Advanced Learning Theory

Advance your understanding of Canine Learning, and how it is naturally relevant to your dog on a day-to-day basis. Expand your knowledge of the different ways of influencing behaviour through learning (training), including changing pre-learned behaviours by reinforcement, punishment, desensitization, habituation and counter-conditioning.

Evolution of Behaviour

Explore the process of evolution, and find out how your dog has evolved into the creature he is by exploring how inherited genes for physiology and behaviour are selected for both naturally – and by man! Learn how traits are passed on, and explore the difference between phenotype and genotype (what you see isn’t always what you get!)

Physiology of Behaviour

Explore the nervous and sensory systems of the dog (including the brain, and senses of sight, sound, smell and taste), and discover how they influence his behaviour. Learn about locomotion (movement) and how to assess a dog for common healthy (& unhealthy!) conformational traits. Explore some of the biology behind your dog’s emotionality, including physiological/hormonal changes when under stress. Find out how different breeds differ in these factors.

Canine Conflict & Resolution

Explores some of the common areas where a dog’s natural behaviours (ranging chasing cats to defensive aggression) come into conflict with what us humans would rather he did! Find out how a dog is likely to naturally react in a way we find inappropriate in a range of common ‘troublezone’ scenarios including feeding behaviour, predatory behaviour and social behaviour towards people and other animals. Also explores preventative training exercises and tips for some of these common ‘troublezones’ using some of the methodologies learned in previous units

Handling & Restraining Canines

Explore the common scenarios where dogs may require close handling/restraining (from veterinary check-ups to lifting into the car), and identify why his natural behavioural responses may cause conflict (eg, defensive aggression)in these scenarios.

Excellent Unit for groomers, veterinary staff etc. and a ‘must’ for anyone who may need to safely restrain or close-handle dogs in a stress-free and welfare-conscious way.

The Kennelled Dog

Find out how kennelling and kennel design can influence a dog’s behaviour and welfare. Learn techniques (including using natural body language cues by yourself, and recognising body language cues in your dog) for safely and kindly handling dogs in a kennel environment, including removing anxious dogs from kennels, and find out how to prevent and reduce common problems such as kennel guarding.

Raising Puppies

An excellent Unit for responsible breeders, veterinary staff or anyone interested in dog breeding or puppy rearing. From health, genetics and inheritance to bitch & puppy care both ante- and post- natal, this is a great introduction to the world of puppy rearing! Includes information on developmental stages, and a full ‘puppy training’ guide to cover everything from toilet training to socialisation & polite feeding. When the ‘Watermill Wolves’ are breeding, a ‘hands-on’ practical workshop can be taken to complement this course.

Canine Cognition

Take a look at the cutting-edge world of canine cognition science! This unit will look at some of the exciting results of published peer-reviewed scientific papers from behaviour centres and universities around the world. Learn how to examine rationally some of the fascinating discoveries that have been made (and are being made) in the study of the canine mind. Explore aspects of social intelligence including learning from others, Machiavellian intelligence and ‘Theory of Mind’ (self awareness).

Basic Physiology

Learn about the dog’s brain and senses (sight, sound, smell, taste & touch)– how does the way he views the world influence his behaviour? Does he see – and feel about – things the same way you do? How can we use our knowledge of his natural skills to help him learn, and how we might avoid them lead him into trouble? An insightful, intriguing look into the way your dog has evolved to view the world, accessible to the beginner, but again a great foundation for higher learning.

Introduction to Learning

Just what is  ‘learning’, and how does your dog do it? Find out the underlying principles behind how your dog learns – both naturally, and in training! Explore how your dog’s life experiences shape his innate characteristics, and discover the key factors to ‘setting up’ reliable and rewarding learning  scenarios for him. Another great course both for novice owners, or as a foundation to further learning.

Basic needs and desires

Explore your dog’s ‘5 freedoms’ welfare needs & how these can be answered in a pet home. Find out how these needs will change with age. Learn about both the physical and behavioural needs of different dog breeds, and how these will influence his actions towards both you and the world around him.  An excellent starter unit for the first-time dog owner, and an essential foundation to  everyone’s knowledge!