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​Canine Behaviour Shelter Course


Practical & Theoretical
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Course done in conjunction with Woliies Animal Shelter and the practical sessions take place at their shelter in Pretoria North area

Contact Us

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We are delighted to announce the next stage in the Canine Behaviour Shelter Course and this time it will be hosted at Matlosana Animal Shelter in Stilfontein. This is just beyond Potchefstroom and the course takes place in March of next year, at the dates below.

Our courses are the first of its kind in SA and will provide an excellent foundation for anybody working in shelters or considering doing so. The course is presented over a 6 month period and consists of both practical and theoretical sessions and presented by professionals in the canine field (click here for full CV).

This course is aimed at providing education to all people involved in shelters or looking at working in a shelter. The knowledge and the tools provided will improve the life of the dogs in shelters and as dogs will be better behaved, the chances of them being adopted will be improved. Students will also learn the tools to supply knowledge to new owners with all the basic information they will need to get off to a good start with the new addition to the family.

Successful students will receive certification of successful completion of the course which will be made up of the practical and theoretical sections.   

The course consists of the following:-
Your Time Investment
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Practical :
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8th March  - Friday Afternoon -  2.00p.m. to 4.00p.m.

Calming and Stress Signals : 5 F's of Behaviour : House Rules


9th March  - Saturday from 10a.m. to 3.30p.m. 
  • Teaching dogs how to be calm in their runs. Putting on collar and leads and leaving the run in a quiet and calm manner. 
  • Teaching Balance Lead and Loose Lead Walking
  • Teaching Sit and Down
​10th March -Sunday from 10.00a.m. to 2.00p.m. 

  • Tellington TTouch - Basic TTouches and Groundwork - Session 1 incorporating Rope Harness
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16th March -Saturday from 10.00a.m.to 3.30p.m. 
  • Tellington TTouch - Session 2
  • Practice calming dogs in their runs and taking them out in a quiet and calm manner.
  • Review Balance Lead/Loose Lead Walking/Sit/Down
  •  Teaching Swap, Recall, Wait, on-lead Recall 

17th March - Sunday from 10.00a.m. to 2.00p.m. 
  • Changing Jumping Up Behaviour
  • Working with dogs with fear of people

Theory – the theory section of the course is presented online. At the end of each section there is an assignment to be completed, and there are several quizzes throughout the course and a final quiz at the end of the course. Students work at their own pace and have 6 months to complete the course. The Theory can be started as soon as you book.


​Your Financial Investment

As this course is concentrated on dogs in shelters it will be offered at a special price, being R1800 which will be payable at R300 per month with no interest being charged – your initial payment will be a deposit of R300 to reserve your place and the balance of R1500 payable  on a monthly basis of R300 starting. Attendance will be limited to 6 people, so that all participants receive the attention they deserve, so do book early to avoid disappointment. 

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Module A
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Shelter Initiative 1 -General
Aims :Procedures : Visitors to the shelter : One Dog per Run : Daily Elimination Program :  Daily chew toys and stimulation : Daily walks and human interaction for at least the selected dogs : Stimulation for long term residents : Volunteers

Shelter Initiative 2 - ​Long Term Confinement 
General : Common Behaviour Problems found in shelters : Possible Solutions ​

​​​​Shelter Initiative 3 - Mental and Physical Stimulation
General : Sense of Smell : Mental Stimulation and Games to Play ​

Shelter Initiative 4 - ​Chew Toys
Chew Toys : How to use and stuff a Busy Buddy or Kong : Stuffing Recipes : Liver Bread Recipe
 
Understanding Dogs 
The Dog's Senses : The Psychology of Dogs Emotions

Quiz - testing your knowledge on Module 1



Module B

Canine Development Theory
Socialization & Habituation : 

Learning Theory
How Dogs Learn : Other Training Methods : Lure & Reward Methods : Using Lure/Rewards : Fading the Reward : Cue's Signals, Commands:
 
Learning Theory
Operant Conditioning : Classical Conditioning : Punishment : Aversives : Extinction : Reinforcers :: Timing : Learning Plateau :Important Points for Handlers : Positive Reinforcement :

Quiz - testing your knowledge on Module A



Module C
 
Breeds and Breeders
Points for clients : Owners Responsibility : Choosing the Breed : Breeds

Breeds and Breeders
Breeds that tend not to get along : Will any existing dogs tolerate a puppy? : Nature or Nurture : What to look for in a pup : One or Two Pups : Puppy Testing


Adolescence
Physically what to expect : Behaviour : How to get through adolescence

Quiz - testing your knowledge on Module C

 
Module D

Physical and Mental Stimulation to improve the dogs quality of life
A variety of games and suggestions to improve a dogs quality of life, both in and out of the shelter

Why do Behaviour Problems Occur?
Dogs Needs :Possible contributing causes of problem behaviours : Pain or Illness : Fear : Selection : Social : Training : Changes in environment or circumstances : Exercise and Life Spaces : Stimulation and Enrichment : Additional factors regarding problem behaviour to be considered : More factors with reference to interaction between dog and owner : Lack of behaviour                            


After Adopting a New Dog 
The first few weeks with new shelter dog : Giving a shelter dog a home : Choosing a Shelter Dog  ; * 5 Tips for Adopting Shelter Dogs : Adoption and related stress and anxiety : My new shelter dog is not settling down – why – what do I do? Behaviour Problems commonly seen in shelter dogs

Quiz - Testing your knowledge on Module D
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