FOUNDATION PROGRAMME
Course Content
The course is divided into four units. A “unit” pulls together elements from various areas of study to form the basis for accreditation purposes.
Unit titles: Credits at Level 3 and Level 4) NOCN
- Communication and Handling (9 credits)
- Training (9 credits)
- Dog Behaviour (9 credits)
- Instructing Pet Dog Classes (6 credits) Total: 33 credits
To complete the whole course students need attend each area of study only once. Areas 1 and 2 are key and are compulsory for any unit to be successfully completed.
The course has been carefully structured so that each topic builds upon the previous ones. It may prove difficult to follow if individual topic areas are omitted; however, as it is intended to repeat them in the future there may be an opportunity to attend that area at a later date for students missing a seminar due to unforeseen circumstances.
This is the proposed outline of the course; however changes may be made at our discretion.
1: Communication
• Body language and observation
• Ethology and instincts
• Staircase to aggression
Tutor: Sheila Harper
2: Health Part 1
• The physiology of stress
• Recognition and causes of stress
• The influence of stress on behaviour & health
• Stress reduction
Tutor: Sheila Harper
3: Practical Handling Skills
• General handling and awareness
• Lead work
• Handling for problem solving
• Preventing aggression & defensive behaviours
Tutors: Sheila Harper & Winny Boerman
4: Learning Principles & Training
• Questioning the purpose of training
• Critical evaluation of what is really being learnt
• Practical applications of learning theory
• Understanding rewards: their use and abuse
• Implications of operant conditioning
Tutors: Sheila Harper & Winny Boerman
5: Health Part 2 (sequence within the calendar may be flexible)
• Assessing dogs
• Movement, nutrition, health issues
• The holistic approach – alternatives for owners
Tutor: Sally Askew
6: Puppies and Adolescents
• Puppies and adolescents
• Social and behavioural development
• Associated issues
• Programmes for quality socialisation
Tutors: Sheila Harper & Winny Boerman
7: Relationships & Mental Stimulation
• Building relationships
• The dog’s viewpoint. Life rewards
• The dog’s senses and natural abilities
• Confidence building
• Nose work
• Creativity
Tutors: Sheila Harper & Winny Boerman
8: Problem Solving & Behaviour Problems
• Causes, indications and consequences of behaviour problems
• First steps towards solving problems
• Canine skills for conflict solving
• Behaviour modification and the holistic approach
• Therapy and rehabilitation
Tutors: Sheila Harper & Winny Boerman
9: Instructing & Training Classes
• Teaching and people skills
• Curriculum content
• Planning and running classes, expectations and compromise
• Needs of dog and owner
• Assessment
• Use of environmental enrichment
Tutors: Sheila Harper & Winny Boerman
10: Behavioural Case Studies
• Stopping techniques
• Counselling skills and information gathering
• Case histories and their systematic evaluation
Tutors: Sheila Harper & Winny Boerman