FAQ's - International Dog Behaviour and Training School
I’m not sure that distance learning is for me - I learn by doing! I think I would also benefit from being around and learning from other students.
Not everyone learns in the same way, so this course would be ideal for you because of the strong practical element, plus the direct contact with other students and the exceptional and unrivalled level of support that is available to you. Individual help is available, not only for course work but also for students’ dogs.
In England, past students are hand-picked to attend sessions, working within groups sharing the benefit of their practical knowledge. Those having completed the NOCN accreditation also offer their support with coursework and are available to contact throughout the course.
Students are also encouraged to form support groups offering the potential benefits of friendship, emotional support, experiential knowledge and a sense of belonging.
What makes your course unique?
The whole approach of the IDBTS is unlike any other: it is an up-to-date, in-depth educational programme which has at its core not the method, nor what the trainer or behaviourist “wants” but the needs and individuality of each dog and owner. The course is a quality, accredited professional course with in-depth work in applied animal behaviour and training. It offers students the opportunity to work hands-on, applying the knowledge, processes and procedures taught on a cumulative basis.
The emphasis is not on teaching exercises, training and performance. Instead it is more about a combination of behaviour and training and their practical application. Course content is not freely available on the internet, in books or elsewhere, neither is it regurgitated each time the subject matter is addressed, but modified in light of new discoveries about dogs.
The kind of education offered is one where each student requires an open mind and a desire to learn. Case studies form a large part of our applied practical training. You will be not be given “recipes” for dealing with situations but the tools to get a better understanding of the learning process for both yourself and the dogs in your care.
There are some specific areas of the IDBTS that I would like to attend, but I’m not sure I want to attend the whole course. Can I pick and choose blocks?
Unfortunately the answer is no. The IDTS programme is a complete course in itself. As the course is on-going and accredited, and only has places for a limited number of students, it is not possible for students to apply for some of the units and not others. We make a big commitment to those students attending and ask that in return they also make a time as well as financial commitment to their study.
Attending the IDBTS is a big commitment. Is it possible to discuss the course in more detail so that I can be sure it is right for me?
Absolutely! This is the kind of approach we welcome, as we are really keen to encourage those who will be committed to this course!
There are a number of ways to gather further information: speaking to past or current students, to company staff, or to Sheila herself.
Students:
Previous (and current) students have offered their services in case any prospective students would like an impartial opinion. Prospective students will be given telephone numbers of current or past students upon request.
Staff members:
Staff members are always willing to share their inside knowledge. Please contact Tracy at the office so that she can direct you to the person she feels is best able to deal with your specific enquiry.
Sheila:
Although Sheila teaches abroad for large blocks of time, it is possible to make an appointment to speak to her by telephone. Please contact Tracy at the office.
How do I apply for the IDBTS course?
To apply for a place, please contact us on 01543 878989 or email us on info@sheilaharper.co.uk and we will send you a prospectus and application forms. Once these have been completed and returned to us either with full payment or the initial payment of £400.00 (please make cheques out to “Sheila Harper Ltd”) your application will be considered. If successful, your place will be confirmed in writing within 21 days of receipt. If unsuccessful, your cheque will be returned to you as soon as the decision has been made.
I am a pet owner and do not work professionally with dogs. Would I still be eligible to come on the course for my own benefit?
Yes, of course! All we ask is an open mind and a desire to learn and participate. Previous knowledge and experience will be beneficial but are not pre-requisites for admission. However, students must have read Turid Rugaas’ book “On Talking Terms with Dogs” and seen the accompanying DVD on Calming signals, both of which are available by mail order from Sheila Harper Ltd.
What are the payment options for the course?
Please note, course fees do not include accommodation.
For 2010 the following are the payment options:
Ÿ Payment of the full fee of £1,650, plus VAT at the current rate.
Ÿ £400 to be paid by 09.01.2010 followed by five monthly instalments of £270 and a sixth instalment of £262.50 payable by standing order (total cost £1,750 + VAT)
Ÿ £400 to be paid by 09.01.2010 followed by eleven monthly instalments of £150 and a twelfth instalment of £135 payable by standing order (total cost £1,900+ VAT)
For other flexible payment options, please contact us on 01543 878989 or email us on
Are there any discounts available?
Not on the IDBTS itself. The course is extremely competitively priced and every effort is made to ensure that both students and dogs get a huge amount of individual care and attention. To decrease the price of the course devalues it, and means that for anyone coming along, the commitment may be less than for others and irregular attendance may result. Unlike many courses the content is not regurgitated from information on the internet or from books and scientific studies (although these form part of the background of the work). The knowledge gained comes from experience, from co-operating with one another during each block and from real life work with the dogs at each session.
However, once registered as a student on the IDBTS you are eligible for discounts on other courses that we offer.
What is your cancellation policy for the IDBTS?
Course fees are non-refundable unless written notice is given at least 14 days prior to the commencement of the course. If such notice is given then all money paid in respect of this course will be refunded, less 20% for administration costs. If less than 14 days notice is given, then no part of the fee will be refundable. Should a student have opted to pay for the course by instalments, then the full balance outstanding will become due immediately.
Where a student has already taken advantage of benefits offered such as pre-course activities, or has been given discounts on other courses as a result of their making this booking, then a proportionate sum will be deducted from the refund at our absolute discretion.
I am aiming to be a dog behaviourist. Are there any national industry standards?
At present there are no national standards in place for aspiring dog trainers/behaviourists. However, there are moves afoot to standardise some of our dog-related industries, although this is in the early stages of discussion.
Taking a professional approach and working with the move towards standardisation in mind is one of the reasons the IDBTS programme is independently accredited at the highest level (Level 3) with the Open College Network. Students are able to gain up to 33 credits, putting them in a strong position once standardisation eventually comes in.
The IDBTS consists of four units of study and students receive credits for each one:
Canine Communication and Handling - 9 credits
Training - 9 credits
Dog Behaviour - 9 credits
Instructing Pet Dog Classes - 6 credits (This can only be achieved once the previous three units have been successfully completed).
I’m in full time employment and may find it difficult to get time off work. What happens if I miss a block?
Although each block comprises self-contained topic areas there is a progression building upon behaviour and training knowledge. It is better for you to complete the entire course in sequence. However, if you miss a particular block you may have another opportunity to make up the gaps in your knowledge at a later date but we would point out that the first two blocks on Communication and Health form a fundamental part of the course and it is important that these are not missed.
