Dog Care
A practical program to take you through all general aspects dog care. You will learn the science of dog care as you learn about anatomy, physiology, nutrition and heath.
Learn how to care for the practical daily needs of a dog!
Have an interest in learning more about your pet dogs? Or want to get started in the dog care industry?
Learn how to provide
effective care for those needs either as a dog owner or a professional
working in the industry. Understand the different goods and services
within the canine industry.
This is a solid introductory course which covers a wide range of dog care topics.
Learn about the following areas of canine care:
- Dog breeding
- Behaviour and training
- Nutrition and feeding
- Health care
- Exercise
- Canine anatomy and physiology
Aims
- Determine the typical daily needs of a dog, both physical and psychological. Discuss the nature and scope of services available to dog owners.
- Describe the internal and external anatomy of a dog. Explain the standard physiology of a dog.
- Identify common health issues that impact on a dog’s health, wellbeing and longevity. Determine appropriate measures to prevent problems arising or respond to problems in the first instance when they do arise.
- Describe common ailments and optional treatments for those ailments.
- Compare differentiating characteristics across breeds of dogs, including both desirable and undesirable characteristics.
- Describe how dogs are bred and how the purity of breeds is controlled. Discuss the dog breeding industry and how to operate a dog breeding business.
- Explain ways in which dogs can be trained. Discuss how to successfully operate a dog training or behavioural consultancy business.
- Explain how to groom a dog.
- Determine how to successfully operate a dog grooming business.
- Explain the scope and nature of a wide range of products and services involved in the dog industry.
- Determine how to successfully operate a range of different dog service businesses.
Lesson Structure
There are 9 lessons in this course:
-
Introduction to Dog Care
- What Dogs Need
- Food
- Water
- Physical and Psychological Environment
- Exercise
- Hygiene
- Importance of Routine
- Potential Problems and Owner Error
- Uncertainty of pack position
- Neglect
- Escape
- Attacking other people and animals
- Physical damage
- Illness
- Which Breed is best
- Choosing a puppy or adult dog
- Outside living or inside pet
- Restricting and confining a pet
- Dealing with holidays
- Training dogs
- Socialising with other animals
- Scope of Dog care industry
-
Canine Biology
- Anatomy
- Mouth
- Teeth
- Ears
- Eyes
- Skeletal system
- Digestive system
- Normal physiological values
- Circulation
- Respiratory rates
- Thermoregulation
-
Dog Health Part 1
- Introduction to nutrition and feeding
- Nutritional Components
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Fats
- Minerals
- Vitamins
- Water
- Changing requirements through different life stages
- Growth period
- Working and high performance period
- Pregnancy and lactation period
- Geriatric period
- Feeding patterns -time controlled or free choice
- Feed products
- Commercial foods
- Medicinal/veterinary foods
- Home cooked Foods
- Snacks and treats
- Foods to avoid
- Common nutritional disorders
- Allergies
- Poisoning
- Preventative health
- Diet supplements
- Immunisation
- Worms, tick and flea prevention
- Exercise
- Dental care
- Skin and Nail Care
- Basic First Aid Equipment
- Assessing the Situation in an Emergency
- What to do... (in accidents or at specific times)
- Basic Resuscitation and CPR
-
Dog Health Part 2 -Illnesses and Treatments
- Introduction
- Haemobartonellosis
- Babesiosis
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
- Aortic Stenosis
- Heart Failure
- Heart Murmurs and Arrhythmias
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Heartworm
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Giardia
- Intestinal Worms
- Enteritis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
- Hypothyroidism
- Postpartum Hypocalcaemia (Eclampsia)
- Conjunctivitis
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Ear mites
- Deafness
- Anaphylactic Shock
- Lupus
- Hip Dysplasia
- Osteoarthritis
- Epilepsy
- Canine Degenerative Myelopathy (CDM)
- Canine Distemper
- Infectious Canine Tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough)
- Asthma
- Mange
- Ringworm
-
Dog Breeds
- Gundogs, Hounds, Pastoral, Terriers, Toy, Utility, Working
- English Setter
- Irish Setter
- German Pointer
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Cocker Spaniel
- Hungarian Vizsla
- Beagle
- Dachshund
- Greyhound
- Irish Wolfhound
- Bassett Hound
- Bassett Hound
- Australian Cattle dog
- Border Collie
- German Shepherd
- Old English Sheep Dog
- Corgi
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- West Highland Terrier
- Parson (Jack) Russell Terrier
- Australian terrier
- Scottish terrier
