Diploma in Animal Behaviour

SKU N/A Category Worldwide Tag Advanced course

Course Info

This course will help you to achieve your goal of making Animal Behaviour your full-time profession, whether you choose to work with companion animals, animals in rescue facilities, captive wildlife, rehabilitation or any animals 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. 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 on a regular basis. If you want to work with other species, the Diploma is still the course for you – you will notice that dogs and cats are the 2 species we concentrate on in the Diploma because most people are familiar with them, but the course teaches mammalian behaviour and therefore is suitable for anyone wanting to work with any other mammalian species too. 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, regardless of your choice of species.

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.

This course requires dedication as it is the highest qualification 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 proficient understanding and ability to apply appropriate, motivational training techniques is a prerequisite for admission into this course. Should you find yourself unable to meet this requirement, we kindly request you to reach out to us for further discussion on potential alternatives.

The successful completion of the COAPE Diploma in Animal Behaviour will qualify you as a COAPE Certified Animal Behaviourist. ONLY COAPE qualified behaviourists can become members of the prestigious CABTi and have automatic membership to the International Companion Animal Network (ICAN).

What the student will learn

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. For example, what makes a successful dog training class? Fulfilling what the owners want – a sociable and well- trained dog where both get the very best out of the relationship.
If you want to know… Basic, essential dog training techniques; the core of any successful class. How to motivate owners. How to run successful puppy and dog training classes. How to accommodate special needs dogs or owners into your training classes. If you are already running a training class, or thinking of starting one, then this course is for you. Packed full of fresh and practical techniques, advice and ideas that cut to the quick of running great dog training classes, this course will give you the resources you need to kick-start your business. This approximately twelve or eighteen-month course can be completed by anyone who wants to gain an insight into how to structure and run successful dog training classes.

Course Content

Module 1
This module explores the foundations of canine and feline behaviour, beginning with the domestication of dogs and cats. It examines theethology of the dog, focusing on their perceptual abilities, social structure, and the effects of selective breeding, particularly how functional traits like predatory motor patterns have shaped modern dog behaviour. For cats, we consider their semi-solitary nature, predatory instincts, and sensory world, shaped by a different domestication process that still heavily influences their independent behaviour today. The module also covers type classification, how breed groups relate to typical behavioural traits, and explores behavioural ontogeny, detailing the emotional and behavioural development of puppies and kittens. Emphasis is placed on sensitive periods, such as the socialisation window, and themilestones critical for healthy behavioural development. Lastly, we address the contentious topic of dominance in dogs, clarifying misconceptions and exploring current evidence on social hierarchies, learning theory, and behavioural motivation in domestic dogs.
Module 2
This module provides a foundational understanding of how the nervous system influences behaviour, focusing onfunctional neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. It examines the role of key neurotransmitters in emotional regulation and behavioural expression. Core principles of learning theory are explored, including classical and operant conditioning, habituation, sensitization, schedules of reinforcement, and non-associative learning, alongside applied techniques like desensitization and counter-conditioning. The use of clickers and reward markers is introduced to enhance clarity and communication in behaviour therapy by reinforcing signals of reward and non-reward. The module concludes with a critical look at the ethics of punishment, emphasizing why aversive methods are outdated, ineffective, and incompatible with humane, evidence-based behavioural treatment.
Module 3
This module explores the CORE emotional states in animals—such as fear, seeking, and play—and their significance in understanding and modifying behaviour within modern, welfare-focused practices. The neuroscience behind these emotional systems is examined, alongside frameworks from the science of emotionality, including core affect theory, and both dimensional and discrete emotion models. Students are introduced to MHERA, a structured protocol for assessing emotional and behavioural wellness, and Cognitive Bias Testing as a tool for measuring emotional state. The roles of the Behavioural Inhibition System and emotional resilience are also discussed. The module concludes with the ESTA (Emotional Systems Therapeutic Application) approach, offering practical strategies for applying emotional neuroscience to help animals resolve emotional challenges and improve their quality of life.
Module 4
This module examines psychopathology in both humans and animals, highlighting parallels in emotional disorders and how they manifest behaviourally, particularly in dogs. Emphasis is placed on the MHERA™ and ESTA™ frameworks for assessing and addressing emotional wellbeing, with practical application to cases such as separation-related distress in dogs and marking behaviours in cats. The module also explores the importance of control and consent in training and behaviour modification, advocating for approaches that respect the animal's autonomy, reduce stress, and promote emotional recovery through ethical, science-based interventions.
Module 5
This module explores the biological foundations of behaviour, focusing on how behavioural pharmacology, hormones, and diet impact emotional and behavioural responses in animals. It examines the role of sexual behaviour and endocrine function, as well as the influence of nutritional factors on mood, reactivity, and overall behavioural health. Practical application of MHERA™ and ESTA™ frameworks is included, with a focus on assessing and therapeutically addressing reactive and aggressive behaviour, integrating biological, emotional, and environmental considerations into a comprehensive, welfare-centred approach.
Module 6
This module provides a practical framework for conducting effective behaviour consultations, from initial client interaction to follow-up. It covers key elements such as gathering case histories, assessing the environment, and interpreting behavioural signs. Emphasis is placed on risk assessment, equipping practitioners to identify and manage safety concerns for both humans and animals. The module also develops skills in professional report writing, including creating clear, ethical behaviour modification plans and writing comprehensive vet reports to support collaborative care.
Case Studies 1 and 2
The case studies are where you demonstrate your ability to take the theoretical knowledge accumulated throughout your course and apply it to animals who need behavioural assistance within the restrictions and complexities of everyday life. Once you have successfully passed your case studies, you will have earned your COAPE Certified Animal Behaviour (C.C.A.B.) certificate. The field of animal behaviour and training plays a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of animals’ cognitive processes, emotions, and behaviours. The final Module of the COAPE Diploma in Animal Behaviour offers a comprehensive exploration of this field by requiring students to successfully complete two Case Studies. These Case Studies serve as a practical application of theoretical knowledge, providing valuable insights into the complexities of animal behaviour and the interventions required to address challenges. The COAPE Diploma in Animal Behaviour’s final Case Studies exemplify the program’s commitment to providing students with the practical skills and knowledge required to navigate these complexities. These case studies underscore the multifaceted nature of behavioural challenges and the importance of considering various factors in crafting bespoke and effective interventions. By completing these case studies, students gain a deeper appreciation for the ethical and evidence-based approaches to animal behaviour modification, contributing to the broader advancement of animal welfare and understanding.