AN 217 - Animal Behaviour and Handling

3 Credits
Outline Effective Date: Academic Year 2025/2026
Revised Date: Aug 14, 2025
Date Approved: Aug 14, 2025

Lecture Hours: 45

Course Description:
This course covers the normal development of behavior and how animals learn new behaviors. Recognition of different breeds of animals and their differing characteristics is also discussed. As well, the content covers the correct animal handling strategies that should be used when working with both small and large animals.

Rationale:
This is a required course in the Animal Assisted Wellness certificate program. It is important to understand ethology and behavior of the animals of the four main species. It is essential to utilize effective and ethical animal handling strategies when partnering with animals while interacting with people in different environments. This course also examines safety consideration and requirements with animals of all types in different situations. Understanding the differences between the breeds of different species ensures they are handled appropriately.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None

Course Learning Outcomes:
A student who successfully completes the course will have reliably demonstrated the ability to

Recognize the common breeds for dogs, cats, horses, and rabbits.
Describe and recognize normal behavioral patterns in the dog and cat.
Explain and identify normal behavior patterns in the horse and rabbit.
Discuss the common behavioral problems which may develop in dogs, rabbits, cats, and horses.
Explain the theory of how animals learn.
Explain safety considerations and requirements when partnering with a dog, cat, rabbit, and horse.
Explain the body language of horses and how methods of handling differ from small animals.

Required Resource Materials:
None

Optional Resource Materials:
None

Conduct of Course:
This course consists of 45 hours of lecture. This course includes online lectures and videos, discussions via discussion boards, and PowerPoint presentations to provide an understanding of animal behaviour and handling. Self-study using referenced texts and articles is recommended. Examination of materials is also a component of the course. Assignments and exams are completed within the timeframe provided by the instructor.

Because this course is on-line, attendance is demonstrated by keeping up with readings and assignments, participation in dialogue on the discussion board and completing course work and assignments to the satisfaction of the instructor.

In cases where illness impedes participation, the student may be requested to submit a medical certificate.

Content of Course:

How Animals Learn and Associated Problems with Dogs and Cats
Canine Behaviour and Development
Rabbit Behaviour and Behavioural Problems
Equine Behaviour
Safety for Dogs and Cats
Safety for Horses
Evolution of Dog and Cat Breeds
Rabbit Breeds
Equine Breeds

Course Assessments:

Assignments/Paper	20%
Quizzes (3)	15%
Midterm Exam	30%
Final Exam	35%
Total	100%

Official final grades will be available on My Lakeland. Grades posted in D2L should be considered interim grades.
“Lakeland College is committed to the highest academic standards. Students are expected to be familiar with Lakeland College policies and to abide by these policies. Violations of these policies are considered to be serious and may result in suspension or expulsion from the College.”

Course Pass Requirements:
A minimum grade of D (50%) (1.00) is required to pass this course.

Letter	F	D	D+	C-	C	C+	B-	B	B+	A-	A	A+
Percent Range	0-49	50-52	53-56	57-59	60-64	65-69	70-74	75-79	80-84	85-89	90-94	95-100
Points	0.00	1.00	1.30	1.70	2.00	2.30	2.70	3.00	3.30	3.70	4.00	4.00

Students must maintain a cumulative grade of C (GPA - Grade Point Average of 2.00) in order to qualify to graduate.

Every effort has been made to ensure that information in this course outline is accurate at the time of publication. Lakeland College reserves the right to change courses if it becomes necessary so that course content remains relevant.

In such cases, the instructor will give students clear and timely notice of changes.

No part of this course outline may be reproduced in any form or resold without written permission from Lakeland College.

Copyright©LAKELAND COLLEGE.
2602 - 59 Avenue, Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada T9V 3N7. Ph: 780 871 5700
5707 College Drive, Vermilion, Alberta, Canada T9X 1K5. Ph: 780 853 8400
Toll-free in Canada: 1 800 661 6490 E-mail: admissions@lakelandcollege.ca

Here at Lakeland College, we acknowledge that the land we gather on is the traditional homeland, hunting, and ceremonial gathering places of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit. The Plains Cree, Woodland Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene, and Nakota Sioux people have practiced their culture and languages on Treaty 6 and Métis Region 2 territories for generations and were the original caretakers of this land. Many First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples call this land home today and have done so for millennia. We would like to acknowledge the history we have created together on this land, and to be thankful for the opportunity to walk together side-by-side in friendship, learning from our past, and promoting positive relationships for the past, present and future.