U N D E R S TA N D I N G O U R C A N I N E C O M PA N I O N S ( ADVANCED DIPLOMA ) DISTANCE LEARNING

Transcription

1 TRAIN WITH KINDNESS U N D E R S TA N D I N G O U R C A N I N E C O M PA N I O N S ( ADVANCED DIPLOMA ) DISTANCE LEARNING

2 2 king of paws: dog training academy Welcome to King of Paws King of Paws: Dog Training Academy was founded by our director Alex Petrilli in Since moving to the DSPCA campus in 2008 the academy has gone from strength to strength from humble beginnings assisting the training, rehabilitation and re-homing of the shelter dogs, expanding to include a repertoire of over fifteen client-focused courses, an extensive problem solving portfolio and an internal programme designed to train our own trainers to the specific demands of "Training with Kindness". This training paradigm has been developed by Alex over more than fifteen years of study and field work, incorporating and redesigning those training methods that have been thoroughly peer-reviewed and stood the test of rigorous implementation. Since expanding the trainer base all of our trainers have expanded their areas of specialisations to involve the handling of reactive dogs, agility, scent work and many more. Their constant drive to further their knowledge and expertise keeps the academy at the forefront of canine care, welfare and education. In 2014 we took our first foray into providing further education with our Animal Welfare, Behaviour and Ethics course. This was an extremely successful venture and we have been committed to repeating and building upon this foundation since. The course presented here, Training with Kindness: Understanding our Canine Companions introduces the academy s core philosophy, developing an understanding of our dogs through examination of their physical and biological forms and a critical analysis of the state-of-the-art in canine-owner education. Nicky Larrigan Manager Susan O Neill Head Trainer Alex Petrilli M.Sc. Director and founder of King of Paws King of Paws Foundation King of Paws opened in 2005 Dogs Trained in dogs Number of Trainers Currently we have four head trainers, five senior trainers, four trainers and 40 interns Internship Programme Each year we run a number of internship programmes focusing on areas such as daycare and dog training Number of training courses We have 15 different dog training courses running Outreach We have a very successful Summer camp for year olds, with the hope of running more throughout the year

3 training with kindness: understanding our canine companions 3 Location King of Paws: Dog Training Academy is located on the Dublin Society for Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) campus on Mount Venus Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16. Our state-of-the-art facilities include two large outdoor training fields, an indoor arena, pet boarding, dog daycare, pet grooming, an on-site veterinary practice and the extensive animal rescue and rehabilitation suite. Our campus is ideally situated in a quiet rural setting no more than ten minutes from the Firhouse exit (Exit 12 Southbound) on the M50 and fifteen minutes from such well known areas as Sandyford, Dundrum, Ballymount and Tallaght. While it is best to access our facilities by car, the number 161 Dublin bus will leave visitors within walking distance of the campus or the number 15B to Stocking Lane. Please note there are no footpaths on Mount Venus road so we recommend caution if walking from the bus stop. DSPCA opened the current campus in 2003 catering to all manner of pets and wildlife. Over the years the newer facilities have been added to much public acclaim. Facilities Two enclosed outdoor dog training fields Indoor training arena Doggy daycare Pet boarding Pet grooming Veterinary hospital Figure 2: *

4 4 king of paws: dog training academy Why Choose King of Paws Trainers At King of Paws: Dog Training Academy we have invested heavily in the in-house training of our own dedicated dog trainers following the work of Alex Petrilli, Jean Donaldson and many others. We have a number of trainers at various levels, including head trainers, senior trainers, assistant trainers and interns. We understand that there are multiple facets to understanding our canine companions and are committed to continuing education both theoretical and practical for all our trainers. Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Our affiliation with the DSPCA has given us the opportunity to work with and assist some of the most vulnerable canines in our society. From abandoned puppies to cruelty cases, we have provided appropriate training and guidance to both dogs and new owners. Additionally, the DSPCA campus has provided the fortuity to develop key facilities such as training fields, an arena and the space for specific equipment such as agility tools. DSPCA Strive to solicit improvements in Irish animal legislation Provide comprehensive adoption services to animals and new owners Operate subsidised mobile clinics Drives a fee educational outreach programme Provide Pet Guardian Programme

