Advanced Diploma – Applied Animal Behaviour

• The genetics of animals, and how genes can affect behaviour
• Biological principles; cell division, types of reproduction
• The principles of inheritance of genes
• The links between animals and their ancestors
• How domestication and artificial selection have changed the physical and behavioural characteristics of animals

• 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
• Animal senses and how they differ from species to species
• Pharmacology
• The classes and types of veterinary drugs
• Different ways that drugs act on the body
• The ways that drugs can impact upon behaviour
• Some common medical disorders and the ways that these can influence behaviour
• For the project a chemical that might be found within the environment is selected and researched to find out how this could impact upon health and behaviour

The classes and types of veterinary drugs.
• Different ways that drugs act on the body.
• The ways that drugs can impact upon animal behaviour.
• Some common medical disorders and the ways that these
can influence the behaviour of an Animal.
• 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 animal.

• Homeostasis and the normal physiology of the body
• How health and physiology can affect 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 behaviour
• The environment in which the animal lives, and the experiences it has had
• The interactions between conspecifics, and also with people
• The importance of socialisation in early life
• Scientific research that has been carried out into social development
• The problems that can occur due to poor socialisation
• The importance of consistency when training
• The effects of an enclosed 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 an animal 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 animals, 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
• 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 their governance under local municipalities.
• Understanding the legislation that covers captive and
domestic animals under the Animal Protection Act 71 of
1962.

• 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