Companion Animal Behaviour courses?

Re: Companion Animal Behaviour courses?

Ben Ogden — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 19:05:46 GMT

This is accurate, although I partially agree with tighter regulation of this particular profession, I think they should be careful not to disconnect a lot of people that actually have a lot of knowledge and experience. I don't think it should be 'you must have this exact qualification', but more of what they do already which is 'what experience/qualifications do you have' and assess membership into a register that holds weight from there.

Re: Companion Animal Behaviour courses?

ameliakp — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 16:59:26 GMT

I think (and if some one can correct me please do), but I think at the moment, anyone can call themselves a behaviourist, but to be registered the APBC or CCAB you have to do courses at degree level, as they include modules on human behaviour etc.

I think it will change in a few years and be more strict in that people have to have the degree. At the moment I tell people that I am certainly not a behaviourist, but i have a particular interest and am doing a diploma in it- so clients are aware of it, I always offer the choice of a vet referral to a behaviourist too if they want it.

Re: Companion Animal Behaviour courses?

Jenblob2 — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 16:37:34 GMT

Thanks guys, I have looked at these and they look like my best option as they are distance/ online learning.

At what point could you call yourself a behaviourist? I'm assuming you can really only really say you're a behaviourist after going through a degree at uni for 3 years or something similar like that?

Re: Companion Animal Behaviour courses?

ameliakp — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 15:53:32 GMT

Hi,

Its feline related only- but I am doing a course with Compass (approved by BVNA). Its an advanced diploma on feline behaviour and I would highly recommend it. Its a distance learning, but you have a tutor at the end of an email, and I have learnt loads. I think they do dog ones also. I have 2 modules left to go and I started it 1 year ago, but realistically, I probably should have finished it by now! (I was a bit lax in the summer!)

there is also a university down south (can't remember the name) but they offer a degree in companion animals catered to VNs as they do all lectures over weekends and via internet lectures etc.

Re: Companion Animal Behaviour courses?

Skeelish — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 12:44:27 GMT

I have done the COAPE advanced diploma in behaviour and training and although appears costly is very worth it. It is a correspondence course and is completely up to date with current methods.

Re: Companion Animal Behaviour courses?

Ben Ogden — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 09:47:26 GMT

I am in a similar situation to yourself, I am currently sitting this its a very good course, which is equipping me with the tools required to help our clients with their behaviour issues. They have a similar subject for feline also.