The Open College Network West Midlands Level 3 Courses have been developed to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career working in the canine care and welfare sector. The can studied as individual stand alone qualifications or as part of the Canine Studies or Canine Behaviour and Training certificates
Entry requirements: Our courses are suitable for those working in, or wishing to work in the Canine industry or pet owners that would like to increase their knowledge about dogs. A knowledge of working with dogs is not required. but for some courses being happy handling dogs is recommended.
Minimum age 18 years
Course Title - Canine Nutrition (Distance learning)
Cost €220
The learner will:
- .Understand the anatomy and physiology of the canine digestive system.
- Understand the sources and functions of major nutrients in the diet of domesticated dogs.
- Be able to design appropriate feeding regimes for a dogs.
Course Title - Canine Care and Welfare (Distance Learning)
Cost €220
The learner will:
- Understand the responsibilities of dog ownership.
- Understand care and welfare requirements of dogs throughout life.
- Know how to prevent problem behaviour's in dogs.
- Understand the healthcare requirements of dogs.
Course Title - Canine Behaviour and Communication (Distance Learning)
Cost €220
The learner will:
- Understand the classification, evolution and domestication of the dog.
- Understand the natural behaviour of wild canids and how this influences domesticated dog behaviour.
- Understand the natural ethology and communication of the dog.
- Understand dogs’ emotions and their implications.
- The impact of stress on dogs and how they show their emotions
Course Title - Canine Anatomy and Physiology Distance Learning)
Cost €220
The learner will:
- Summarise the functions of the major organs of the dog.
- Understand the anatomy and physiology of the cardio-respiratory system of the dog.
- Understand the anatomy and physiology of the systems of support and movement of the dog.
- Understand the anatomy and physiology of the systems of control of the dog.
- Understand the sensory system of the dog.
Course Title - Providing Professional Day Care and Boarding Services (Distance Learning)
Cost €220
The learner will:
- Understand legislation and ethical considerations relating to operating professional day care and boarding services.
- Understand different designs of facilities required to operate professional day care and boarding services.
- Be able to follow administrative procedures to admit animals to kennels, dog sitting or dog walking
- Be able to carry out dog husbandry to promote the safety and welfare of the public, handler and dogs
Course Title - Dog Training Theory (Distance Learning)
Cost €220
The learner will:
- Understand the principles of dog training.
- Understand the equipment used in dog training.
- Understand the principles of classical and operant conditioning.
- Be able to apply classical and operant conditioning in dog training programmes.
- Be able to design a training programme for a dog.
Course Title - Practical Dog training
(Distance learning and one Practical weekend, Various Locations)
Cost €375
The learner will:
- Be able to employ a range of methods and techniques to train dogs.
- Be able to conduct basic training for a range of dogs
- Know how to ensure consistency in dog training.
- Be able to train dogs to advanced levels in one discipline.
Course Title - Instructing Dog Training
(Distance learning and two Practical weekends, Various locations)
Cost €475
The learner will:
- Know how to develop training methods for dog handlers.
- Be able to plan safe and effective group training sessions.
- Be able to deliver safe and effective group training sessions.
- Be able to deliver and evaluate short lectures.