Our understanding of canine behaviour and the various relationships that we enjoy with our dogs is advancing rapidly. This constantly updated course is designed to provide the very latest information for those keen to study dogs and apply their new understanding in a professional capacity.
What the student will learn
Learn how to successfully run a dog training facility, including information about the administrative requirements involved in managing a training facility like a dog training school.
Understand your dog better and learn how to improve your relationship through positive reinforcement and clearer communication, along with understanding type specific needs for individual dogs.
The successful completion of DogWise qualifies you to enrol for the COAPE Diploma in Animal Behaviour or the COAPE Diploma in Dog Behaviour.
Course Content
Unit 1
We explore the history of man’s relationship with dogs through the ages. This includes a comprehensive study of different breeds and types of dogs, their domestication, and original function as working dogs, as well as the subsequent changes occurring due to selective breeding and the impact this is having on modern dogs and owners. This unit also explores the pet’s physical and behavioural development, as well as the impact crucial early learning has on their overall behaviour. We discuss dominance – the myths, the misconceptions and the damage this old-fashioned belief system wreaks on the emotional well-being of our companion animals.
Unit 2
In Unit 2 we investigate the importance of training – including focusing on important questions like why people should do training, the various details involved in establishing not only the type of class, but also the training methods employed as well as why motivational training is fast becoming the preferred technique applied. This unit also focuses on important practical aspects such as choosing a venue, home visits vs. class training, puppy vs. adult training, etc.
Unit 3
Unit 3 focuses on the owners and their role in training. We explore various teaching and learning styles, and how to ensure that the client’s needs are fulfilled. This unit also includes how to assess dogs and deal with special dogs as well as owner expectations and use motivation and progression to accomplish your goals in both the class and private training lesson scenarios.
Unit 4
This unit addresses how dogs learn and factors affecting learning. Learning theory, Clicker training and the effects of diet on behaviour are considered. Basic neurophysiology (the study of nervous system functions) forms part of this in-depth unit. Here, the student is also introduced to the subject of Emotionality – the foundation aspect of COAPE’s unique and leading approach to behaviour therapy.
Unit 5
Training vs. behaviour is the focal point of this unit. We discuss complicated dogs and difficult owners as well as various techniques of dealing with both in the training and behaviour context. We touch on the extremely complicated subject of aggression and students get their first set of case histories to evaluate and process.
Unit 6
Unit 6 comprises a study on 8 dogs, of which full details are given. The student needs to bring together everything learned in the course so far to discuss the motivations for, and what is now maintaining of the various behaviours, and the owner’s role in situations as well as responses to instructions given.
Unit 7
This unit comprises a Special Study where the student arranges to assist a client with an adult dog who has a basic behaviour challenge, for example jumping up, barking, digging. The student is asked to research and compile a report detailing the origin of the challenging behaviour, , their proposed modification approach and the progress made to date on the case. (NOTE No aggression cases are allowed at this level.)
