This specialised diploma is designed to academically prepare individuals for a role as a canine behaviour advisor. It serves as a comprehensive programme for those seeking expert knowledge in canine behaviour management without the time or financial commitment required for a university degree in animal behaviour.
Key Features:
- Focused on Canines – This programme specifically covers canine behaviour and psychology. Those seeking a broader education in animal behaviour may wish to consider the Advanced Diploma in Applied Animal Behaviour.
- Entry Requirements – Due to the technical nature of the material, applicants must demonstrate their ability to study at this level (Level 5: HND/Foundation Degree). A long-standing, practical experience with dogs alone may not be sufficient to qualify, though each application is assessed on individual merit.
This course provides an in-depth theoretical foundation for professionals aiming to work in canine behaviour advisory roles, ensuring they have the expertise to assess and support canine behavioural management effectively.
Why choose us?
✅ Comprehensive & Detailed – Unmatched in-home study quality! ✅ No Work Experience Required – Focus purely on theory and essential knowledge. ✅ Immediate access to course material! ✅
What You'll Learn:
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Introduction to law
- The process of bills becoming Acts of Parliament and becoming law
- Understanding the differences between Municipal Councils, Provincial Legislation and National Legislation
- Local by-laws and their governance under local municipalities
- Understanding the legislations that covers captive and domestic animals under the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962
- Understanding fines and imprisonment under the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962
- Review of animal care legislation in South Africa
- Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of South Africa
- 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
Course Details:
Study Level 5
The study Level relates to how demanding the course is. 1 is a 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.
Your future starts here!
📚 Education in Animal Welfare, Training & Behaviour
✅ Enroll Anytime – No strict start dates
🌍 Study from Anywhere in South Africa
📖 Choose from 30+ Courses
📝 Open to Everyone – Except Advanced Diplomas
⏳ Flexible Learning – Each module takes up to 4 months, or finish faster
🚫 No Exams ✅ Interactive Learning Approach Each module includes: 🔹 Research-Based Questions – Strengthen understanding through exploration 🔹 One or Two Projects – Apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios 🔹 Revision Questions – Reinforce key concepts for mastery
💳 Affordable Payment Options
🏅 Internationally Accredited Learning Institution by ICOES
📜Locally Recognised by SABCAP
🔹 Also Recognised by IAABC, CBTS, NCFE, IACE, ISAP