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  The aim of the course is to prepare participants academically to work in the role of canine behaviour advisor. It is designed to be the definitive course on canine behaviour management for those who cannot afford the time (or money) to go to university to study animal behaviour. It should be noted that this course will not directly involve students in the practical aspects of the subject matter as it is not possible to supervise such activity. It is anticipated that other recommended organisations will offer such training and supervision. The programme will obviously only cover canines therefore anybody requiring a broader education should seriously consider the university option. This course is not open to all because of the technical nature of the material and potential students will have to demonstrate their ability to study at this level (level 5: HND/Foundation degree) before being accepted. It should be noted that a long standing, 'hands on' knowledge of dogs will not normally be accepted as adequate qualification to register on this programme without prior study although each case is judged on its own merits. Successful completion of this course will satisfy the academic requirements for membership of the TCBTS. Course Modules 1. Learning Theory - What is learning? An introduction to learning theories
- The different ways dogs learn
- Habituation
- Classical and operant conditioning
- Stimulus generalisation and stimulus discrimination
- Types of reinforcement
- Vicarious learning
- Learning through experience, trial and error learning and one-trial learning and the effects on future behaviour
2. The Genetics and Evolution of Canine Behaviour - The genetics of the dog, and how genes can affect behaviour
- Biological principles; cell division, types of reproduction
- The principles of inheritance of genes
- The links between dogs and their ancestor, the wolf, similarities and differences
- How domestication and artificial selection have changed the physical and behavioural characteristics of dogs
3. Biochemistry of the Brain - The differences between the divisions of the nervous system
- The different neural pathways between voluntary and involuntary behaviour
- The structure of the nervous system
- Overview of the brain and the functions of the various parts
- Neurotransmitters and how they affect canine behaviour
- The senses of the dog and how they differ from other species
- A detailed look at the sense of smell and how this affects canine behaviour
4. Pharmacology - The classes and types of veterinary drugs
- Different ways that drugs act on the body
- The ways that drugs can impact upon canine behaviour
- Some common medical disorders and the ways that these can influence the behaviour of a dog
- For the project a chemical that might be found within the environment is selected and researched to find out how this could impact upon the health and behaviour of the dog
5. The Internal Environment - Homeostasis and the normal physiology of the body
- How health and physiology can affect canine behaviour
- Various medical conditions are covered, and their behavioural effects
- The physiological and behavioural effects of stress, and the hormones involved
- Other biological factors, for example how hormones or nutrition can influence behaviour
6. The External Environment - The external factors that can affect the behaviour of a dog
- The environment in which the dog lives, and the experiences it has had
- The interactions between other dogs, and also with people
- The importance of socialisation in early life
- Scientific research that has been carried out into the social development of puppies
- The problems that can occur due to poor socialisation
- The importance of consistency when training dogs
- The effects of a kennel environment on behaviour and stress levels
- This module introduces some case studies for analysis to identify causes of problem behaviour
7. Intelligence and Theory of Mind - Do animals think?
- Do they experience emotions?
- Do they recognise themselves in a mirror?
- Are they aware of the intentions of others?
- Can we define intelligence and what it means?
- A review of the scientific research that has been carried out on animal emotions
- An analysis of the selfish gene theory
8. Behavioural Diagnostics - The many possible causes of a particular behavioural problem (root causes of behaviour)
- Environment, nature, nurture,pharmacological, physiological causes, and how more than one of these could be the cause of a problem
- How we can diagnose the cause of behaviour, by asking questions and analysing the situation
- Drawing on knowledge gained from the previous modules to discuss all the possible reasons why a dog is behaving in a certain way
- Designing history sheets to use during client consultations
9.Professional Conduct - Maintaining a professional image when dealing with clients and the veterinary profession when working as a behaviourist
- The importance of excellent communication skills
- The business aspects of working as a behaviourist, such as insurance and code of conduct
- Dealing with clients, using tact or sympathy when dealing with clients and difficult situations
- Designing promotional material
- Writing letters to veterinary professionals
10.Application of Theory - The way we interact when dealing with dogs, and how our own behaviour can potentially influence theirs
- Fear and how to deal with it
- Aggression and why it might occur and how to deal with it
- The scientific study of behaviour, including presenting reports, interpreting data and graphs
- Carrying out an observational study of your own on canine behaviour
- Analysing different methods of dealing with a behavioural problem to determine the likely success of different approaches
11.The Law - Legislation affects anyone working with dogs and their owners
- The legal position and the laws that affect canines and those working with them.
