Companion Animal Behaviour, Therapy and Welfare (P00976)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : VET-P-P00976

The following topics will be covered in this module: effects of environmental experience and the human-animal bond on behaviour and welfare, effects of selective breeding on physiology and behaviour, clinical causes of behaviour problems, methods involved in behaviour therapy, training and welfare of human assistance animals, national and global welfare issues. Companion animals include dogs, cats, horses, small mammals and exotic species commonly kept as pets.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Module 1; basic principles of endocrinology and neuroscience and functioning of HPA axis as covered in module 2; legislation and animal welfare as covered in module 5. Previous education in learning theories and motivation will be helpful but module 3 will complement this module with respect to these topics. Knowledge of species specific behaviours in dogs, cats, horses, rabbits and parrots will be an asset. Relevant basic facts are covered in the CD Rom 'Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare'. This CD can be regarded as an introduction to this course and ideally should be viewed prior to the start of this module.

? Costs : none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Animal Welfare and Animal Behaviour, (Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Schedule S)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Block 3 only

? Contact Teaching Time : 7 hour(s) per week for 5 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	09:00	17:00	Med+Vet

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

- Understand the influence of species-specific behaviours, domestication, learning and domestic environment in shaping behaviour of companion animals.
- Understand differences between abnormal and normal but unwanted behaviours in domestic pets and the effect of this distinction one solution methods.
- Understand the concepts of resource value and motivation as they apply specifically to companion animals with a domestic household.
- Understand physical and psychological welfare concerns with respect to companion animals.
- Understand scientific reasoning underlying methods used to alleviate problem behaviours in companion animals.