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>>Introduction

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Format of the CBQ

The course comprises 9 modules (28 days of lectures, assessment and practical study at the Natural Animal Centre and two modules of Case Studies). Students will be expected to supplement their study with Required Reading over the course.

Modules need to be completed in chronological order. Final commitment for the qualification need only be made on registering for Module 9 (which includes examination and formal assessment). The CBQ is structured so that students who are either unsure or do not wish to follow it all the way to qualification, may still benefit from learning more about dog behaviour.

Below is a list of the main aims of each of the modules. Additional subject matter will also be taught and each of the modules contains ample opportunity for students to explore their new knowledge in the form of practicals (in some cases with real dogs) and case studies.

MODULE 1 - Aim: Understanding Natural Behaviours in Dogs (Three Days)

	a zoological and behavioural approach to the evolution of the dog, including an introduction to other carnivores (hyaenas, dingoes, wolves, wild dogs & jackals)
	the canine ethogram
	communication systems in dogs
	the theory of neotenisation
	dominance and submission in dogs

MODULE 2 - Aim: Understanding instrumental learning in dogs (Three Days)

	coercion and the human psyche
	introduction to instrumental learning including reinforcement and punishment
	the theory of the Selfish Gene and its application to the dog

MODULE 3 - Aim: Understanding classical conditioning and more learning theory (Three Days)

	theory of attachment
	human attitudes to dogs including anthropomorphism
	classical conditioning and other types of learning in dogs

MODULE 4 - Aim: Introduction to the physiology of dog behaviour (Three Days)

	physiology of behaviour, the endocrine system and the nervous system
	theory of sleep and sleep/wake cycles in dogs
	sexual reproduction & the physiological affects of castration and spaying

MODULE 5 - Aim: Introduction to canine welfare (Three Days)

	introduction to needs and stress (behavioural and physiological indicators)
	evaluating dominance reduction programmes
	understanding conditioned suppression

MODULE 6 - Aim: Introduction to fear and abnormal behaviours in dogs (Three Days)

	fears, anxieties and phobias in dogs (including epidemiology and aetiology)
	behaviour of dogs in kennelled environments (eg rescue centres)
	stereotypical behaviours and other abnormal behaviours

MODULE 7 - Aim: Introduction to consulting and professional conduct (Three Days)

	more on fear behaviour in dogs
	advanced fear related cases
	how to structure and run a consultation
	live practice at running a consultation

MODULE 8 - Aim: Modifying aggression in dogs (Three Days)

The emphasis in this module is mainly on assessment although there is some additional teaching. Assessment comprises three parts:
	modifying aggression in dogs (more advanced cases)
	ethics of working with vets

MODULE 9 - Aim: Formal Assessment (Four Days)

The emphasis in this module is mainly on assessment although the first two days mainly comprises additional teaching. Assessment comprises three parts:

Formal assessment of consultation with a client

Written analysis of behaviour presented in the form of a short video

Written examinations (in 3 parts)

MODULE 9 (b)- Aim: Prepare Case Studies

Students submit answers to four written case studies within three months.

MODULE 9 (c)- Aim: Field Case Study

Students will submit the results of a field case study based on advice given to a real client. The canine behaviour problem needs to be a level of seriousness that a progression towards a successful outcome would require approximately three month’s work. It is a requirement that the initial consultation with the client is submitted on video for assessment .

Course Price Details

Time limit for Completion of CBQ

Whilst the Natural Animal Centre seeks to help students spread the expenditure of the cost of the CBQ (See Payment Terms below), there is a time limit of three years in which to complete the CBQ. Most modules will be offered at least once per year so students can plan their study. Typically, a dedicated student could expect to complete the CBQ in approximately two years.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Retention of this qualification requires annual renewal that takes the form of attendance of a three-day course once per year at the Natural Animal Centre where graduates of the CBQ will be given the latest up-to-date research on canines and other relevant animals. In this way, the Natural Animal Centre will ensure the integrity and quality of the CBQ remains intact.

As part of your CPD, you will be asked to research and present on a project each year. You will also be required to bring with you, a write-up of a case study you have worked on during the year that will be distributed to other graduates for discussion.

Registration, Supervision, and the NAC Code of Ethics

On graduation of the SABQ (Exotics), the option of registering with the NAC is available, registered graduates work under the supervision of the NAC and sign up to the NAC Code of Practice and NAC Ethical Guidelines.

Advanced Qualifications - the Canine Behaviour Qualification (Stage 2)

The Natural Animal Centre aims to be the first “ Practical Animal Behaviour University” where the emphasis is on educating prospective canine behaviourists in practical hands-on solutions for clients with animals that have behavioural problems. To this end, we offer a serious career path to those wishing to progress their scientific canine behavioural knowledge even further in the form of more advanced study.

By building on work undertaken in Stage 1, the CBQ (Stage 2) gives students the opportunity to pursue in-depth canine behavioural study over approximately eighteen months giving the graduate a currently unsurpassed professional dog behavioural qualification in the market.

CBQ (Stage 2) may be taken on completion of the CBQ (Stage1).

Payment Terms and Required Reading

Students may pay as they register for each module. Upon registration, the full fee is due and part payments will not be accepted. The Required Reading list is sent to the student on confirmation of registration for a module. Required reading material is for the account of students.