- Includes the Dangerous Dogs Act, Control of Dogs, Animal Welfare Act
- Responsibility for animals in your care
- The law regarding behavioural treatment of animals, and how this relates to the Veterinary legislation
12.Case Studies - Analysis of case studies to pull together all the knowledge gained throughout the course.
- The examination of ten different behavioural problem case studies
- Suggesting how you would go about assessing and solving the problems.
- Demonstrating knowledge of all factors that might affect canine behaviour, including learning, genetics, and biological and environmental factors
- Suggestions for solving problem behaviour
- Production of professional reports and letters to clients and veterinary professionals
- Study Level 5 The study Level relates to the how demanding the course is. 1 is beginner and 5 is HND / Foundation Degree level.
- 12 Module Course
- This course is delivered in 12 study modules which need to be passed to gain the qualification.
All Compass Education Ltd courses are written by industry experts and provided exclusively in the UK by Compass, they are not available anywhere else. Courses are unique to Compass and accredited by Ofqual regulated Awarding Bodies and/or Industry Professional Bodies as indicated in each course description. In common with the overwhelming majority of private educational provision in this sector they are not a part of the RQF or SCQF and they do not appear on Ofqual's register of qualifications.
If you're not sure about this course, here are a few fequently asked questions that may help you.
We understand that it may be daunting when choosing a Distance Learning course for the first time, so below are some helpful questions that may put some of your fears to rest.
Who accredits Compass Education's courses?
At Compass, we believe in studying towards something of worth. Our courses are recognised and accredited by a variety of bodies and indeed, we are more widely accredited than any other private Animal Behaviour Distance Learning College.
Who will help guide my studying?
When you register, you will be allocated a personal tutor whose job is to mark your work and to provide academic support and guidance if required. He or she will be available for one-to-one support and to answer queries by phone or e-mail if you get stuck. All our tutors are experts in their fields and many also have teaching qualifications and experience.
Can I pay in installments?
Sure.
If you choose to pay in full for the e-version you can register and order online today using our secure online payment option above, but if you wish to spread the cost you can pay for each module as you complete them.
For all payment options, get the prices and complete the process by contacting us.
If I buy more than one course, do I get a discount?
Yes, ordering more than one course can lead to discounts, so
click here to contact us for details.
Why are some of the courses so much cheaper than some of the competitors?
At Compass we do not believe in excessive profits, you pay an excellent price for an excellent service, no more, no less. Our primary aim is to educate our students in subjects relating to animal welfare not to pay ourselves inflated salaries. Additionally there are no accommodation costs to cover as all the courses are conducted in your own home.
When do the courses start?
There are no specific start dates as each student progresses at their own pace. You should be starting your studies within two weeks of payment.
Are there any exams?
No. Compass Education and Training, our assessments are based entirely on your coursework.
Testimonials
“..I would like to thank you for the excellent dog courses you run and for my tutor who not only has been helpful in all my modules but she is a kind and inspirational person to know...”
Jackie
“..The format and content of the Compass course was far superior to one I did last year with a different organisation!”
Jenny
“..I would just like to say a big thank you for marking my work with an A, I have to say it did reduce me to tears, it meant so much to me as I have never had an A in my life. At forty six years of age and being dyslexic at times I find it very hard but I am not complaining as I am really enjoying the course and feel I'm really learning something...”
“..I am pleased that I have enrolled on this course as it is interesting and I have genuinely looked forward to doing it in the evening after I have come home from work...”
Elliot
“..Thank you so much Jackie and the Compass team for all your help, advice and encouragement during my course. The course was excellently set out to meet all of my needs in preparing me for university. The marking of my work was prompt and very well explained on ways could improve which showed in my marks for later modules. I have thoroughly enjoyed my course with compass and have recommended you to a lot of my friends and associates in the field of dog training and professionals which i have met along the way i look forward to getting my certificate and my overall grade. Sorry for the long delay in my reply but I've been hectic trying to sort out university.
Thanks again to a very professional team from an extremely satisfied student..”
Melissa
For more testimonials from our customers, pleasw see our testimonials page
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