Thrissur: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Kerala has introduced a Certificate Course in Professional Dog Training and Canine Forensics, opening up new career opportunities in the field of animal behaviour and crime investigation.

The unique course, launched jointly by the Kerala Police Academy and the University of Calicut, has already sparked impressive interest, with 19 candidates applying on the very first day of registration despite the course fee exceeding ₹1 lakh.

The course has 30 seats and is open to all, regardless of gender. It will be a three-month full-time course that spans 426 hours, including 13 practical training sessions and three theoretical modules. Class timings are flexible and depend on the dogs’ temperament and weather conditions for outdoor sessions.

Participants will learn about dog obedience, good manners, object retrieval, identification of suspicious items, chasing and apprehending skills, scent-based identification of people, as well as dog care, grooming, and puppy care. Certificates will be jointly issued by the University of Calicut and the Kerala Police Academy.

The academy will provide 13 trainers and seven dogs for the programme, while the university will contribute a full-time trainer and three dogs.

Applications are open until October 31. Candidates must have passed Class 10 with at least 50% marks; there is no age limit. The fee of ₹1 lakh plus GST covers food for three months and four days, while accommodation must be arranged by the candidate.

Job opportunities for graduates include dog grooming centres, police and army dog schools, sports dog training, dog rehabilitation, rescue centres, and forensic dog training.

A recognised certificate is also essential for securing dog grooming jobs abroad and for running hostels that provide temporary accommodation for pet dogs.