Advanced Certificate in Canine Fear, Anxiety & Aggression
Advanced Certificate in Canine Fear, Anxiety & Aggression
This veterinary approved and externally accredited online course is written and designed by an experienced, qualified animal behaviourist with a busy behaviour referral practice. It has been designed for pet professionals working with dogs, fulfilling Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements. However, it is also suitable for dog owners who want a deeper understanding of canine behaviour.
Written with the benefit of real-world clinical behaviour experience and informed by current behavioural science.
There is a final assessment designed to help you bring together and apply the knowledge you have acquired throughout your studies. This is not a marked piece of work, but to gain your certificate you will need to provide some feedback and make notes in the form provided.
Learning outcomes:
- Gain an understanding of the canine brain, exploring how genetics, breeding and environment shape dog behaviour and temperament.
- Explore how dogs learn, including key learning theories and how to apply them when working with fearful or reactive dogs.
- Develop a solid understanding of canine body language, learning how to read stress signals and accurately assess a dog's emotional state.
- Learn about canine behavioural development, including the importance of socialisation and other critical developmental stages in a dog's life.
- Understand how fear, anxiety and frustration can escalate into aggression, and learn to recognise the early warning signs of reactive behaviour in dogs.
- Acquire practical skills to safely manage and respond to canine reactivity, including safe handling practices and strategies for preventing behavioural problems in the workplace.
- Discover the role of canine mental enrichment and how to harness a dog's natural senses to reduce stress and support their overall well-being.
This course includes:
- 8 modules
- Bitesize lessons
- Access on all devices
- Lifetime access
- Webinars & videos
- Download guides & templates
- References, resources & research
- Quizzes & assessments
- Accredited certificate of completion
- CPD transcript
- Tutorial & technical support
- Factsheets, questionnaires & templates
- Free case studies e-book
Who this course is for:
- Veterinary nurses
- Vets
- Animal behaviourists
- Kennel workers
- Dog trainers
- Dog wardens / community officers
- Rescue centre workers
- Pet professionals
- Dedicated dog owners
Before you enrol:
This course includes videos with English subtitles. We design our courses to work with the way you learn — not against it. Whether you are neurodivergent, have a sensory or physical difference, or simply prefer flexible ways to study, the features below are here to support you.
- Reading Ruler: Highlights one line at a time to help maintain focus. Toggle it on/off from the toolbar at the top of each lesson.
- Table of Contents: Longer topics display a Contents button in the toolbar for quick navigation between sections.
- Dark Mode: Reduces eye strain in low-light environments. Toggle it from the sidebar panel (top-right icons).
- Reading Time: Each topic shows an estimated reading time in the toolbar so you can plan your study sessions.
- Auto-Generated Subtitles: Available on all of our videos (approximately 95% accurate). Enable them using the CC button in the video player.
- Video Transcripts: Text versions of video content with timestamps, allowing you to follow along or revisit specific sections.
- Adjustable Playback: Video quality adjusts automatically based on your connection. Use the gear icon for manual control, or adjust playback speed to suit your pace.
- Feature Boxes: Key information is presented in visually distinct boxes, helping break down content and improve focus for neurodivergent learners or those with reading difficulties.
- Colour Contrast: Our course materials use high-contrast colour schemes to aid readability, particularly for learners with colour blindness or visual impairments.
- Downloadable Resources: Slides and supporting materials accompany webinars, enabling you to take notes and refer back at your own pace.
This course and the Advanced Certificate in Feline Fear, Anxiety & Aggression share some content. However, although many of the module titles are the same, the course is written with an emphasis on the particular species you are studying.
About the instructor:
Course curriculum:
-
Module 1: Introduction - What causes an individual to be anxious, fearful and reactive?
