• When?

    January 16th 2026 (after this it becomes self paced, from home.)

  • Where?

    Online via Zoom and the course platforms

  • How much?

    £199 for the January launch offer, after that it will be £249

You can’t breed better dogs if you don’t see the behaviour shaping their future.

We know how important health testing prior to breeding is, but do you know how important understanding behaviour and its effects can be? You’ve built your reputation on good dogs, great bloodlines, and clean health tests.
two poodles outside in a field looking towards the camera

But when it comes to behaviour, it can be blurry.

Common questions like “Why does that bitch never come into season” or statements like “My dogs are so noisy” are easier to answer when you understand body language and behaviour. Managing multi dog environments is tricky. You might have bitches that won’t settle – or one who never goes into season? And then there's the owners who message weeks later with “he’s nipping the kids” or “she won’t stop barking” Even when you’ve done your job well - somehow the problems bounce back to you. And deep down, you worry that they chip away at your reputation as a breeder. Behaviour is everywhere, everyday, being lived by every dog.

Now imagine you uncover what you don’t currently see.

Your dogs are calmer, more confident, and better behaved - even during seasons. You can predict problems before they start, support owners with clear advice, and stand tall knowing every puppy left your care truly ready for the world. Licensing officers take one look at your paperwork and qualifications and know you’re five-star. Buyers trust you instantly. Other breeders ask how you do it.
labrador puppy outside

Good breeders don’t guess. They know.

The iPET Network Level 3 Award in Canine Behaviour for Breeders gives you the insight to see what others miss - the body language, the triggers, the early signs that separate good breeders from great ones. You’ll gain a recognised Level 3 qualification that meets licensing standards, elevates your professionalism, and shows that your knowledge runs deeper than the average breeder’s instinct.
Enrol now

Be the breeder others look up to - the one who sets the standard, not just meets it.

Get your Ofqual regulated, Level 3 qualification and prove you’re serious about breeding exceptional dogs.

Enrol now

5 reasons breeders need this qualification

  • Meet licensing requirements by gaining a Level 3 qualification - on your schedule.

  • Costs similar to alternative dog related courses, but transforms future outcomes for your puppies, and is relevant to breeding

  • Gain a visible badge of professionalism and investment in your breeding standards

  • Future-proof your paperwork and practice as behaviour and temperament standards tighten

  • Make sharper selective breeding decisions that elevate your programmes and your reputation

And why else?

Responsible dog breeders cannot afford to skip learning about dog body language and behaviour any longer. It’s critical that breeders are equipped with the knowledge to intervene early, understand their individual dogs, and prepare new owners adequately for the journey ahead.

A reality check

This harrowing statistic is entirely preventable with earlier recognition, better puppy profiling, and more tailored handovers to new owners. It starts with breeders. Because the experiences and behaviours of your breeding dogs and your litters have a direct influence on each dog’s future behaviour. It depends on us to recognise the gaps in knowledge that need filling and to take a proactive approach to improve welfare for dogs and humans.
Approximately 33.7% of all deaths in dogs under the age of three are a result of undesirable behaviour. Boyd C, Jarvis S, McGreevy P, et al. 2018; doi:10.7120/09627286.27.3.251

This course is built for dog breeders, by a breeder!

You’re not a dog trainer and you’re not a regular dog owner - you’re a dog breeder. And that means we need to look at canine body language and behaviour in context for your unique lifestyle, role, and responsibilities. We go beyond just learning to recognise behaviours and equip you with the skills and knowledge to respond to them appropriately. Completion of this qualification will set you up to be an exemplary breeder.
two fluffy puppies walking on grass

By the end of this qualification, you’ll be able to:

  • Showcase your qualifications and expertise to licensing officers and prospective puppy owners

  • Profile each puppy accurately – spotting early indicators of confidence, worry, or over-arousal so you can tailor their experiences and handovers

  • Design appropriate socialisation and habituation plans that suit the breed and the individual, not just a one-size-fits-all checklist

  • Keep multi-dog homes/kennels calmer – manage and regulate seasons, hormones and resource access with less conflict

  • Recognise and interpret canine body language confidently and know when and how to intervene.

  • Understand learning theory and behaviour fundamentals so you know what’s being reinforced (and what’s being made worse).

  • Handle dogs correctly without inadvertently fuelling fear or aggression

  • Apply practical behaviour-management strategies that keep your breeding dogs and litters calmer and more content

  • Support new owners effectively with advice that actually works – and know when and how to refer them to qualified trainers or behaviourists

Additional benefits of taking this course with Pupstarts Breeders

This course was written by your course tutor, Rebecca Norton-Childs and all contents are adapted to be uniquely breeder specific - so everything you learn makes a tangible difference in your breeding programmes.

  • Dog Breeder & Behaviourist

    Tutored by an experienced and qualified dog breeder and canine behaviourist who makes the complex easy to understand and action

  • Private members community

    Exclusive access to our private members community with Q&As, discussion threads and peer support

  • Pre-approved admission to our Ambassador program

    Access extra resources and training support for your new puppy owners - and even make commission.

Level 3 Award: Canine Behaviour for Breeders Curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction

    • Student Registration & Contract

    • Candidate Qualification Overview - has to be completed by the leaner.

    • How does it all work?

    • Student Process Flow Chart - click on the link for a handy visual of the process to follow....

