AN 217 - Animal Behaviour and Handling 3 Credits
Outline Effective Date 2024 Fall
4 (2024-2025)
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 animal 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:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able 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/Papers |
20% |
| Quizzes (3) |
15% |
| Midterm Exam |
30% |
| Final Exam |
35% |
| Total |
100% |
Course Pass Requirements:
A minimum grade of D (50%) (1.00) is required to pass this course. Students must maintain a cumulative grade of C (GPA - Grade Point Average of 2.00) in order to qualify to graduate.
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