Level 2 Dog Breeding

Introduction

Build your professional foundation with the Level 2 Dog Breeding course, the recognised entry-level qualification for anyone working in, or planning to run, a licensed dog breeding business.

This Ofqual-regulated course ensures you understand canine care, welfare, and responsible breeding practice, while preparing you to meet Defra’s licensing requirements under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

It combines the AIM Qualifications Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare with:

• Licensing Guidance for Dog Breeders (Flashcards & Quizzes)
• Live 1-to-1 Tutorial: Dog Breeding (Licensing & Inspection Preparation)

You’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to breed responsibly, protect the welfare of both dams and puppies, and meet your legal obligations as a licensed breeder, including compliance with Lucy’s Law and current Defra breeding standards.

Learning Objectives

Course 1 – AIM Qualifications Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare

Unit 1: Introduction to Canine Behaviour and Training

• Understand normal canine behaviour.
• Know suitable routines to prevent welfare and behaviour problems.
• Understand how to provide canine enrichment.
• Recognise appropriate, force-free training techniques.
• Understand how group settings influence behaviour.

Unit 2: Introduction to Canine Health and Welfare

• Understand how to meet a dog’s physical and emotional needs.
• Know about common canine diseases and how to prevent them.
• Recognise signs of stress, illness, or poor welfare.
• Understand safe cleaning, feeding, and handling procedures.
• Apply best practice in dog breeding welfare and supervision.

Course 2 – Licensing Guidance (Dog Breeding)

Unit 1: Introduction and Scope

• What is in and out of scope for dog breeding
• In-scope criteria
• Out-of-scope criteria
• Overview of The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018
• Quiz

Unit 2: General Conditions

• Licence display
• Record keeping and documentation
• Staffing, supervision and training
• Number and type of animals
• Suitable environment
• Suitable diet
• Monitoring behaviour and training of dogs
• Animal handling and interactions
• Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease
• Emergencies and contingency planning
• Quiz

Unit 3: Specific Conditions for Dog Breeding

• Breeding females: frequency, age, and welfare considerations
• Veterinary care and health screening
• Mating, pregnancy and whelping management
• Socialisation, handling, and habituation of puppies
• Identification, record keeping and microchipping
• Weaning and rehoming standards
• Genetic and hereditary health responsibilities
• Higher standards overview
• Quiz

Course 3 – Live 1-to-1 Tutorial (Dog Breeding)

A personalised online session with an experienced tutor-inspector to help you prepare for your inspection. Together, you’ll review:

• Your premises layout, space ratios, and activity zones.
• Staff competence and training records.
• Welfare routines, emergency plans, and hygiene protocols.
• Group management, rest periods, and supervision standards.
• Common inspection pitfalls and how to avoid them.

You’ll receive a written action plan and checklist tailored to your business.

Qualification Information

This qualification meets the requirements of Defra and the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

Includes:

• Level 2 Award in Canine Care & Welfare (AIM Qualifications)
• Licensing Guidance for Dog Breeding (Flashcards & Quizzes)
• Live 1-to-1 Tutorial (Inspection Preparation)

Defra requires that:

• Staff and licence holders can identify normal and abnormal canine behaviour.
• They recognise and mitigate pain, suffering, injury, and disease.
• Licence holders or designated managers are suitably qualified.

For staff, the guidance specifies that they should “hold a formal qualification such as a Level 2 qualification regulated by Ofqual, or demonstrate relevant and sufficient knowledge and experience.”

Reference: Dog Breeding – Licensing Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities

This course demonstrates your professional competence and readiness for inspection.

Who is the course for?

This regulated qualification is for anyone who works with dogs, particularly in these settings:

• Licensed breeders and licence applicants
• Hobby breeders approaching the licensing threshold
• Kennel managers or staff supporting breeding operations
• Rescue or welfare staff involved in rehoming puppies
• Animal welfare inspectors and consultants
• Veterinary nurses and animal management students

You do not need any prior knowledge or qualifications to study for this qualification, although some experience or related knowledge will be advantageous.

Assignments and assessments

Learning Style and Content

Delivered fully online through Dog Business School’s digital learning platform. Includes videos, eLearning modules, podcasts, downloadable materials, and tutor feedback.

Assessments

Achievement is through a portfolio of evidence, including:

• Written assignments (typically 200–500 words).
• Scenario-based questions and short quizzes.
• Reflective evaluation of your learning.
• Tutor feedback and notes from your live tutorial session.

Pass / Refer

Each task is graded Pass or Refer. Two complimentary resubmissions are included; further resits cost £25.

Certification

Certificates are issued by AIM Qualifications following external verification (usually within 2–6 months). Dog Business School can provide interim proof of achievement for licensing purposes.

Gain a regulated qualification, practical licensing support, and the confidence to deliver high-quality dog breeding services.

The qualification Defra expects from dog breeders, with the licensing knowledge and expert support to prepare you for inspection.

This bundle includes the following courses