Canine Biology and Behavior – Parts 1- 3

Purpose: To provide ground level knowledge for understanding canine biology, behavior, elements of the theory underlying training methods, and to prepare students for other academic or animal training courses.

 Course Information: This course covers basic canine biology (with a focus on the nervous system, genetics and evolution) and behavior (both natural and learned).  In part I of the series the student will become knowledgeable about canine biology (anatomy and physiology) and appreciate how this biology affects behavior.  Both the general-common and breed-specific canine behaviors will be explored in part I and part II of the series. In part II, taxonomy, evolution, genetics, and hormonal influences are covered. In part II the students will understand the science behind behavioral studies, as well behind the behavior modification, including current trends.  Participants will read, critique research and training methods, perform and report on activities, including write observations, analyses, and reflections. Students will come away with a broad new understanding of the canine species in a scientific, social, and practical perspective.

Prerequisites: of the three course series, the first I has no prerequisiste, but the II, an III course series requires the previous in the series. It is helpful to have had a general biology or psychology course, and an animal training course.

Student Will Learn: The topics covered in all the part I, II, and III of the series are biology and its effect on behavior includes the following:

Course Series I (4 Sessions):

• The Domesticated Canine Life in Society
• Canine Biology: Anatomy and Physiology
  • Canine brain and its development
  • Central Nervous System including the special senses
  • Anatomy, focused on impact on mobility, language, and behavior

Course Series II (4 Sessions):

• Individual development and species Evolution (and co-evolution with humans)
• Hormonal influences on Canine Biology/Behavior
• Taxonomy (classification) of the canine in the animal kingdom
• General Genetics
  • Genetic differences
  • General and breed-specific behaviors

Course Series III (4 Sessions):

• Behavior
  • Common Behaviors
    • Instinctual,
    • Stereotypical,
    • Learned, including communication
  • Modifying Behavior: How Learning Occurs
    • Learning Theory:
      • Classical and Operant Conditioning
      • Other forms of learning
      • How Positive Reinforcements work
        • Variables involved.
• Current Trends and Issues in Canine Biology and Behavior

Schedule: Each course in the series I, II, III is 4 weeks long. The books are the same for each of the 3-part series.

Textbooks Required:

Dogs Can Sign, Too by Sean Senechal (Paperback – Sept 1, 2009) signed copy with shipping $20.  ORDER HERE … State in Subject heading “Textbook Purchase” and in the body of the email the course you are taking.

Dog Behavior, Evolution, and Cognition by Adam Miklosi (Paperback – Feb 15, 2009)

DOG’S MIND  by Bruce Fogle

Instructor: Sean Senechal, MS

Course Length: 4 one hour sessions for each of Parts I, II, and III. Total 12 sessions.

Course Cost –

For Credit: 

Audited:

Student Information:

Access to this course will expire in 6 months. Therefore, you have 6 months to complete this course from the date of registration.

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You must also read and agree to the E-Training for Dogs, Inc. Standard Terms and Conditions prior to taking a course: Click HERE to read these. You will be asked when you register if you have read them and will not be allowed to take the course if you do not agree to the terms.