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:
2. The Genetics and Evolution of Canine 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
3. Biochemistry of the brain
- 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
4. Pharmacology
- 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
5. The Internal Environment
- 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
6. The External Environment
- 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
7. Intelligence and Theory of Mind
- 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
8. Behavioural Diagnostics
- 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
9. Professional Conduct
- 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
10. Application of Theory
- 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
11. The Law
- 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
12. Case Studies
- 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
