Learn About Animal Behaviour!
Learn the principles of animal psychology and behaviour!
A great course for anyone wanting to -
- Improve their knowledge of animal psychology.
- Train, handle or work with animals.
- Understand why animals behave the way they do.
- Start a new job or business in animal behaviour.
This is an experiential learning-based course. Throughout your studies you will have the opportunity to network with and learn from a variety of industry professionals. Establishing real-world relationships and confidence is key to career success.
Modules
Note that each module in the Certificate in Animal Psychology is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately.
Career Opportunities
A good education is essential to success.
This course lays an excellent foundation for continued learning, and the means for understanding and dealing with issues you encounter in the workplace.
ACS courses prompt you to start networking with experts within the discipline and develop problem-solving skills to work through difficulties which may be encountered in-field.
As the world and employment continues to evolve, it is important to take every opportunity to integrate your learning into real life.
Receiving support from our expert tutors and various industry professionals, this course will allow you to hone your skills and knowledge, whilst developing confidence in the workplace!
How Dog Behavioural Traits Develop
Behaviours are strongly influenced by the genetics of an animal. Some breeds will have a tendency to act differently to others; some behaviours will occur naturally unless there is strong intervention to control the behaviour manifesting. We will look more at how this affects certain breeds later in the lesson.
- Nature is the effect which the genetic make-up has upon behaviour, while
- Nurture is the influence the environment has on behaviour.
Many psychologists believe all behaviour is a mixture of nature and nurture. However, there are some particularly important periods throughout development wherein environmental influences upon a dog’s nature can be especially significant.
Sensitive Periods
Newborn puppies are completely dependent on their mother. As they develop physically, they become more independent and aware of their surroundings.
The stages of development can be divided into four distinct phases:
- Neonatal
- Transitional
- Socialisation
- Juvenile period
Neonatal Period characteristics:
- Span the first two weeks of life.
- Occur when completely dependent on their mother.
- Include sensitivity to touch, taste and smell, while movement is limited.
- Occur when eyes and ears are still closed.
- Occur when primary activities include sleeping and feeding.
Transitional Period characteristics:
- Occur during the third week.
- Is a period of rapid development, transitioning from total dependence upon the mother to possessing some independence.
- Eyes and ears open and respond to stimuli.
- Crawling backwards and forwards initiates.
- Able to stand and lap milk from a saucer.
- Will defecate and urinate away from its bedding and mother.
- Play fighting and interactions with litter mates commence.
- Start to display social signs such as tail-wagging and growling.
Socialisation Period characteristics:
- Occurs from end of third week up to week 10.
- Critical period for formation of social relationships.
- Begin to learn about their environment.
- Will interact with each other and with humans.
- May initiate play with raised paw or tail wagging.
- Will learn to control biting through play experience.
- Dominant and subordinate puppies will become apparent.
- May show prey killing and sexual behaviour, e.g., mounting other puppies.
Juvenile Period characteristics:
- Extends from 10 weeks to sexual maturity.
- Gradual improvement in motor skills.
- Learn relevance of behaviours and which are appropriate to specific situations.
- Basic learning capacities are fully developed at the start of this period; by around four months old previously learned tasks may interfere with new learning.
- May still not be trained to do difficult tasks due to their short attention span.
Why Choose this Course?
This comprehensive course will lay a thorough foundation for work, further study or any other plans you may have in this field.
Further, 600 hours of study focussing heavily on animal behaviour will change the way you look at animals!
Why Study with ACS?
Design your own learning pathway.
Study at your own pace, from anywhere, at any time.
Receive prompt, expert support from our team of committed and friendly tutors.
Your learning is our priority. We are flexible and adaptable to meet your educational needs!
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