Programs in

Companion Animal Training,

Behaviour Counselling and Welfare

Academic years 2020-2021 & 2021-2022

www.odisee.be/ae > dierenzorg en dierenwelzijn

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Content Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 3

Two programs .......................................................................................................................................... 3

Your profile .............................................................................................................................................. 3

Combination of theory and practice ....................................................................................................... 3

Odisee ...................................................................................................................................................... 4

Postgraduate course in Clinical Animal Behaviour (PG CAB) - Clinical Animal Behaviourist .................. 5

Your aim .............................................................................................................................................. 5

Entry requirement ............................................................................................................................... 5

Learning outcomes .............................................................................................................................. 5

Course content .................................................................................................................................... 5

Practical workshops ............................................................................................................................. 6

Assessments ........................................................................................................................................ 6

Certificate ............................................................................................................................................ 6

Postgraduate course in Animal Behaviour - Animal Behaviour Technician (PG ABT) ............................ 7

Your aim .............................................................................................................................................. 7

Entry requirement ............................................................................................................................... 7

Learning outcomes .............................................................................................................................. 7

Course content .................................................................................................................................... 7

Practical workshops ............................................................................................................................. 8

Assessments ........................................................................................................................................ 8

Certificate ............................................................................................................................................ 8

Difference between a role of Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) and Animal Behaviour Technician

(ABT) ........................................................................................................................................................ 9

Optional module: Introduction to the scientific study of CABW .......................................................... 10

Individual modules ................................................................................................................................ 10

Practical information ............................................................................................................................. 11

Registration fee ................................................................................................................................. 11

Optional module ............................................................................................................................ 11

Theory and practice ........................................................................................................................... 11

Dutch in the course ............................................................................................................................... 11

Exemptions ............................................................................................................................................ 11

Lecturers ................................................................................................................................................ 13

Contact and questions ........................................................................................................................... 16

Testimonials .......................................................................................................................................... 17

Timetables ............................................................................................................................................. 17

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Introduction Humans live in close contact with animals. The foundations for a lifelong happy human animal

relationship are created when proper care is provided. This includes providing the biological,

behavioural and emotional needs of the pet to guarantee a good quality of life. When these needs

are not met the welfare of the animal is at risk. It may develop health or behavioural problems which

may result in a breakdown of the relationship and well-being of both the animal and its owners.

Odisee University College (Belgium) organizes in collaboration with DAVALON, Knowledge in Pet

Coaching (The Netherlands), two online programs in Companion Animal Training, Behaviour

Counselling and Welfare.

Animal training, clinical animal behaviour counseling and welfare are rapidly expanding fields in

which there is a growing amount of people claiming to be specialists without having obtained an

officially recognized qualification.

Two programs The goal of Odisee’s Companion Animal Training, Behaviour Counselling and Welfare program is to

provide professionals in the animal care sector with an accredited course based on the latest

scientific knowledge. We focus on companion animals being dogs, cats, small mammals and horses.

We choose for a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on scientific knowledge and techniques from for

example ethology, biology, psychology veterinary science, anthrozoology, animal cognition, law and

ethics and welfare science.

We offer two courses or qualifications:

1. The Postgraduate course in Clinical Animal Behaviour. Leading to a role of Clinical Animal

Behaviourist (PG CAB). 60 EC1 and a duration of 2 years

2. The Postgraduate course in Animal Behaviour. Leading to a role of Animal Behaviour

Technician (PG ABT). 40 EC and a duration of 2 years

Your profile You are interested in companion animal behaviour, welfare and training for the prevention of or

dealing with problem behaviours and want to obtain an academically recognized qualification.

You might already work with companion animals and want to broaden or top up your skills or are

interested in a career in the companion animal businesses, including working as a clinical animal

behaviourist, working in the companion animal care sector such as veterinary clinics, shelters and

catteries, pet shops, dog schools, or companion animal related enterprises and organizations.

You might want to participate in the whole course to obtain a thorough theoretical understanding of

the field based on the latest scientific knowledge and to develop the necessary practical training and

communicative skills or follow a specific module only to top up your knowledge.

