education in animal welfare, training & behaviour

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  • Each module has a limit of 4 months or finish as quickly as you like
  • No exams – you are assessed on your course work
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Advanced Diploma – Applied Animal Behaviour

This specialised diploma is designed to academically prepare individuals for a role as a behaviour advisor. It serves as a comprehensive programme for those seeking expert knowledge in behaviour management without the time or financial commitment required for a university degree in 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 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:

  • 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

 

Course Details:

Study Level 5

The study level relates to the how demanding the course is. 1 is 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

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Product price: R19,999.00
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