Course Catalog
Program Type: Certification in K9 Obedience & Behavior
Program Length: 36 Weeks | 720 Total Clock Hours
Lecture: 420 hours. Lab: 300 hours
Delivery Method: In-Person
Main Campus: 4776 Stone Mountain Hwy, Lilburn, GA 30047
Program Overview
This course outline is designed to summarize the Top Dogg K9 Academy Dog Obedience Training Syllabus for the Certificate in K9 Obedience & Behavior. The curriculum combines classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory training, supervised skill practice, competency check-offs, quizzes, practical demonstrations, and instructor feedback.
Course Descriptions
K9102 - The Origin of the Domestic Dog
This course explores the history and evolution of the domestic dog, tracing its origins from wild canines to modern companion and working breeds. Students will study canine domestication, breed development, historical roles of dogs in society, and the human-canine relationship throughout history.
Requirements: 20 Hours Lecture
K9103 - Introduction to Dog Breeds
Requirements: 20 Hours Lecture
This course provides an overview of major dog breeds, their classifications, characteristics, temperaments, and working purposes. Students will learn breed identification, behavioral tendencies, physical traits, and breed-specific care and training considerations.
K91014 - Understanding How a Dog Thinks and Their Behavior
Requirements: 20 Hours Lecture
This course introduces canine psychology, communication, and behavioral development. Students will learn how dogs process information, respond to stimuli, communicate through body language, and develop behaviors influenced by genetics, environment, and training.
K9106 - K9 Temperament
Requirements: 30 Hours Lecture + 10 Hours Lab
This course focuses on evaluating canine temperament, personality traits, behavioral responses, and social development. Students will learn how temperament affects training, service work, handling, and canine suitability for various environments and responsibilities.
K9107 - Dog Grooming & Care
Requirements: 20 Hours Lecture + 20 Hours Lab
This course introduces essential dog grooming practices, hygiene standards, coat maintenance, nail care, bathing procedures, and overall canine wellness. Students will gain hands-on experience using grooming tools and maintaining safe grooming environments.
K9108 - Dog Training & Handling Techniques
Requirements: 20 Hours Lecture + 20 Hours Lab
This course provides foundational instruction in dog handling, obedience training, leash control, behavioral correction, and positive reinforcement techniques. Students will develop practical skills for safely handling and training dogs in structured environments.
K9109 - Advanced Canine Obedience
Requirements: 30 Hours Lecture + 10 Hours Lab
This course provides advanced instruction in canine obedience, behavioral control, and handler communication. Students will develop techniques for reinforcing discipline, improving responsiveness, and maintaining consistent training standards in various environments.
K9110 - Service Dog Training Fundamentals
Requirements: 30 Hours Lecture + 10 Hours Lab
This course introduces the foundations of service dog development, task training, public access preparation, and handler support techniques. Students will learn the responsibilities and standards required for service dog training programs.
K9111 - Canine Behavior Modification
Requirements: 30 Hours Lecture + 10 Hours Lab
This course focuses on identifying and correcting unwanted canine behaviors through structured behavior modification methods. Students will study behavioral triggers, reinforcement strategies, and safe intervention techniques.
K9112 - Detection Dog Fundamentals
Requirements: 30 Hours Lecture + 10 Hours Lab
This course introduces the principles of scent detection and working dog performance. Students will learn foundational detection training methods, scent recognition, search patterns, and handler communication techniques.
K9113 - Working Dog Operations
Requirements: 30 Hours Lecture + 10 Hours Lab
This course provides an introduction to working dog operations, including patrol procedures, controlled handling, operational readiness, and canine performance in structured assignments and field environments.
K9114 - Canine Health & Nutrition
Requirements: 30 Hours Lecture + 10 Hours Lab
This course examines canine nutrition, wellness, preventative care, and overall health management. Students will learn dietary planning, health monitoring, exercise requirements, and basic wellness practices for maintaining healthy working and companion dogs.
K9115 - Professional K9 Handling & Safety
Requirements: 30 Hours Lecture + 10 Hours Lab
This course focuses on professional canine handling standards, workplace safety, bite prevention, risk management, and proper handler conduct. Students will develop safe handling practices for both training and operational settings.
K9116 - Canine Training Practicum
Requirements: 30 Hours Lecture + 10 Hours Lab
This capstone practicum provides supervised hands-on experience applying canine training, behavior management, handling, and operational techniques learned throughout the program. Students will demonstrate practical competency in real-world training scenarios.