Diploma in Dog Behaviour

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Course Info

MHERA It is a state-of-the-art approach that provides a practical framework that allows the behaviourist, veterinarian, animal professional or dedicated owner to evaluate the individual animal’s emotional welfare and then address any deficits identified that may affect his behavioural and emotional wellbeing. It is not a rigid formula or recipe, but a fluid assessment tool that takes an individual’s uniqueness into consideration. MHERA (and the treatment protocol ESTA) are powerful tools when used properly and can be successfully applied to any animal species.

ONLY COAPE qualified behaviourists can become members of the prestigious CABTi and have automatic membership to the International Companion Animal Network (ICAN).  This course will help you to achieve your goal of being a qualified Dog 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 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 regularly.

Students who successfully complete the Dog Diploma will hold the qualification of COAPE MHERA Qualified Behaviour Practitioners and are entitled to use the post-nominal (DipCABT-D), 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.
The successful completion of the COAPE Diploma in Dog Behaviour will qualify you as a COAPE Certified Dog Behaviourist. Only COAPE qualified behaviourists can become members of the prestigious CABTi and have automatic membership to the International Companion Animal Network (ICAN).

There are 2 options available 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 is 36 months.

The 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 are ready to enrol.

Certificates are awarded on the successful completion of the course.

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
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • Behavioural pharmacology
    • Defining Aggression and Reactive Behaviour
    • Emotionality of Sexual Behaviours in animals
    • Dietary influences, Diet manipulation in dogs
  • Module 6
    • Counselling skills
    • Case Study discussions
  • Case Studies 1 and 2

  • 2 Case Studies to be undertaken with guidance from your tutors.
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Or contact us with any questions you may have

Your course tutors:

Picture of <p>Dr Vicky Payne</p>

Dr Vicky Payne

Leigh Shenker

Picture of <p>Karin Pienaar</p>

Karin Pienaar

Picture of <p>Geroge van Huyssteen</p>

Geroge van Huyssteen

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