Canine Behaviour and Training

With over 13 million dogs in the UK and 34% of households now owning a dog (World Animal Foundation 2023) there is an ever-growing demand for a range of canine related services including professional dog trainers, behaviourists, groomers, dog walkers, sitters and kennel managers as well as the rehabilitation of rescue dogs, and specialised training for assistance dogs. The canine behaviour and training sector also has great scope for self-employment and business opportunities. This foundation degree programme aims to develop the knowledge and skills which are necessary to professionally and ethically undertake canine behaviour and training roles. We do this by balancing theoretical study with applied practical experience. As a student on this foundation degree, you will work in the college kennels with a range of dogs from different disciplines, breeds, sizes and temperaments.

You will have the opportunity to undertake training for different purposes, including pet dog training and discipline specific work e.g., agility and hoopers, gaining industry experience with a number of demonstrations from working dog professionals (including Drug, Tobacco and Explosives detection dogs, sheepdogs, Medical Detection Dogs, personal assistance dogs, and many more).

This course is aimed at students who wish to develop a career within the canine industry, but specifically those involving aspects of canine behaviour and training.

As a student studying canine behaviour and training, you will have regular access to the animal-centre facilities at University Centre Reaseheath, which boasts a kennel block, and both indoor and outdoor training arenas. Additionally, students can expect an interactive and personable learning experience that draws upon the expertise of our team of dedicated staff, with whom students can engage in study using our first-class facilities on campus.

There is also the option to complete a further year’s study and top-up to a BSc (Hons) degree upon successful completion of the Foundation Degree.

Course Features

• The FdSc Canine Behaviour and Training degree ‘Training pathway’ is now recognised by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) for the roles of Animal Trainer (AT) and Animal Training Instructor (ATI)

• Exciting guest lecturers (with their dogs!)

• Experience with different breeds

• Partnerships with industry

• All weather training facilities

• Canine behaviour modifications

Career Options

• Canine rehabilitation

• Welfare officer

• Kennel manager

• Dog trainer

• Canine behaviourist

• Working in charity and rescue centres

• Working with service dogs

• Training Instructor

Level 4
• Introduction to Scientific Communication
• Canine Health, Husbandry and Welfare *
• Introduction to Canine Anatomy and Physiology
• Canines in Society *
• Introduction to Canine Training *
• Introduction to Canine Behaviour *

• Denotes modules as recognised as meeting the Knowledge and Understanding requirements for the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) role of Animal Trainer (AT).

Level 5
• Modification of Canine Behavioural Issues
• Canine Athlete in Industry
• Canine Sensory Perception and Behaviour
• Further Dog Training and Instructing Skills *
• Experiential Learning
• Research Methods

*Denotes module(s) that meets the Knowledge and Understanding requirements for the ABTC role of Animal Trainer Instructor (ATI) when combined with those * modules in Level 4

Assessments are designed to encourage both academic skills and skills valued in the workplace. They include a combination of coursework and timed online assessments. Coursework may take many forms including: essays, reports, data processing, case studies, presentations, academic posters, seminar discussions, interviews, critical reviews, portfolios of evidence and practical competency assessments. The timed online assessments vary, depending on the nature of the module, but may take the form of multiple-choice papers, essays, practical assessments, data handling questions, short answer quizzes, and in-class examinations.

The balance of assessment by timed online assessment and assessment by coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by coursework is as follows:

Year 1
75% coursework
25% timed online assessment

Year 2
79% coursework
21% timed online assessment