Course Info
This course will help you to achieve your goal of making Dog Behaviour your full-time profession, whether you choose to work with pet dogs, dogs in rescue facilities, dogs who require rehabilitation or dogs with specialist jobs, in fact anywhere where behavioural analysis, emotionality assessment, training and behaviour modification may be required.
Being your own boss has a lot of merit for people who enjoy working from home and working their own hours. Working with pet dogs means you need to do a lot of networking with rescue organisations, trainers and veterinarians in your area. This is very important as it’s where the majority of your referrals will come from. Most of these establishments do not have the time or resources available to address behaviour problems and are usually very relieved to be able to refer clients with problematic pets to someone who is highly qualified to deal with them. Plus, COAPE keeps a database of students who have successfully completed the Diploma and refers clients to them on a regular basis.
We teach the science of behaviour, which means once you have the tools and the know-how about applying them, you are well-equipped to work in this fascinating field.
This is a demanding course comprising approximately 80 hours of pre-recorded lectures, 5 assignments and 2 case studies, with 1 module of approximately 10 hours of lectures, being presented about every 4 months.
In addition, students are required to log pro bono hours. Certificates are awarded on the successful completion of the course.
This course requires dedication as it is one of the highest qualifications of its kind, it is essential that all the books are read, and that additional independent research is done to ensure good marks.
Please note that a proficient understanding of, and ability to apply appropriate, motivational training techniques is a must have for this course. Should you not be able to meet this requirement, please let us know so we can discuss some options available to assist you in gaining this skill.
Students who successfully complete the Diploma in Dog Behaviour will hold the qualification of ‘COAPE MHERA Qualified Behaviour Practitioner’ and are entitled to use the post nominals DipCABT-D C.C.A.B after their name. Only COAPE qualified behaviourists can become members of the prestigious CABTi and have automatic membership to the International Companion Animal Network (ICAN)
1. The standard 24-month course with a pre-set release date for each module, and assignment due dates. This option gives you the chance to connect with other students in your group.
2. Do It In Your Own Time (DIIYOT) which has no pre-set assignment dates, new modules are released when your assignment for the previous one is received. The maximum time allowed for completion is 36 months.
The Standard Diploma in Dog Behaviour starts every April and October, enrolments close 2 weeks before the start date.
With the DIIYOT option the student can start whenever you’re ready to enrol.
What the student will learn
- How to assess a dog’s mood state and emotionality, be able to identify if his environment allows the dog to engage in species specific behaviours.
- Be able to compile a Behaviour Modification report for the client and assist them in working through it, to minimise or eradicate the problematic behaviour.
- The student will be taught how to conduct a consultation and how to write both client and vet reports.
Course Content
- Module 1
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- Domestication process in dogs.
- Implications of Canine Dominance theory.
- Physical and emotional development in the modern-day pet dog.
- Best practice principles applicable to puppy classes.
- Module 2
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- Basic Neurophysiology – the Brain, Neurotransmitters, Hormones.
- Survival strategies –understanding the physical and emotional behaviours behind them.
- Understanding the principles of Learning Theory relating to dogs.
- Use of signals of reward and non-reward.
- Module 3
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- Core Emotional states plus the Self-Care system.
- Behavioural Inhibition system.
- Problem assessment and application using MHERA protocols.
- Therapeutic application of the Emotional systems – ESTA.
- Neuroscience of the Core Emotional systems.
- Module 4
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- Psychopathology in humans and dogs.
- Consent and control in training and behaviour.
- Impulsivity, compulsivity and habit.
- Reward – ‘liking’ vs ‘wanting’.
- Original theory of Learned Helplessness and new theory of Default Passivity.
- MHERA and ESTA Application: Separation Related Distress.
- Module 5
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- Behavioural pharmacology.
- Defining aggression and reactive behaviour.
- Emotionality of sexual behaviours in animals.
- Dietary influences, diet manipulation in dogs.
- Module 6
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- Counselling skills.
- Case study discussions.
- Module 7
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- 2 Case Studies to be undertaken with guidance from your tutors.
