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Self-assessed Programme
This unique and applied canine behaviour course provides a sound foundation on the subject of dog behaviour and training. The course is home-study based, illustrated throughout, with accompanying video material and self-assessment.
The course represents the cutting edge of modern behaviour theories and practice. It is delivered at Level Two and at the equivalent of 12 credits. It is designed to be an ideal first stage in-line with new industry regulations in terms of study level.
Please note: this is the self-assessed version of the Programme - and as such has no external accreditation. If you wish to achieve external accreditation then please click here: ThinkDog! Certificate Accredited Course, Part One
Module One:
Module Two:
Module Three:
Module Four:
Module Five:
This canine behaviour course is for anyone who wishes to further their own knowledge of dog behaviour and training, either to expand their skill base or as the start of a whole new career. It focuses on experience and understanding, not simply academic theory. Many professionals - including Sarah - started with this course and recommend it as a result.
It really is life-changing education!
If you want to become proficient in helping others resolve issues with their dogs and design a future for yourself that is both compelling and achievable, there’s no better place to start.
“It is rare that a course can change your life – but ‘Think Dog!’ really did change mine! Whether you are looking for a better understanding of your own dog, a way to enhance your career, or ways to improve animal welfare, this course is truly inspirational.”JG, Berkshire.
Welcome! From Sarah Whitehead
About Sarah
Suggested reading - an overview with Sarah!
Reading list
1.1 Training - an historical perspective
1.2 Man and dog - social evolution at work
1.3 Belyaev's foxes and clues to the domestication of dogs
1.4 The emergence of dominance theories
1.5 If it's not dominance, what is it?
Summary
About John Fisher
Introduction
2.1 The effects of health and diet on behaviour
Bonus material: You are what you eat (pdf)
Bonus material: Owner Guide - does your dog need a diet change? (pdf)
2.2 The effects of stress on behaviour
2.3 Owner guide: 20 signs that your dog might be stressed
2.4 The potential effects of veterinary treatment
Research paper - Behavioural Risks in Male Dogs with Minimal Lifetime exposure to gonadal hormones may complicate population-control benefits of de-sexing, McGreevy, P. 2018
Research paper - The effect of neutering and mammary tumours, Journal of Small Animal Practice, Beauvais et al, 2012
Research paper - Age, sex and reproductive status affect boldness in dogs, Starling, M. 2013
2.5 How training can influence behaviour (and not always in a good way)
Research paper - The relationship between training methods and undesirable behaviour, Blackwell et al, 2008
Introduction
3.1 Basic learning theory
3.2 Punishment versus rewards - ethical considerations
3.3 Early learning
3.4 Crate Training - Owner Guide (pdf)
3.5 Factors affecting learning
3.6 Summary
Bonus material: Why I don't 'charge' the clicker (audio)
Bonus material: Why I don't 'charge' the clicker (transcript)
Bonus material: Clean clicker training
Bonus material: A step-by-step (warts and all!) clicker training session
Introduction
4.1 Why do dogs use aggression?
4.2 Why do dogs 'choose' to use aggression?
4.3 Dog-dog aggression - on-lead versus off-lead
Bonus material: Owner Guide to helping dogs with on-lead issues
Introduction
5.1 Too many shades of grey?
5.2 Common behaviour issues: Chasing
5.3 Common behaviour issues: Jumping Up
5.4 Common behaviour issues: Jumping Up - why I don't teach 'sit to greet'
5.5 Common behaviour issues: No Jumping Up - Owner Guide
5.6 Common behaviour issues: Stealing
5.7 Case history - Sammie the Beagle
5.8 Common behaviour issues: Separation issues (an overview)
5.9 Common behaviour issues: Nervousness
5.10 Fear in Dogs : To Cuddle or Not to Cuddle
5.11 Owner Guide: Helping your dog to overcome fear
5.12 How to approach a behaviour consultation - an overview
Bonus material: Why your first driving lesson wasn't on the M25!
Bonus material: Ten habits of highly effective behaviourist and trainers (audio guide & transcript)
Think Dog! Certificate Self-Assessment
Congratulations!
What's next?
How is the course delivered?
This course is all online, so you can access it when and wherever you want. You will have 12 months access to the Programme, so you can complete it at your own pace.
The Programme is delivered via webinars from Sarah, including multiple images and video, as well as supporting written materials for you to read.
Sarah has also created useful pdf owner guides for you to download and use with clients… she’s written them, so you don’t have to!
What will you gain from this course?
This Programme is not intended to make you into a canine behaviour specialist in just five online Modules (!). However, it is designed to give you useful skills and confidence in recognising how and where you can help owners with their dogs, how to choose between different training methods and strategies and how to apply theory to real-life practice.