- Chihuahua
- Bichon Frisé
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Pomeranian
- Pug
- Dalmatian
- Poodle
- Schnauzer
- Shih Tzu
- Alaskan Malumute
- Great Dane
- Mastiff
- Newfoundland
- St Bernard
-
Breeding
- Introduction
- Female Reproductive System
- Male Reproductive System
- Sexual Behaviour
- Mating Interaction
- The Management of Reproduction
- Desexing/Neutering/Spaying/Castrating
- Pregnancy and birth
- Parturition (Labour)
- Suckling
- Weaning
- Factors Influencing Puppy Size
- Puppy Development
- The breeding industry
- ‘Back-yard’ Breeders & Breeding for fun
- Illegal Commercial Puppy Breeding Enterprises (Puppy Mills)
- Breeding for Profit
- Legislation and Licensing
-
Dog Behaviour and Training
- Understanding dog behaviour
- The Importance of Training
- Practical training techniques
- Technique for Recall
- Technique for Sit (in front)
- Technique for Sit (at the side)
- Technique for Stand (Beside)
- Technique for Stand (Beside)
- Technique for Leave
- Technique for Down/Lay
- Technique for Stay (beside)
- Technique for Heeling
- Behaviour Problems Present Opportunities for Business
- Attributes of Successful Dog Trainers
- Practical for Business Start-up
-
Grooming
- The Importance of Grooming
- Grooming tools and equipment
- What to groom, why and how
- Skin
- Bathing
- Coat (hair)
- Brushing:
- Claws (nails)
- Teeth
- Teeth brushing
- Ears
- Professional grooming
- Long haired dog breeds
- Short hair breeds
- Other breeds
- Styles and clips
-
Other Dog Services
- Health and related services
- Training and related services
- Day care and long term stay services
- Assistance dog services
- Professional dog handling
- Retail related services
Accreditations
CANINE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Consider the following:
Working in a Pet Shop
Pet stores are like any other shop, a retail outlet for products. Dogs are a big part of the pet industry, but you do need to deal with other animals as well.To be a successful pet shop owner, manager or employee, you need to be able to sell merchandise, from pet food and toys to cages, fish tanks, leashes and the pets themselves. Obviously you need to know about caring for different animals in order to keep the animals you are selling in good condition; and advise customers on the products they might buy. Some pet shops may be more caring for the animals than others.
Some pet shops (or departments in other stores) may sell non living products that relate to pets; without selling the actual pets. Some pet shops specialize in the type of pets they sell (eg. An Aquarium shop).
Working in an Animal Shelter
- Animal rescue of abandoned, mistreated or injured animals
- Controlling stray or feral animals
- Licensing or registration of domestic animals
- Enforcing laws relating to animals
- Relocation of abandoned animals through adoption programs
- Relocation of wild animals
- Euthanasia and disposal of dead animals
A lot of the work involves dealing with the public This may include people who have mistreated animals, others who are regretfully in a position that requires them to surrender their animals; the general public who report strays or nuisance animals, and people visiting the shelter to register pets.
Part of the work also involves caring for animals (feeding, watering, exercising and grooming), ans part is dealing with administrative tasks behind a computer or desk.
Becoming a Dog Groomer
As a Dog Groomer, you will care for both, the hygiene and cleanliness of a dog, as well as earning a living from doing what you love.
Being a Dog Groomer can be quite rewarding as you are in constant contact with the dog creating, therefore, a closer bond as you are handling and caring for the dogs best needs. You will be gratified by knowing the dog is clean and by decreasing its chances from various health problems such as thrush, scratches, infestation, parasites on the skin, and other skin problems, as well as a general health check making sure its free from any cuts, heat, swelling, lameness or temperament changes which, in turn, can be an indication of illness.
As a Dog Groomer you will be in charge of keeping the dog’s coat, nails, skin and health in optimal conditions to satisfy the owner’s desires, as well as giving the owner advice on the dogs general care and diet for maintaining its health.
Other Jobs with Dogs
Walker
Boarding Kennel Operator
Veterinary Assistant
Trainer or Behaviour Consultant
Racing Dog Trainer
Dog Handler - e.g. sniffer dogs, sheep dogs and other working dogs
BUILD A BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT AND TRAINING BUSINESS
Behaviour Problems Present Opportunities for Business
Some dogs exhibit behavioural problems at some point in their lives. You should know that an unwanted behaviour is often a symptom of an underlying problem and the unwanted behaviour that is displayed is the dog’s way of coping with the problem.
