The Level 2 Award in Canine Care and Welfare (RQF) is an Ofqual-regulated qualification that provides a structured and nationally recognised introduction to canine health, breed knowledge, welfare, training, and behaviour. Awarded by SEG Awards, a regulated awarding organisation listed on the Ofqual Register, it is designed for people who want credible, evidenced knowledge of dogs at foundation level — whether for professional development, career entry, or progression to higher-level canine study.
The award is structured around two mandatory units that cover the two fundamental dimensions of responsible canine care. Unit 1: Canine Health Care provides a comprehensive grounding in canine anatomy, breed diversity, and health maintenance. You develop the ability to identify different canine breeds and understand the characteristics, temperaments, and working histories that distinguish them, gaining insight into why certain breeds are chosen for specific roles. You study the most common illnesses that affect dogs — including infectious diseases, parasitic infestations, musculoskeletal conditions, and breed-specific health risks — and develop the knowledge to recognise early signs of ill health and understand when veterinary intervention is needed. The unit also examines the fundamental values of the canine–human bond: the biological and psychological basis of the dog–human relationship, what dogs need from human carers to thrive, and how understanding this relationship supports responsible ownership and professional animal care practice.
Unit 2: Canine Training and Behaviour introduces the science of how dogs learn and how their behaviour is shaped by genetics, socialisation, and environment. You study the core principles of learning theory as applied to dogs — including classical conditioning, operant conditioning, positive reinforcement, and counter-conditioning — and examine how these principles underpin effective, humane, and evidence-based training methods. The unit covers the wide range of roles that dogs fulfil in contemporary society, from companion and working roles to assistance, detection, and search-and-rescue work, and explores how training methods are adapted for different purposes. You also examine common behaviour problems in dogs, their causes, and the principles of behaviour modification that professionals use to address issues such as reactivity, separation anxiety, and fear-based responses.
Assessment is conducted entirely online through written assignments for each unit. There are no examinations or placement requirements. All materials, unit guides, and tutor support are accessed through the online learning platform, making the qualification fully accessible to learners across the UK regardless of location or daily schedule. The award provides a recognised credential for anyone entering the canine care and pet services sector, and serves as the foundational step on the learndirect canine qualifications pathway.