Combination of theory and practice Our courses combine online learning with practical workshops in small groups of 4 to 6 students.

Online lectures given by international experts in the field are used to introduce theoretical concepts,

to provide information that is not easily available through other sources or to discuss and highlight

specific topics. Academics that are at the forefront of the field facilitate and guide the learning of

1 EC = ECTS credits or study points. One ECTS credit is equal to a workload of 25 study hours. One ECTS is equal to 2.5 UK CAT points at level 7.

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individual students towards achieving the learning outcomes of the courses. During the practical

workshops you develop under the supervision of tutors your practical skills in animal handling,

training and communication.

Odisee Odisee University College is an accredited education provider. The quality of their courses is

guaranteed through internal accreditation through the academic committee and program committee

of Odisee University College. The courses are given in English.

Other courses at Odisee University College: www.odisee.be/ae

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Postgraduate course in Clinical Animal Behaviour (PG CAB) -

Clinical Animal Behaviourist

Your aim You are (or will be) working in the animal care sector, with responsibility for planning and managing

humane approaches to prevent and address behaviour and welfare problems including behavioural

disorders in companion animals. You want to develop specialist knowledge based on the latest

scientific knowledge in the field of companion animal behaviour and counseling to develop a

behavioural diagnosis and implement a behaviour modification program for dogs and cats

(obligatory) and horses or small mammals (Optional. You should choose one option). You want to

meet the academic requirements of the profession of clinical animal behaviour counselor. You have

an extensive understanding of clinical animal behaviour and the related scientific/clinical literature.

Entry requirement You have (at least) a bachelor degree (level 6) with a good command of the English language. If you

do not have a bachelor degree you can apply for admission through an evaluation of your portfolio

and submission of a motivation letter (you will however not obtain a Postgraduate diploma).

Deadline applications: see website.

You are an EAA national2.

Learning outcomes At the end of the course you:

- Have an in-depth understanding of normal and abnormal behaviour of companion animals.

Their behavioural and welfare needs

- Have the expertise to assess the behaviour and welfare of companion animals

- Have the theoretical knowledge to diagnose behaviour problems and to compose behaviour

modification programs including the use of psychopharmacological interventions in

cooperation with a veterinarian if you are not a qualified vet yourself.

- Have the practical handling and training skills to implement behaviour modification programs

in practice

- Have professional skills in client counseling and effective communication

Course content

Modules ECTS credits per module

M1 Ethology of companion animals 8

M2 Learning theory and animal training 6

M3 The welfare of companion animals 4

M4 Anatomy and physiology and the interaction between health and behaviour

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M5 Animal law and ethics 4

M6 Clinical procedures 12

2 The EEA includes EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway.

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M7 Research methods and practice 16

TOTAL: 60

Optional: M8 Introduction to the scientific study of CABW

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In year 1 we will treat the modules 1-2-3-4 (28 EC); in year 2 we continue with modules 5-6-7 (32 EC).

You find more information on the different module contents in the ECTS-document for the

Postgraduate Course in Clinical Animal Behaviour on our website www.odisee.be/ae > dierenzorg en

dierenwelzijn > Clinical Animal Behaviourist.

You can choose to follow the optional module on ‘Introduction to the scientific study of Companion

Animal Behaviour and Welfare’ (3 EC) at any moment. However, if you have limited experience in

scientific writing we strongly advise to participate in this module at the beginning of the first year. In

this module is included how to search for scientific literature, the interpretation of scientific papers

and how to write assignments correctly using scientific based knowledge.

Practical workshops This course includes 10 days of intensive training in groups with

a maximum of 4 to 6 students in animal handling, training and

the development of appropriate communication skills at the

animal shelter ‘Dierenbeschermingscentrum Limburg’ situated

in Born, The Netherlands. Five days are scheduled during the

first year and five during the second year of the course.

We work on the following items:

- Interpreting animal behavior

- Animal handling

- Animal training

- Composing training programs

- Giving animal training instructions

Assessments The course is assessed through multiple-choice exams and written assignments. Also practical

assignments are part of the assessment. For details regarding the assignment per module we refer to

the ECTS files on the course website.