It is important to remember that the behaviour may be unwanted for us but may be completely natural for the dog. Therefore, when thinking about the behaviours of dogs you should have an understanding of natural dog behaviour and dog’s instincts. The natural behaviour of dog shouldn’t be ignored but can be controlled.
As a rule, all dogs that display a behavioural problem should first be checked by a vet to make sure that there are no physical ailments that may be causing or exacerbating the behaviour.
Setting up your own dog training or dog behavioural business can be all that you dream it can be but it takes a lot of hard work setting up a successful business. It also takes thorough knowledge of dogs and your own professionalism.
Some of the benefits of starting your own dog training consultancy business include:
- an opportunity work with the knowledge you have accumulated from study and/or industry experience
- an ability to enjoy the freedom and independence of doing something you’re passionate about
- the possibility of achieving high financial reward
- the flexibility to take on cases or assignments that are stimulating and rewarding, and conversely the option of
- refusing to do something you don't enjoy
- the chance to meet new people in other companies and industries
- the satisfaction of working with the best resources you can find
DIGESTIVE DISORDERS - CANINE HEALTH CARE
Digestive problems in dogs can not only be detrimental to the animal; but can also, very often, lead to the owner becoming sick as well. Prevention is obviously always best; and this starts with understanding possible problems.Vomiting
Vomiting is not a disease or disorder in itself; it is a clinical sign of some type of digestive disturbance or as a result of another disease or disorder. Occasional bouts of vomiting can be considered normal but if the vomiting persists and is accompanied by severe or bloody diarrhoea, lethargy, weakness, depression, pain or fever then this is a sign that something is seriously wrong and veterinary attention is required. Vomiting can be caused by something the dog has eaten (e.g. rotten food), ingestion of toxins, adverse reactions to drugs or an allergic reaction to something in the environment.
Vomiting can cause dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, muscle weakness, tremors, inflammation of the esophagus, aspiration pneumonia and severe malnutrition. Treatment includes identification and removal or treatment of the initial cause of the vomiting. Fluid and electrolyte therapy may also be required in serious cases.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is similar to vomiting in that it is a clinical sign rather than a disease itself. Diarrhoea can be a sign of a mild digestive upset or of something more serious e.g. food poisoning or ingestion of other toxic materials. Acute and chronic diarrhoea can be life threatening, particularly in puppies or older dogs. If the diarrhoea lasts longer than a couple of hours, contains blood and the dog appears to be in pain and has a fever then veterinary attention is required immediately. Treatment in this case will include identification and appropriate treatment for the underlying condition causing the diarrhoea as well as fluid and electrolyte therapy. Mild cases can be treated at home by removing food for a period of 12 hours and then re-introducing small amounts of bland food (e.g. chicken and rice). Probiotics can also be a useful addition to improve the overall health of the affected dog’s intestines.
Giardia
Giardia intestinalis and Giardia duodenalis are single celled protozoan parasites, which inhabit the affected dog’s small intestine, causing clinical signs of Giardiasis. The protozoa attach themselves to the intestines and multiply. They may be directly swept through the intestines and appear in the infected dog’s faeces or they may develop into a tougher more durable ‘cyst’ form, which is again passed in the dogs faeces but is able to survive for long periods in the external environment. Dogs are infected by ingesting the cysts from contaminated water and the environment. Infected dogs may not show any clinical signs of Giardiasis, but they can still shed the protozoa from their systems, spreading the infection to other healthy animals. Infection and subsequent illness is more commonly seen in younger animals. Signs of infection include: chronic or intermittent diarrhoea that may appear ‘fatty’ and slimy, accompanied by a very foul smell. Weight loss is also possible if left untreated.
The condition is treated with anthelmintic drugs. A vaccine against infection is available in the USA, but it is generally not thought to be particularly effective.
AFTER YOUR STUDIES?
This course will give you a greater awareness of what dogs need to experience a greater state of well being; and your ability to care for dogs will thus grow not only throughout these studies, but also beyond.
You will become more capable at managing dogs, whether your own dogs, or those owned by someone else.
How can I start this course?
You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.
Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
registration. Recommencement fees may apply.
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What do I need to know before I enrol?
There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.
You don’t need to purchase any additional resources to complete our courses.
We aim to teach you the essentials without you having to purchase any specific computer program.
We recommend that you have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so that you can easily complete and submit your assignments.
