Lecture: 3 hours/week
Instructional activities may include live animal demonstrations, case studies, group work, student presentations, flipped classroom, simulations, workshops, assignments and open book quizzes.
- Normal behaviour for companion animals
- Behavioural markers of fear, anxiety and stress in veterinary patients
- Body language in communication with both small and large animal species
- Puppy and kitten basic training methods
- Causes, signs and treatment of common behaviour problems in companion animals
- Animal welfare, including animal neglect and abuse, issues in domestic animal husbandry and cosmetic surgery of companion animals
- Workplace ethics, scope of practice, euthanasia and methods of resolving ethical problems
Upon completion of this course successful students will be able to:
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Read the body language of companion animals as it pertains to safe handling, case management and client education.
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Discuss influences on the development of behavioural traits in companion animals.
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Describe and implement training techniques to prevent common problem behaviours in companion animals.
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Apply scientifically based principles to the prevention and treatment of behaviour problems in companion animals.
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Implement techniques to treat or manage common behaviour problems in companion animals.
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Define ethics, animal rights and welfare, and be able to discuss current topics in these fields with respect to veterinary medicine.
Evaluations will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. A final minimum cumulative grade of “C” or 60% is required, in order to progress in the Veterinary Technology program.
Evaluation will be based on the following:
Assignments 20-50% (no assignment >20%)
Quizzes (2) 15-40% (no quiz >20%)
Final Exam 20-30%
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials.
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