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​Dog Walking &

Pet Sitting Cours


Practical & Theoretical

​(Cape)
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If you would like your shelter to take part, please contact us to arrange for 2018, thank you
Contact Us

These courses are the first of their kind in SA and will provide an excellent foundation for anybody working in shelters or considering doing so. The course is presented in two sections:-

  • Theory - over a 6 month period
  • Practical - Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 2 weeks in a row which are held at the shelter
  • Courses until end 2017 are fully booked. Should you wish to book for the next course in 2018, please contact us. 
  • In the Cape this course can be done on a one-to-one basis with both practical and theory over a 6 month period. 

These courses are 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.   

​For those of you that would like to take your skills further on completion of this course, we have a follow-on Canine Behaviour Coach Course available
The course consists of the following:-
Your Time Investment

  • Practical - Friday, Saturday, Sunday, two weeks in a row. 
  • Theoretical - the course is presented on-line and is very user friendly. At the end of each section there are a few questions to answer relating to the section you have just completed. At the end of each module there is a simple quiz based on the material you have just read. There is no research required or heavy assignments to complete.

Your Financial Investment

As this course is concentrated on dogs in shelters it will be offered at a special price, being R2240 with a deposit of R320 to reserve your place. The balance of R1920 is payable at R320 per month with no interest being charged.  Attendance will be limited to 8 people so that all participants receive the attention they deserve, so do book early to avoid disappointment.

Booking is essential and on a first come, first booked basis – maximum of 8 students.  Dates  for 2018 to be confirmed. 

Theory – the theory section of the course is presented online and consists of the sections below. 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. 


Theory
Module A
 
Understanding Dogs 
The Dog's Senses : The Psychology of Dogs Emotions

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 B

 
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 :

 
General Theory & Puppies
Inoculations : Crate Training : Sterilization : Auditory Habituation : Picking Up Puppies : Grooming & Handling : Importance of Exercise

General Theory & Puppies
Chewing and Toys : Dogs in Complexes : Free Play : The Importance of Puppy School : Car Sickness : The First Few Days : Toilet Training : Pups Crying at Night

Quiz - testing your knowledge on Module B

 
Module C


Preventing Behaviour Problems in Pups
Prevention of Separation Anxiety : Prevention of Jumping Up : Prevention of Excessive Barking : Prevention of Digging in inappropriate areas : Preventing Begging " Preventing Reactive behaviour when a pup is hugged : Preventing excessive licking
 
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 C 
Practical
Practical Sessions may change slightly to suit the specific needs of the shelter. 

Day 1 Understanding Dogs
  1. Calming and stress signals  and 5 F’s of behaviour
  2. Helping dogs to be calm and well behaved while in the run – step 1
  3. Keeping dogs entertained in the run

Day 2 - Basic Exercises with Dogs 

1. Introducing Dogs and Meet and Greet
2. Adult dogs  - sit, down, preventing pulling, leave, recall, changing jumping up
3. Various equipment to use.
4. Working with dogs that wont move on lead, 

Day 3 - TTouch 

1. Session 1 & 2 TTouch 


Day 4 - Shelter Dogs

1. Calming Procedure step 2
2. Basic exercises shelter dogs
3. TTouch Shelter Dogs


Day 5 - Fearful Dogs & Travel
  1. Dealing with dogs with fear of people and objects
  2. Approaching fearful dogs
  3. Desensitizing a fearful dog to people in the run
  4. Putting collar and lead on fearful dog
  5. Safety
  6. Getting dogs used to travelling

Day 6  - Basic Exercises and Review Theory 

1. Practice all basic exercises with shelter dogs. 
2. Test on basic Theory



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