Clinical Animal Behaviourist

Your profile

You are interested in companion animal behaviour, welfare and training for the prevention of or dealing with problem behaviours and want to obtain an academically recognized qualification.
You want to participate in the whole course to obtain a thorough theoretical understanding of the field based on the latest scientific  knowledge and to develop the necessary practical training and communicative skills or follow a specific module only to top up your knowledge.

You are (or will be) working in the animal care sector, with responsibility for planning and managing humane approaches to prevent and address behaviour and welfare problems including behavioural disorders in companion animals. You want to develop specialist knowledge based on the latest scientific knowledge in the field of companion animal behaviour and counseling to develop a behavioural diagnosis and implement a behaviour modification program for dogs and cats (obligatory) and horses or small mammals (Optional. You should choose one option) and want to meet the academic requirements of the profession of clinical animal behaviour counselor. You have an extensive understanding of clinical animal behaviour and the related scientific/clinical literature.

Practical workshops

Our courses combine online learning with practical workshops. Online lectures given by international experts in the field are used to introduce theoretical concepts, provide information that is not easily accessible through other sources or discuss and highlight specific topics. Academics that are at the forefront of the field facilitate and guide the learning of individual students towards achieving the learning outcomes of the courses.  During the practical workshops in small groups you develop under the supervision of tutors your practical skills in animal training and communication.

This course includes 10 days of intensive training in groups with a maximum of 4 to 6 students  in animal handling, training and the development of appropriate communication skills  at the animal shelter ‘Dierenbeschermingscentrum Limburg’  situated in Born The Netherlands. Five days are scheduled during the first year and five during the second year of the course.

Course content

This course takes two years in total. Modules (total: 60 ECTS credits):

• M1: Ethology of companion animals - 8 ECTS credits
• M2: Learning theory and animal training - 6 ECTS credits
• M3: The welfare of companion animals - 4 ECTS credits
• M4: Anatomy and physiology and the interaction between health and behaviour - 10 ECTS credits
• M5: Animal law and ethics - 4 ECTS credits
• M6: Clinical procedures - 12 ECTS credits
• M7: Research methods and practice - 16 ECTS credits

In year 1 we will treat modules 1-2-3-4 (28 EC); in year 2 we continue with modules 5-6-7 (32 EC). A more detailled program will be published later. The course is given in English. A good knowledge of the English language is essential.

Optional: Introduction to the scientific study of CABW - 3 ECTS credits (€375): We strongly advise you to participate in this module if you do not have or have limited experience of writing in a scientific style. In this module is included how to search for scientific literature, the interpretation of scientific papers and how to write assignments correctly using scientific based knowledge.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course you:

• Have an in-depth understanding of the normal behaviour, behavioural needs and welfare of companion animals
• Have the expertise to assess the behaviour and welfare of companion animals
• Have the theoretical knowledge to diagnose behaviour problems and to compose behaviour modification programmes including the use of psychopharmacological interventions in cooperation with a veterinarian if you are not a qualified vet yourself.
• Have the practical handling and training skills to implement behaviour modification programmes in practice
• Have professional skills in client counseling and effective communication

Tuition fee

Fees are paid on a year-by-year basis at the start of each year. The Postgraduate course in Clinical Animal Behaviour (PG CAB) costs:

•    CAB year 1: €3.500 (28 ECTS credits)
•    CAB year 2: €4.000 (32 ECTS credits)

Small companies in Flanders can pay this course through kmo-portefeuille (number DV.O215752).