Before You Begin: Important Information
Your DN-DTC Master Course Structure
The DogNostics Dog Trainer Certificate Program is delivered across three progressive levels:
- Apprentice
- Journeyman
- Master
You are currently enrolled in the Master Level, the final instructional stage of the DogNostics Dog Trainer Certificate Program.
The Master Level has been designed to consolidate and integrate the knowledge and practical skills developed throughout the program, while encouraging thoughtful analysis, professional judgement, and confident application of modern, force-free dog training principles.
Whether you previously completed the Apprentice and Journeyman Levels or are joining us for the Master Level as an individual course, we're delighted you've chosen to continue your learning with DogNostics.
Master Course Modules
The Master Level consists of five core modules, which include:
- Main lesson content
- E-learning videos
- Practical homework assignments designed to refine your practical skills and professional decision-making
Each module builds upon the previous one, so it's important to complete them in order.
Please complete:
Master 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 have been carefully designed to help you integrate your knowledge while continuing to strengthen your practical competence, confidence, and professional judgement.
Supplementary Module (Master)
In addition to the five core modules, the Master Level includes a Supplementary Module (Module Six).
This module contains:
- Supportive documentation for the Master 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.
- The required pass mark is 85%.
- You may retake the quiz if needed.
- Quiz results are automatically sent to us, so there is no need to notify us.
The quizzes form part of the learning process and are designed to reinforce your understanding while helping you identify any topics you may wish to revisit before progressing.
Feedback on Your Work
Your quiz results and practical skill submissions are reviewed using our performance–feedback–revision philosophy.
Our goal is to support your development - not to judge or test you.
When we ask questions or offer suggestions, they come from a "let's review this together" perspective. This collaborative approach not only enhances your learning but also helps us continually improve and refine our teaching materials.
We aim to provide feedback within 72 hours of receiving your submission.
If you have not received feedback within that timeframe, please email:
Louise@DogNosticseLearning.com
using the subject line:
Your Full Name – Pending DTC Master Module [Number] Feedback
Example: Rebekah King – Pending DTC Master Module One Feedback
Please note that feedback may occasionally take a little longer following weekend submissions or during periods of exceptionally high submission volumes.
Practical Skill Submission Specifications
(Applies to all Master Level practical skill videos.)
Please ensure the following requirements are met:
- Submit all videos using the video submission form provided at the end of each module.
- Upload videos to YouTube or Vimeo and set them to Unlisted.
- Keep each video within the specified time limit (plus up to one additional minute where discussion has been requested).
- Clearly label every video with:
- Module name and number
- Your name
- Your dog's name
Example: Master Module One – Louise Stapleton-Frappell & Jambo
- Videos exceeding the recommended duration may be penalized.
- Include a brief spoken explanation or caption describing what you will be demonstrating.
Example: "Teaching Sit Using a Lure."
All training and handling methods must comply with:
- The 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 training or handling methods.
- Careful observation of canine body language and behavioural signals.
- Appropriate responses to stress, discomfort, confusion, or behavioural challenges.
- Thoughtful environmental management to maximise the dog's learning and welfare.
Your practical assessments evaluate not only your technical training skills, but also your professional judgement, handling decisions, observational ability, and your response to any unexpected situations that arise during training.
Your Master Course Attendance Certificate
To receive your Master Level Course Attendance Certificate, you must:
- Complete all lessons within Master Modules 1–5.
- Successfully pass all five Master module quizzes.
- Submit the required Master practical skill assessment videos.
Earning Your DogNostics Dog Trainer Certificate (DN-DTC)
For students completing the full DogNostics Dog Trainer Certificate Program, successful completion of the Master Level marks the completion of the instructional component of the program.
To earn the DogNostics Dog Trainer Certificate (DN-DTC) professional qualification, you must:
- Successfully complete the Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master Levels.
- Earn the Course Attendance Certificate for each level.
- Successfully complete the final DN-DTC open-book, multiple-choice certification examination.
If you enrolled directly into the Master Level as an individual course, successful completion of the Master Level alone does not confer the DN-DTC professional qualification. To earn the full qualification, you must also successfully complete the Apprentice and Journeyman Levels before undertaking the final certification examination.
