Course Description

Learn to read and understand animal body postures so you can recognize stressed animals and reduce injuries (to both animals and staff). Find out how to reduce stress through kennel enrichment in order to keep animals mentally and physically sound. Learn how to design an in-shelter training program that teaches basic manners to shelter dogs in order to make those dogs more appealing to adopters and more likely to stay in their new homes.

This 5-week course is part of the Pets for Life Certificate Program.

Course Objectives

This course will provide knowledge to animal care professionals in the following areas:

·         Feline and canine body postures

·         Behavior evaluation

·         Theory and practice of operant conditioning (using clicker training)

·         Stress reduction and kennel enrichment

·         Socialization of shelter dogs

Class Format: Online

There are no scheduled lecture times; instead, you log on at your convenience to participate in weekly discussions and submit assignments. Expect to spend at least 2-4 hours per week reading materials, completing assignments, and discussing issues.