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Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4

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Preamble of the CBQ

The CBQ (Stage 1) focuses primarily on introducing the student to basic animal behavioural science principles. But in Stage 2, the student is given an opportunity to explore and test these principles in some depth, with the emphasis being on their practical application. The student will also be introduced to the concept of scientific observation of canine behaviour, thereby providing the graduate of CBQ (Stage 2) with a solid basis for assessing and solving canine behavioural problems from a practical perspective.

The objectives of the CBQ (Stage 2) are similar to those for Stage 1, namely to bridge the gap between academic institutions and the dog training market by offering a scientifically and practically based professional qualification. By offering a more advanced qualification than Stage 1, the Natural Animal Centre (NAC) aims to raise the national standard of professional canine behavioural advice available to dog owners, canine welfare organizations and veterinary surgeons by giving them the opportunity to seek advice from canine behaviourists with a superior, trustworthy qualification.

Format of the CBQ

Unless by prior arrangement with the NAC, the entry level for Stage 2 is graduation of Stage 1.

The complete course comprises 7 modules (22 days of lectures, assessments and practical study) held at the NAC as well as a section of assessments to be undertaken at home. Modules need to be completed in chronological order. Final commitment for the qualification need only be made on registering for Module 7 (which includes Final Assessments). Students are required to supplement their study with Required Reading over the course.

MODULE 1 - Aim:Learning theory and its practical application 1 (Three Days)

	introduction to observational learning
	other forms of non-reinforcement in learning
	time budgets and goals in dogs
	introduction to scientific observation of dog behaviour

MODULE 2 - Aim: Learning Theory and its practical application 2 (Three Days)

	Rescorla-Wagner Theory applying the theory practically
	more on solving aggression in dogs (continued from Stage 1)
	becoming a more effective behaviourist (practicals)

MODULE 3 - Aim: Advanced Practical Dog Handling and Training I (Three Days)

	(practical sessions working with dogs are alternated with theory sessions including):
	habituation, flooding and conditioned suppression re-visited
	more on learning without reinforcement (beyond Stage 2)
	becoming a more effective behaviourist (practicals)

MODULE 4 - Physiology (Three Days)

	how information moves in the nervous system
	refraction and arousal periods in emotions – and how to deal with these in dogs
	memory in dogs – how memory works like a well of negative or positive thoughts
	becoming a more effective behaviourist (practicals)

MODULE 5 - Welfare (Three Days)

	biology of positive reinforcement – and why we need to understand it in dogs
	frozen watchfulness in stressed dogs
	eating disorders in dogs - coprophagia, pica and others
	becoming a more effective behaviourist (practicals)

MODULE 6 - Advanced Practical Dog Handling and Training 2 (Three Days)

	(practical sessions working with dogs are alternated with theory sessions including :
	transactional analysis – a simple, invaluable practical system for working with dog owners
	pulling it all together - solutions for more advanced behaviour problems
	live practice at running a more advanced consultation

MODULE 7 (a) - Aim: Conclusion and Final Assessments (Three Days)

Apart from teaching as normal on the first day of the module, final Assessments will be made on the succeeding two days and comprise five sections:
	Formal assessment of consultation with a client
	Written analysis of behaviour presented in the form of a short DVD
	Written assessments (3 papers: General, Physiology and a Case Study)

MODULE 7 (b) & (c)* - Aim: Prepared Case Studies and Observation Project

In 7 (b), students are required to demonstrate practical application of the utilizing advanced clicker training in a dog with a behavioural problem. Practical training sessions to be videoed and submitted for assessment. Preparation for the latter will occur throughout Stage 2 and there will be numerous practical opportunities for students to learn advanced clicker training skills with dogs. In 7 (c), students are required to identify, design and carry out their own Observation Project (OP) to be submitted for assessment. Assistance in preparation for the OP is offered in throughout Stage 2.* Assistance in preparation for the OP is offered in early modules.
* Note : the OP in Module 7 (c) is submitted for assessment at the beginning of Module 5.
	Formal assessment of consultation with a client
	Written analysis of behaviour presented in the form of a short DVD
	Written assessments (3 papers: General, Physiology and a Case Study)

Course Price Details

Becoming a more effective behaviourist

Throughout Stage 2, a number of practical sessions are undertaken designed to assist the development of the behaviourist’s consultation skills. This includes sessions on self-development as well as opportunities to practice imparting highly technical information in plain English.

Time limit for completion of CBQ and continuing professional development.

There is a time limit of two years in which to complete CBQ (Stage 2). Retention of this qualification requires annual renewal that takes the form of attendance of a CPD course at least once per year at the NAC (either in Wales or in Africa) where graduates of the CBQ will be given the latest up-to-date research on canines and other relevant animals. In this way, the NAC ensures the integrity and quality of the CBQ remains intact. Currently, CPD is offered twice a year in spring and autumn.

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 (Stages 3 and 4)

The NAC offers 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 Stages 1 & 2, further stages of the CBQ give students the opportunity to pursue in-depth dog behavioural study, giving graduates an unsurpassed dog behavioural qualification.

Payment Terms and Required Reading

The NAC offers an interest free part payment scheme (i.e. pay module by module), but for late payments (payment is required at the preceding module) fees will be subject to a surcharge of 15%.

The Required Reading list for a module is sent to the student on confirmation of registration. Books are for the account of the student.