It’s A Dog’s Life!
Learn about canine behaviour and how to live with your dog in harmony.
Written and Tutored by Danni Damon BSc(Hons), Dip.CABT, MPAACT
Written and tutored by canine behaviourist, Danni Damon, this course is aimed at anyone who is thinking of acquiring a new puppy or adult dog from a breeder, adopting a dog from a rescue centre or people who just want to learn more about their dog's behaviour. It will enable current, new and prospective owners to acquire a sound knowledge that you can practically apply to everyday living with your dog, leading to a stronger bond and understanding that allows you both to live in harmony.
Your learning will be assessed at each stage through written assignments which will enable you to demonstrate your understanding of canine behaviour, training and care. This will in turn help to show your commitment and awareness to prospective breeders or rescue centre staff when you are searching for your dog or puppy.
Course materials include A4 study booklets and DVD footage illustrating various behaviours. Students will be expected to undertake some further reading from the reading list provided.
What you will learn from the course:
Unit One: A History of the Dog. How dogs evolved from wolves and became domesticated. Breed specific needs and traits. Does the theory of ‘dominance’ and ‘pack leader’ apply to domestic dogs/humans?
Unit Two: The Psychology of Learning. How dogs think and learn. How to avoid common mistakes when interacting with your dog.
Unit Three: Socialisation & Habituation. How your dog develops behaviourally. The ‘critical periods’ in your dog’s life. The dangers of undersocialisation.
Unit Four: Canine Communication. What is your dog really ‘saying’. Learn about the signals your dog uses to communicate with other dogs and with you through body language, facial expressions and certain behaviours. Learn how to spot signs of stress in your dog.
Unit Five: Diet, Nutrition, Exercise & Psychological Enrichment Understand the important link between what you feed your dog and the impact that has on behaviour. How to keep your dog psychologically and physically healthy.
Unit Six: Basic Training. The importance of training. How and what to train, using kind, fair, effective, motivational methods to get the best out of your dog. How aversive methods are damaging and why punishment does not work.
Course Details
Type: Correspondence
Length: Course can be completed within a maximum of six months
Start Date: Enrolment at any time.
Course Cost: £195
To enrol on the course, email with your details (name, address, contact no.) using the ‘Contact Form’. Details of where to send your payment will be sent to you by email. Once payment is received, the first unit of your course will be sent to you by 1st Class Post.