Level 5 Canine Behaviour Practitioner Diploma (RQF)

Level 5 Canine Behaviour Practitioner Diploma (RQF)

Key Points

• Explore the practical side of dog behaviour consultations
• Learn about the main influences on behaviour
• Understand the principles and ethics of working with aggressive canines
• Study online, from home
• Gain a Foundation Degree level qualification
• Progress onto the Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour Management

About your diploma

The canine behaviour practitioner level 5 diploma develops your knowledge and understanding of canine behaviour. So you can identify the internal or external triggers of unwanted behaviour. Enabling you to establish whether the problem lies with the dog, the family or elsewhere.

You’ll gain the skills to effectively assess the dog/family relationship and draw up behaviour modification plans. Providing professional intervention that improves the quality of life of the pet and their caregivers.

You’ll also learn about the origins of canines. Discovering the fundamental principles of their evolution and the process of domestication. Expanding your understanding of dogs and in turn giving you more clarity on their behaviours.

The knowledge you gain from this course is a required step to progress onto the Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour Management. Which upon completion allows you to apply for membership of the Association of INTO Dogs and the International Companion Animal Network (ICAN). After which you gain accredited Animal Behaviourist status and can work as a qualified Canine Behaviour Practitioner.

Getting Started

learndirect is the leading UK distance learning provider. This Canine Behaviour Practitioner Level 5 Diploma is recognised and regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual). Therefore, it meets the Animal Activity Licensing requirements needed for Canine Behaviour Practitioners.

It has been designed to provide you with in-depth knowledge and understanding of canine welfare, behaviour and training. Which can help you improve your job prospects in related roles and allow you to progress onto further study.

This course is provided completely online, allowing you to learn around your existing job or family commitments. You will be assigned a personal tutor once you enrol, who will support and assist your achievement. Whether you need help with assessments, understanding particular topics or general support and encouragement.

What’s more, there are no structured classes or timetables. Enabling you to work through the online materials at a pace that works for you.

There are also flexible payment methods available and you can get started from the moment you enrol. Start getting the skills you need to understand and manage canine behaviour today!  

Modules

The units are broken down for you here so that you can see what your qualification will include.  However, the assignments you complete have been designed so that you can complete multiple tasks together where possible and you will see a different number of assignments in your personal portfolio; you will still be completing the whole qualification.

Unit 1: Evolution

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the fundamental principles of evolution
• Understand the origin of Canis Familiaris
• Understand the process of domestication
• Understand the science of Ethology and behaviourism and their relevance to the domestic dog

Unit 2: Canine needs

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the emotional and physical needs of dogs
• Understand the role humans play in the development of unwanted behaviour
• Understand appropriate play and exercise
• Understand positive socialisation

Unit 3: The internal environment

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the role of the brain in relation to canine behaviour
• Understand the role of various body systems in relation to canine behaviour
• Understand the role of emotions in relation to canine behaviour
• Understand the role of medical conditions in relation to canine behaviour
• Understand the biology of aggression

Unit 4: The external environment

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the role of genetics in the development of canine behaviour
• Understand the implications of the dominance myth
• Understand the difference between instinctive and learned behaviour

Unit 5: Multiple canine management

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand ways of managing multiple canines
• Understand some of the problems that may be experienced in a home environment

Unit 6: Working canines

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the roles of dogs working in animal assisted intervention, assistance dogs and other roles in a human society

Unit 7: Reducing canine stress and anxiety

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the role of stress and anxiety in unwanted behaviour problems
• Understand strategies to manage and improve welfare

Unit 8: Normal and maladaptive aggression

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand bite inhibition
• Understand the risk factors associated with human-dog aggression
• Understand the various categories of aggression, functionality and canine communication

Unit 9: Measuring behaviour

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how to use essential tools for data collection
• Understand how to use a functional analysis
• Understand how to create a learning environment for dogs

Unit 10: Working with aggression cases

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the principles and ethics of working with aggressive canines
• Understand the role of the behaviour practitioner

Unit 11: Canine behaviour change

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the principle components of a behaviour change programme
• Understand the application of learning theory in behaviour cases
• Understand how behaviourists can ensure a successful behaviour modification plan

Unit 12: Online live lectures/webinars

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how to recognise potential gait problems by analysing canine movement
• Understand how to create a connection with an individual dog
• Understand handling using force and fear-free methods
• Understand how to assess the correct method of training for an individual dog
• Understand how to use force and fear-free methods at all times
• Understand how to use loose lead using force and fear-free methods
• Understand how to recognise the emotional state of canines

Entry Requirements

This course is open to learners who may not yet have qualifications in canine care, but instead have sufficient experience within the sector. Please note, we strongly advise learners to study canine qualifications prior to this level before enrolling, to help their learning and understanding of the course materials. Learners will also need to be at least 18 years of age to enrol.

Minimum Age restriction

18

Average completion timeframe

You have 24 months to complete your course.

Certification Timeframe

Learners can expect their certification within 6 months of completing the course, following the (EQA) External Quality Assurance of assessment.

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

As this course is provided through an online distance learning platform, you will complete all work and assessments from home.

There will be no exams to sit. Instead, your work will be assessed by your personal tutor through a combination of essays, long and short answer questions and research projects.

AIM Qualifications Assessment Group

As this course is provided through an online distance learning platform, you will complete all work and assessments from home.

There will be no exams to sit. Instead, your work will be assessed by your personal tutor through a combination of essays, long and short answer questions and research projects.

AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group is a leading Awarding (AO) and End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) offering award-winning qualifications and nominated end-point assessment services.

AIM has over thirty years of experience in developing high-quality qualifications that meet the needs of employers and learners. They approve the colleges, training providers, and other education centres that deliver their qualifications and work closely with them to ensure high-quality delivery.

AIM is also regulated by the public regulator governing qualifications in England – Ofqual.

This Ofqual regulated qualification forms part of the career path in the dog behaviour field and is essential for those wanting to work as a Canine Behaviour Practitioner.

It provides the underpinning knowledge and practical skills that enable students to effectively work with clients and their dogs.

Successful completion of this Level 5 course allows students to progress into employment within the animal care sector. It also guarantees their acceptance onto the Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour Management, which is a required step before working as a Canine Behaviour Practitioner. Where annual salaries can be anything up to £50,000 per year.

As this qualification is set at Foundation Degree level, students can also progress to other relevant, higher-level study.