5 training with kindness: understanding our canine companions 5 Practical Experience Our trainers run a number of client-focused classes including Puppy Manners, Good Dog, Great Dog, Agility, Scent Training, Reactive Rover, Rocket Recall and Canine Good Citizen among many others. In addition, we provide behavioural assessments, in-home consultations and an array of public informational demonstrations. All in all, we typically have between ten and fifteen courses running at any one time providing ample experience to all of our trainers. Diversity of Learners Our services and trainer training programmes attract a wide variety of different people from a multitude of backgrounds. We work with all types of dogs and all manner of behaviours. Additionally, we have a fund designed to allow disadvantaged families to take part in our training courses. Academic Focus All of our methods are based on peer-reviewed scientific studies from national and international leaders in canine education. And our trainers are continually updating their skills through internationally-recognised programmes. Location The King of Paws: Dog Training Academy is located on the DSPCA campus in Rathfarnham, Dublin 16. While being in a quiet rural location we can work with clients and dogs in a much less distracting environment despite being no more than ten minutes from the M50.

6 6 king of paws: dog training academy Training with Kindness: Understanding our Canine Companions Course Overview This course is a 12 week introduction to the theory of training with kindness as developed by Alex Petrilli. To understand what drives our dogs, we need to understand their physical and mental make-up. Once we have a grasp of these concepts, we can look at the current state-of-the-art in terms of training methods with a more critical eye, focusing on those that follow the core kindness-based model. The course emphasises the early avoidance of problems and some of the techniques to deal with common day-to-day issues, focusing on the underlying scientific basis as developed by leading experts in the field. Is this the right course for me? The course is intended as an introduction to the theory of training with kindness. It does not have any particular prerequisites, other than basic literacy ability and an open mind. Scientific theories will be discussed, however a full introduction to critical thinking and basic analysis tools will be given. If you have an interest in a career in a canine-focused industry; are looking to understand the ideas behind our training courses; are doing some in-depth homework before getting a new dog; or are simply looking to understand your canine companions a little better, this course is a great place to start. Details Duration Assessment Prerequisites Award Location Price At your own pace Yes None Certificate Online 500 or pay per module x 10 mod. Course Content This course aims to give a full introductory overview of the modern canine looking at such topics as core physiology, evolution and canine learning theory. Once we have a clearer picture of what makes our dogs tick, we move into covering topics such as canine communication and models of behaviour. Finally, we build on this foundation to compare and contrast the most current forerunners in canine training theories; equipment usage; and basic training following the work of such trainers as Alex Petrilli, Jean Donaldson and Dr. Ian Dunbar. All of our programmes begin with a module discussing learning and study skills that outlines how best to follow our courses but also provides a re-introduction to those that have been out of the education scene for some time. Modules Study Skills Evolution/History Physiology Canine Communication Canine Learning Canine Behaviour Training Methods Increasing Interaction Equipment Health Nature vs Nurture

7 training with kindness: understanding our canine companions 7 Assessment The programme consists of a number of assessment types. Each module will be assessed via one of the following: Multiple Choice Quizzes (MCQs); short written discussion; short-answer exam; examinations and analysis of case studies; and practical examinations. Each component of assessment must be passed to complete the programme. The specific requirements for each piece of assessment will be clearly marked on the module descriptor. Assessment While there is rigerous assessments throughout this course, we want you to succeed. There will always be an instructor available to help with any questions or worries you have as you go through this course. Practical Component There will be a practical component to the final assess-ments that will be confirmed closer to the time and every effort will be made to accommodate learners. Career Opportunities This programme is designed as a short introduction with only a small practical component. It is not sufficient in isolation to become a dog trainer or behaviourist. It does, however provide a solid grounding to allow the learner to make decisions on whether or not to pursue such a career or to advance to our internship programme, along with being a foundation module for other courses currently in development. How to Apply Content This is a theory-focused course with a limited number of practical sessions to backup what has been learned. It is not intended to produce commercial dog trainers. Applications for the course are taken through our main website. Additionally, courses can be booked by contacting our offices at There are no special requirements or pre-requisites for anyone to take this course. If any applicant has any disabilities or special requirements, please let us know as early as possible so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. Contact Info Website Telephone alex@kingofpaws.com