    • Qualification Handbook

    • How to access the ePortfolio

    • Guided Resources

    • Pupstarts Breeders Website, Blogs & Podcast
  • 2

    Unit 3022 Canine Body Language & Communication

    • Lesson 1 PDF

    • Lesson 2 PDF

    • Lesson 3 PDF

    • Lesson 4 - PDF

    • Lesson 5 - PDF

    • Lesson 6 - PDF

    • Lesson 7 - PDF

    • Lesson 8 - PDF

    • Lesson 9 - PDF

    • Lesson 10 - PDF

    • Link to "What can you see video" - watch and make notes before the recorded answers talk through! No cheating!

    • What can you see video? The answers/recorded talk through session.

    • Canine Body Language in multi dog environments

    • How does this affect us in a breeding environment?

    • Canine Body Language in Breeding Bitches

    • Canine Body Language in Stud Dogs

    • Canine Body Language during Pregnancy & Whelping

    • Canine Body Language in Puppies

    • Methods of Evaluating Canine Body Language

    • Workbook - Canine Body Language
  • 3

    Unit 3032 Principles of Canine Behaviour Development and Modification

    • Dog Trainers & Behaviourists

    • Understanding Canine Learning & Behavioural Principles

    • Why Behaviour matters to Breeders

    • Implementation Impact

    • The Escalation of Behaviour, Learnt Behaviour and Recognising Early Signs.

    • Key Behavioural Stages in Puppy Development

    • Puppy Development Deep Dive

    • Socialisation & Habituation

    • Common Undesirable Behaviours

    • The Impact of Undesirable Behaviours on Dog Welfare

    • Prevention of Undesirable Behaviour & Top Tips - create video here

    • VIDEO - Canine Anxiety Part 1

    • VIDEO - Separation Anxiety

    • VIDEO - Resource Guarding

    • Deeper Dive on Puppy Behaviours

    • Modification of Behaviour

    • Breed Specific Socialisation & Habituation

    • Signs of Inappropriate Socialisation & Habituation

    • Meet Your Dog - LEGS Model

    • Nature v Nuture

    • Epigenetics

    • Epigenetic Affect on Adult Breeding Dogs

    • Epigenetics and Puppies

    • Epigenetic Impact on Puppies

    • Individual Careplan Part 1

    • Individual Careplan Part 2

    • Careplan Template - for your own use if you would like to complete one!

    • Considerations for Management

    • Teaching Session

    • Chats with Justine... "The Family Dog" and what breeders can do to set puppies up for success.

    • Podcast Resource for this Unit

    • Workbook - Principles of Canine Behaviour Development & Modification
  • 4

    Unit 3024 Responsible Dog Breeding

    • Behaviours that indicate your dog is not suitable for breeding

    • Impact of Poor Breeding Choices on Welfare

    • The Role of Breeder-Guardian Collaboration

    • Commitment to Whole-Life Care

    • Workbook - Responsible Dog Breeding
  • 5

    The Case Study

    • The Challenge of Multi Dog Environments

    • Strategies for Breeders

    • Management of Males & Females during Seasons

    • Management of a Pregnant Female

    • The Case Study
  • 6

    The Puppy Socialisation Plan

    • Puppy Socialisation Podcast

    • Foundations

    • Breeder Blueprint

    • Puppy Socialisation Checklist - Breeder & Owner

    • Proactive Breeder Prevention of Undesirable Behaviours through Socialisation

    • Singleton Puppies: Behavioural Impact & Prevention

    • Effective Socialisation Plan

    • Guidance
  • 7

    The Puppy Profiling Checklist

    • Puppy Profiling Checklist - this is part of the requirements for the Responsible Dog Breeding Unit

    • Puppy Profiling Presentation Slides

    • The Puppy Pie - why we need to ensure owners are buying the right breed
  • 8

    Any questions?

    • That is it...you are DONE! Well almost!

  • Qualification Number: 610/6649/7

    Level: Level 3 Award Guided Learning Hours: 10 hours Total Qualification Time: 60 hours

FAQ

  • Q. I already have a level 3 in first aid, do I need this too?

    First aid helps in a crisis. This stops the crisis. If something’s wrong, you call your vet - qualification or not. Behaviour is where most problems start. This Award trains you to recognise it early, manage it well, and hand over crystal-clear guidance. With an understanding of body language and behaviour you may spot and prevent an incident that could end up requiring first aid treatment!

  • Q. I’m not a dog trainer, why do I need to understand behaviour?

    Dog training and behaviour are two different things, although they do go hand in hand. Dogs are learning and responding all the time - whether we’re ‘training’ them or not. Learning the fundamentals of how to shape and manage behaviours effectively will have a monumental impact in your home, your kennel blocks, and on your dogs. What’s reinforced will be repeated - so learn how to reinforce the behaviours you want - and you’ll see owners value that investment highly.

  • Q. I already get so many messages about training and behaviour - will this make it worse?

    Nope, quite the opposite. If you’re used to getting a lot of panicked messages from new puppy owners then this course will give you the tools to change that. When puppy owners are better prepared with clear training, handling, and management guidance - they don’t need to send you messages asking what to do.

  • Q. Will this help with my breeding bitches and studs?

    Yes! Managing multiple dogs, hierarchies, and hormones means that behaviour is changing all the time. Learning how to spot the signs intervention is needed and knowing exactly what to do about it will give you a much more harmonious experience among your dogs.

  • How are students assessed?

    Assessment for the Level 3 award in Canine Behaviour for Breeders will be completed by your tutor. On completion of the live learning, you’ll be given a workbook and assessment to complete in your own time. Your knowledge and understanding will then be assessed by an iPET Network approved Training Provider delivering a pass/fail.