- Welcome Updated
- An introduction to the topic: Definitions & signs of anxiety & fear Updated
- Genetics and Environmental Influences on Behaviour Updated
- Temperament & Instinct Updated
- Parental/Maternal Influences and Social learning Updated
- Socialisation, Habituation and One-Event Learning Updated
- Significant Developmental Periods Updated
- Suggested Tasks
- References & Related Research
- Canine Behaviour: Module 1 Self-Assessment Quiz
-
Module 2: Anatomy and Physiology
- Introduction to Module 2
- The Autonomic Nervous System & the Physiological Effects of Stress Updated
- Hormones & Neurotransmitters
- The Amygdala
- Stress: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Updated
- Pain and how it affects behaviour Updated
- Suggested Tasks
- References & Related Research
- Canine Behaviour: Module 2 Self-Assessment Quiz
-
Module 3: Body-language & communication methods
- Introduction to Module 3
- Methods of Communication
- Understanding and Interpreting Canine Body Language (Webinar)
- Misunderstandings & Preventing Problems Updated
- Recognising and Responding to Body-language in the Workplace
- Suggested Tasks
- References & Related Research
- Canine Behaviour: Module 3 Self-Assessment Quiz
-
Module 4: The link between fear, frustration and aggression
- Introduction to Module 4
- Frustration and how it Affects Behaviour Updated
- Fear Updated
- Phobia Updated
- Aggression & Reactivity Updated
- Behavioural Analysis Updated
- Suggested Tasks
- References & Related Research
- Canine Behaviour: Module 4 Self-Assessment Quiz
-
Module 5: The cause and effect of common behaviour problems
- Introduction to Module 5
- Learning Theory: An Introduction to Learning & Classical Conditioning Updated
- Systematic Desensitisation (DS) and Counter-conditioning Updated
- Learning Theory: Instrumental (Operant) Conditioning & Reinforcement Updated
- Punishment, Extinction & Differential Reinforcement (DR) Updated
- Clicker Training & Antecedents Updated
- Muzzle Training (Webinar)
- Dealing with Canine Behaviour Problems: Resource Guarding (Resource Holding Potential) Updated
- Dealing with Canine Behaviour Problems: Fears & Phobias (Fireworks and Storms) (Webinar)
- Suggested Tasks
- References & Related Research
- Canine Behaviour: Module 5 Self-Assessment Quiz
Student reviews:
- Students felt confident applying practical techniques immediately, from handling anxious dogs to advising nervous owners in their daily work
- Reviewers valued flexible, self-paced learning that fitted around full-time jobs, vet roles and dog-walking schedules without time pressure
- Students appreciated how the course explained the 'why' behind behaviour, covering everything from genetics to physiology and environment, not just quick fixes
- Learners found the mix of videos, quizzes and bite-sized modules helped knowledge stick, with many returning to resources long after completing
Based on 90 published student reviews across all star ratings for this course.
Rosie B.
VerifiedIn depth, covers a range of issues, easy to dip in and out of at my own pace. Definitely recommend, very helpful!
The topics cover a large range of issues that I can face every day as a professional dog walker and pet sitter. The balance of written and visual training is helpful, with the video demonstrations reiterating the training beforehand. The quizzes at the end of each module are really helpful in understanding what I have learnt, and what areas I need to do more research into. It was useful to be able to dip in and out whenever I can, as I can work around the schedule of my day and not lose my place. Being able to go back to different modules to re-read is also helpful. I would recommend this course to anyone who is interested, it is very useful and worth the money.
Susan
VerifiedA great course with lots of great information. There was a lot I didn`t clearly understand as HAD TO LOOK UP SOME MEANI
I would certainly recommend the course. lots of knowledge and well presented.
Stacey P.
VerifiedInformative, easily understood
Fantastic course. I was able to work through it at my own pace and it was informative and easy to understand
Alice H.
VerifiedInformative
I could do it in my own time rather than someone else dictating when I had to do it.
Helen L.
Verifiedfantastic course
I am level 3 qualified in dog breeding, litter socialisation and welfare. I work with dogs and cats mainly scanning to confirm pregnancy. I come across some very nervous dogs and explain to the owner about epigenetics and how things can be passed on to the puppies. Doing this course has be very beneficial to me as I can pass more valued information on so that mum and her puppies have the best chance of living a very confident, healthy and happy life.
ALISON B.
VerifiedGreat course
I have really enjoyed this course on a personal ( own reactive dog) and a professional level (veterinary nurse).
There is a nice mix of reading, videos and questions to keep you interested.
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