Canine Communications

Basic Training and Behaviour Correspondence Course

 The course is aimed at entry level canine behaviour students, dog training instructors, dog sport competitors, animal rescue personnel as well as pet owners. It will provide you with a comprehensive knowledge of canine behaviour and training which, in turn, will enable you to communicate effectively with your own and/or your client’s pets as well as address and resolve basic problem behaviours *)

DESCRIPTION OF COURSE:

Correspondence:

Being a correspondence course (e-mail or post) it does not matter where you live.

Part-Time:

The course is part time and can be done at your own pace and in your own time. (We do, however, recommend that you aim to complete at least one module every two months.)

Roll-On-Roll-Off:

You can start whenever it is suitable for you.

Modules:

The course consist of 5 modules – see below for details. Upon registration you will receive the first of 5 modules - the following module will be forwarded to you as you complete each module.

Essays:

You will be required to complete two essays for each module. Your essays will be graded individually and you will receive comprehensive feedback on your submissions.

Special Study:

At the end of the course you will be required to complete a special study – subject of your own choice but the topic chosen must be related to the course.

Personal Attention and Assistance:

Your tutor is a fully accredited, practicing canine behaviour consultant who is eminently qualified to assist you with any queries/problems you may have concerning the completion of your essays and/or final study.

Certificate:

Upon successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate from Canine Communications.Approved by the Animal Behaviour Consultants of Southern Africa ® ™:

The course has been approved by the ABC of SA which effectively means that the certificate can be used to fulfil part of the criteria to be met for accreditation of this professional association. *)

Behaviour Students: Assistance with Accreditation:

Provided you have completed all relevant accreditation criteria *), your tutor will assist you with submission of accreditation application. 

Fee:

The basic fee for the course is R5000.00

Due to the high cost of printing and postage we will unfortunately have to add a surcharge of 1000.00 if you want the material posted.

DESCRIPTION OF MODULES: 

Module 1:

• Evolution of the dog and its social behaviour

• Body Language (Canine and Human)
• Visual & Auditory Signals: Calming, Warning, Ambivalent
• Observations

• Conditioning, Reinforcements & Reinforcement Schedules

• Importance of motivation, timing and feedback
• Punishment vs. Rewar
• Clicker Basic
• Motivational Training Technique
• Obedience Exercises & General Training Tips

 Module 3: Basic Canine Ethology:

• Canine Ethogram and Basic needs
• Developmental Stages, incl. special needs, for example:
• Puppy Training and Geriatric Dogs
• Puppy Socialization Groups – Brief Overview

 Module 4: Breed-types and breed specific behaviours - Emotions and behaviour:

• Breeds and breed-specific behavioural patterns
• The Dog’s Brain and Nervous Systems
• The effect of hormones and pheromones on behaviour and learning
• Effects of stress on learning and behaviour, incorporating fear and anxiety

 Module 5: Behavioural Modification of Common Problem Behaviours:

• Incorporating Normal vs. Abnormal Behaviour
• Dealing With Clients & Other professionals:
• Incorporating Ethics

Special Study:

A written essay on a topic of your own choice (but must be relevant to this course).  The essay should be around 3000 – 3500 words and include Introduction, comments or report on your findings as well as a conclusion.

Your study should show evidence of independent research and in-depth understanding of the chosen problem, as well as possible motivations and solutions thereof.

 *)  in order for applications for accreditation / registration as a behaviour consultant to be considered by the relevant registration/accreditation authorities (e.g. the ABC of SA®™ or SABCAP),additional requirements, such as (for example) relevant practical experience, written case studies, counselling skills certificate, veterinary testimonials, etc., are required. List of current requirements are available upon request.