Diploma in Animal Behaviour

The COAPE Diploma in Animal Behaviour incorporates a state-of-the-art approach that provides a practical framework which allows the behaviourist, veterinarian, animal professional or dedicated owner to evaluate an individual animal’s emotional welfare and then address any deficits identified that may affect his behavioural and emotional wellbeing. This approach takes an individual’s uniqueness into consideration. Both the assessment protocol – MHERA, and the treatment protocol – ESTA, are powerful tools when used properly and can be successfully applied to any mammalian species.

Only COAPE qualified behaviourists are eligible to become members of the prestigious CABTi (COAPE Association of Behaviourists and Trainers International) and have automatic membership to the International Companion Animal Network (ICAN).  This course will help you to achieve your goal of becoming a qualified Dog Animal Behaviour Practitioner and making this your full-time profession.

Being your own boss has a lot of merit for people who enjoy working from home and choosing their own hours. If you choose to work with companion animals, networking with rescue organisations, trainers and veterinarians in your area is very important, as this is 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 regularly.

Students who successfully complete the Diploma in Animal Behaviour will hold the qualification of COAPE MHERA Qualified Behaviour Practitioner and are entitled to use the post-nominal (DipCABT), as well as using the MHERA Qualified logo on all their marketing material.

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, we kindly request you let us know so we can discuss some options available to assist you in gaining this skill.

There are 2 options for this course:
1. The standard 24-month course with a pre-set release date for each module, and assignment due dates. You will have the option to connect with other students in your group.
2. Do It In Your Own Time (DIIYOT) with no pre-set assignment dates, new modules are released when your assignment for the previous one is received. The maximum time allowed for completion of this course option is 36 months.

The Diploma in Animal Behaviour starts every February and August, enrolments close 2 weeks before the start date.
Certificates are awarded on the successful completion of the course.

With the DIIYOT option the student can start whenever you are ready to enrol.