Level 3 Dog Breeding

Introduction

Advance your expertise with the Level 3 Dog Breeding course

Designed for experienced breeders who want to formalise their knowledge, strengthen their licensing position, and operate at the Higher Standard.

This programme combines the AIM Qualifications Level 3 Award in Canine Care, Behaviour & Welfare with two specialist modules:

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

Already an experienced breeder? This course is built for you. Many students come to this programme with solid practical knowledge of whelping, neonatal care, and breeding management. The Level 3 isn’t about teaching you the basics. It’s about gaining a recognised Ofqual qualification that reflects the competence you already have, and that positions you strongly when it comes to licensing and inspection.

Under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, a licence requires demonstrated competence. That can be shown through experience alone, but holding a relevant Level 3 qualification is what unlocks the Higher Standard, including a 4 to 5 star rating, a licence duration of up to three years, and a stronger overall inspection outcome.

Inspectors assess welfare knowledge, breeding and neonatal practice, disease control, behaviour and socialisation, and record keeping. This course prepares you to evidence competence across all of those areas with confidence.

Study flexibly online and gain the qualification that gives your breeding business the credibility, compliance footing, and professional standing it deserves.

Learning Objectives

Course 1 – AIM Qualifications Level 3 Award in Canine Care, Behaviour & Welfare

Unit 1: Canine Behaviour

• Understand canine body language and communication.
• Recognise and manage stress, fear, and aggression in a group setting.
• Apply humane behaviour-management and enrichment strategies.
• Understand how environment and handling affect behaviour.

Unit 2: Care of Dogs in Kennels, Day Care and Home Boarding

• Understand disease prevention and hygiene requirements.
• Apply appropriate feeding, supervision, and enrichment routines.
• Manage admission, grouping, and release procedures safely.
• Use PPE correctly and maintain safe handling practices.
• Recognise compatible play behaviour and manage dogs in shared spaces.

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

It meets Defra’s requirement for a suitably qualified licence holder or manager and supports attainment of the Higher Standard under the statutory guidance.

Defra requires that:

• Licence holders and staff can identify normal and abnormal behaviour.
• They recognise pain, suffering, injury, or distress and take prompt action.
• At least one full-time staff member holds a relevant Level 3 qualification for Higher Standard status.

Reference: Dog Breeding – Licensing Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities

Who is the course for?

This regulated qualification is for anyone who works with dogs – particularly as a:

• Dog boarder
• Dog day carer
• Dog breeder
• Dog walker
• Dog trainer/behaviourist
• Dog groomer
• Pet sitter

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

Study at your own pace through Dog Business School’s online platform. Content includes videos, eLearning modules, podcasts, and downloadable resources. Tutor feedback and additional learning support are available on request.

Assessments

Achievement is through a portfolio of evidence:

• Written assignments (200–500 words) and scenario-based tasks.
• Quizzes covering key welfare and licensing concepts.
• A self-evaluation of your learning experience.
• Feedback from your Live 1-to-1 tutorial with an action summary.

Pass / Refer

Each submission is graded Pass or Refer. Two complimentary resubmissions are included. Additional resits cost £25.

Certification

Once verified, certificates are issued by AIM Qualifications within 2–6 months. Dog Business School can provide interim confirmation of achievement for licensing applications.

Gain the recognised qualification and practical licensing knowledge Defra expects of professional breeding operators.

You’ll finish confident, compliant, and ready for inspection.

Professional. Practical. Inspection-ready training for modern dog breeding professionals.

This bundle includes the following courses