You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.
Yes, if you are enrolling in a Certificate or Advanced Certificate, you might be eligible for credits if you have evidence of your previous studies or relevant experience. More information is here.
We recommend that you are able to browse websites, send emails and conduct online research. You will need to be able to type and submit your assignments.
If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.
This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.
Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.
Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.
This course has been designed to cover the fundamentals of the topic. It will take around 100 hours to complete, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and anything else that is contained in the course. Our short courses are a great way to do some professional development or to learn a new skill.
It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.
The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.
Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.
Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.
There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).
Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.
We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.
Yes, your tutor is here to help you. Simply post any questions you have in your login.training portal or contact the office and we can pass on a message to your tutor.
We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.
Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.
Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here
There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.
When you complete the course work and the exam and you will be able receive your course certificate- a Statement of Attainment. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.
You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.
Yes, our courses are built to be applicable for people living anywhere in any situation. We provide the fundamentals, and each student can apply their own unique flair for their own interests, region and circumstances with the one-on-one guidance of a tutor. There is also a bit of student directed research involved.
Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.
ACS has an arrangement with OAMPS (formerly AMP) who can arrange Professional Indemnity from Australian and New Zealand graduates across all disciplines. Ph: 1800 222 012 or email acs@oamps.com.au.
Who are ACS Distance Education?
ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.
We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future.
We are focused on helping you learn and make the most of your experience.
You can enrol at any time, you can work on your course when it suits you and at your own pace.
We are connected to many industry bodies and our staff participate in continuous improvement and learning activities to ensure that we are ahead of what learning is needed for the future.
Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.
Our courses are written by our staff, who all have many years experience and have qualifications in their speciality area. We have lots of academic staff who write and update our courses regularly.
How do I enrol my staff/ sponsored students?
Yes, you can do a request for a bulk enrolment and request an invoice on our Invoice Request Form
We can prepare an invoice, quote or proforma invoice. Simply complete your details on our Invoice Request form
We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.
Yes, we have many students who are in locked facilities, such as prisons or hospitals. We can cater by also offering paper notes at an additional cost.
What if I have any more questions or need more information?
We can assist you to find the right course for your needs. Get in touch with us via email (admin@acs.edu.au) call on +61 7 5562 1088 or complete our course advice form.
What if I change my mind?
Please get in touch with studentservices@acs.edu.au if you would like to be removed from our mail list.
If you would like ACS Distance Education to delete your information at any time (whether you are a customer or a prospective customer), please contact our privacy officer and we will process this ( admin@acs.edu.au ).
If students require a reproduction of their certificate, an electronic copy can be provided at a cost of AUD$35 incl GST. Printed copies are not available.
Course Contributors
The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.
Alison Pearce
University Lecturer, Quality Assurance Manager, Writer and Research Technician. Alison originally graduated with an honors degree in science from university and beyond that has completed post graduate qualifications in education and eco-tourism. She has managed veterinary operating theatre, responsible for animal anesthesia, instrument preparation, and assistance with surgical techniques and procedures.
Dr. Gareth Pearce
Veterinary scientist and surgeon with expertise in agriculture and environmental science, with over 25 years of experience in teaching and research in agriculture, veterinary medicine, wildlife ecology and conservation in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Post-graduate qualifications in Education, Wildlife Conservation Medicine, Aquatic Veterinary Studies and Wildlife Biology & Conservation.
Gareth has a B.Sc.(Hons), B.V.Sc., M.A., M.Vet.S,. PhD, Grad. Cert. Ed.(HE), Post-Grad.Cert. Aq.Vet.Sc., Post-Grad. Cert. WLBio&Cons., Dipl. ECPHM, MRCVS.
Tanya Miller Bsc (hons) RVN, PGCE, CCRP
18 years working in animal science, veterinary care and agricultural education.
Animal Health 2nd edition
Understand health issues, disease and injury prevention, inspecting animals, differential diagnosis and common illnesses. Animals can suffer from injury, poisoning, hereditary conditions, nutritional problems and viral, bacterial and fungal infections. A book for managing pets, farm animals, or wildlife.
Caring for Dogs
Covers Breeds, Creating a healthy home for dogs, legal issues, dog biology, recognising poor health, parasites, illnesses, nutrition, reproduction, dog psychology, behavioural development, training tips, behaviour problems, grooming, working in the dog industry, and more. This is a book for dog owners, students and anyone interested in working with dogs. 79 pages, 71 colour photos.
