precision in your practical training skills
- Continue receiving personalized feedback on your skill submissions
- Engage with the supportive DogNostics Student Common Room on Facebook
- Receive a Journeyman Level Certificate of Attendance upon successful completion
For students who choose to continue, the Journeyman Level provides the bridge to the Master Level, where you'll integrate your knowledge at a deeper level and continue developing your professional expertise.
Flexibility & Access
You may begin the Journeyman Level as soon as your enrollment is confirmed.
Students on the monthly subscription receive one module every 30 days, while those who have paid in full receive immediate access to all six Journeyman modules.
You have six months to complete the Journeyman Level and may work through the material at your own pace during that time.
Meet Some of My Family
As you continue your journey through the DogNostics Dog Trainer Certificate Program, you'll continue learning alongside two very special dogs - Tessa and Jambo, who are pictured with me in the welcome graphic above and feature throughout much of the practical content you'll study.
Tessa, my German Shepherd, and Jambo, my Staffordshire Bull Terrier, were far more than my companions. They were my training partners, my teachers, and an integral part of the development of this program.
Together, they were instrumental in developing many of the practical skills demonstrations you'll encounter throughout the curriculum.
Although Tessa and Jambo are no longer with me, their legacy continues through the knowledge they help me share. Every demonstration reflects the trust, communication, and partnership we built together, and I hope you'll continue to enjoy learning alongside them throughout your studies.
The DogNostics Dog Trainer Certificate Program continues to evolve, and you'll also meet the newest member of my canine family, Jessam, who is beginning to feature in some of the more recently developed course content.
Meet Jessam
Jessam is the newest member of my family and my current training partner.
While much of the DogNostics Dog Trainer Certificate Program was developed alongside Tessa and Jambo, Jessam is now helping shape the future of DogNostics Education. As new lessons are developed and existing content is updated, you'll see him featured in some of the practical demonstrations and training examples.
Your Learning Experience
The Journeyman Level has been designed to be engaging, challenging, and highly practical.
As your knowledge and skills continue to grow, you'll encounter training scenarios that encourage deeper thinking, more refined observation skills, and increasingly confident decision-making. Whether you're working with your own dog, client dogs, or dogs in a professional or shelter environment, each assignment has been carefully designed to strengthen your technical ability while developing your confidence as a modern, ethical dog trainer.
Above all, I hope you'll continue to enjoy the journey. Great trainers never stop learning, and every dog offers an opportunity to develop new knowledge, insight, and understanding.
Final Thoughts
Reaching the Journeyman Level is an important milestone in your development as a dog trainer. At this stage, knowledge increasingly becomes confident, thoughtful, and effective practice.
I'm delighted you've chosen to continue your learning with DogNostics, and I look forward to supporting you throughout the next stage of your professional journey.
Welcome to the Journeyman Level - and welcome back to the DogNostics family!
Your DN-DTC Journeyman Course Structure
The DogNostics Dog Trainer Certificate Program is delivered across three progressive levels:
- Apprentice
- Journeyman
- Master
You are about to start the Journeyman Level, where you'll build upon the knowledge and practical skills introduced during the Apprentice Level while developing more advanced training, behavior, observation, and coaching skills.
Journeyman Course Modules
The Journeyman Level consists of five core modules, which include:
- Main lesson content
- E-learning videos
- Practical homework assignments designed to strengthen your skills and apply your learning
Each module builds on the previous one, so please complete them in order.
Please complete:
Journeyman Modules 1-5
Complete the online knowledge test and all homework assignments for each module before progressing to the next module.
The lessons and assignments are designed to prepare you for the increasingly advanced concepts introduced throughout the course.
Supplementary Module (Journeyman)
In addition to the five core modules, the Journeyman Level includes a Supplementary Module (Module Six).
This module contains:
- Supportive documentation for the Journeyman Level
- Suggested additional reading and learning resources
Module Lessons
Each module consists of several lessons.
Please complete each lesson in full before moving on to the next lesson within that module.
Online Knowledge Tests (Module Quizzes)
Each module is followed by a short open-book online quiz.
- Required pass mark: 85%
- You may retake the quiz if needed.
- Quiz results are automatically sent to us, so there's no need to notify us.
The quizzes are designed to reinforce learning and help identify areas you may wish to review before progressing.
Feedback on Your Work
Your quiz results and practical skill submissions are reviewed using our performance-feedback-revision approach.
Our goal is to help you grow - not to judge or catch you out.
When we ask questions or make suggestions, they come from a "let's review this together" perspective. The feedback process also helps us continually refine and improve our teaching materials.
We aim to provide feedback within 72 hours of your submission.
If you have not received feedback within that timeframe, please email:
Louise@DogNosticseLearning.com
Subject line:
Your Full Name – Pending DTC Journeyman Module [Number] Feedback
Example: Rebekah King – Pending DTC Journeyman Module One Feedback
Practical Skill Submission Specifications
(Applies to all Journeyman skill videos.)
Please ensure the following guidelines are met:
- Videos must be submitted using the video submission form at the end of each module.
- Videos must be uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo and set to Unlisted.
- Videos must remain within the specified time limit (plus up to one additional minute if discussion is requested).
- Clearly label every video with:
- Module name and number
- Your name
- Your dog's name
Example: Journeyman Module One – Louise Stapleton-Frappell & Jambo
- You may be penalized for exceeding the recommended time.
- Include a brief verbal explanation or caption describing what you are demonstrating (for example, Teaching Sit using a lure).
All training and handling methods must comply with:
- DogNostics Student Code of Conduct
- The Pet Professional Guild Guiding Principles
- 100% force-free practice
Force-Free Requirements (Non-Negotiable)
Force-free means:
- No shock, pain, choke, fear, physical force, or compulsion-based methods.
- Careful observation of canine body language and behavioral signals.
- Appropriate responses to stress, discomfort, confusion, or behavioral challenges.
- Thoughtful environmental management to support successful learning.
Your submissions will be assessed not only on your training technique, but also on your decision-making, handling skills, and ability to adapt appropriately if unexpected situations arise.
Your Journeyman Course Attendance Certificate
To receive your Journeyman Level Course Attendance Certificate, you must:
- Complete all lessons within Journeyman Modules 1-5.
- Successfully pass all five Journeyman module quizzes.
- Submit the required Journeyman practical skill assessment videos.
Progression Beyond Journeyman
If your goal is to earn the DogNostics Dog Trainer Certificate (DN-DTC) professional qualification, you must successfully complete all three levels - Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master - and then pass the final DN-DTC certification assessment.