Certificate After successful completion of the course you will receive a Postgraduate diploma in Clinical Animal

Behaviour of Odisee University College. This certificate is an academically recognized qualification.

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Postgraduate course in Animal Behaviour -

Animal Behaviour Technician (PG ABT)

Your aim You are (or will be) working in the animal care sector, with responsibility for planning and managing

the prevention of welfare and behaviour problems and humane approaches to the treatment of

behaviour problems. This involves understanding, evaluating and addressing inappropriate or

problematic behaviours within individual animals, through the development of suitable

environments and effective training programs based on scientific evidence and best practice. You

might be working with animals and their owners in for example a veterinary practice or animal

shelter. Run your own behavourial referral clinic, provide rehabilitation training or be an advisor to

other organisations.

Entry requirement You have (at least) a bachelor degree (level 6) with a good command of the English language.

If you do not have a bachelor degree you can apply for admission through an evaluation of your

portfolio and submission of a motivation letter (you will however not obtain a Postgraduate

diploma). Deadline applications: see website.

You are an EAA national3.

Learning outcomes At the end of the course you:

- Have an in-depth understanding of the normal behaviour, behavioural needs and welfare of

companion animals

- Have the expertise to provide prophylactic behavioural advice to owners/handlers/keepers

- Have the expertise to assess the behaviour and welfare of companion animals

- Have the theoretical knowledge to diagnose behaviour problems and to compose behaviour

modification programs

- Have the practical handling and training skills to implement behaviour modification programs

in practice

- Have professional skills in client counseling and effective communication

Course content

Modules ECTS credits per module

M1 Ethology of companion animals 8

M2 Learning theory and animal training 6

M3 The welfare of companion animals 4

M4 Animal law and ethics 4

3 The EEA includes EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway.

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M5 Anatomy and physiology and the interaction between health and behaviour

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M6 Clinical procedures 8

TOTAL: 40

Optional: M8 Introduction to the Scientific study of CABW

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In year 1 we will treat the modules 1-2-3-4 (22 ECTS points); in year 2 we continue with modules 5-6

(18 ECTS points). You find more information on the different module contents in the ECTS-document

for the Postgraduate Course Animal Behaviour Technician on our website www.odisee.be/ae >

dierenzorg en dierenwelzijn > Animal Behaviour Technician.

You can choose to follow the optional module on ‘Introduction to the scientific study of Companion

Animal Behaviour and Welfare’ (3 EC) at any moment. However, if you have limited experience in

scientific writing we strongly advise to participate in this module at the beginning of the first year. In

this module is included how to search for scientific literature, the interpretation of scientific papers

and how to write assignments correctly using scientific based knowledge.

Practical workshops This course includes 10 days of intensive training in

groups with a maximum of 4 to 6 students in

animal handling, training and the development of

appropriate communication skills at the animal

shelter ‘Dierenbeschermingscentrum Limburg’

situated in Born, The Netherlands. Five days are

scheduled during the first year and five during the

second year of the course.

We work on the following items:

- Interpreting animal behavior

- Animal handling

- Animal training

- Composing training programs

- Giving training instructions

Assessments The course is assessed through multiple-choice exams and written assignments. Also practical

assignments are part of the assessment. We refer to the ECTS files on the course website for detailed

information regarding the assignment per module.

Certificate After successful completion of the course you will receive a Postgraduate diploma in Animal

Behaviour of Odisee University College. This certificate is an academically recognized qualification.

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Difference between a role of Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) and

Animal Behaviour Technician (ABT)

In the ABT-course we focus more on giving advice to prevent behaviour problems and the treatment

of behavior problems due to insufficient or wrong management and learning experiences. In a

professional context you will use management and training exercises for rehabilitation of the animals

under your care. ABT’s may work in larger organisations or companies like a vet clinic, animal

shelter, dog training center or run their own behavioural services.

The CAB-course is more elaborate and focuses on students considering an academic career or to run

their own behavioural referral practice. In addition to the knowledge and skills of the ABT you will

learn how to develop a behavioural diagnosis of pathological behaviour and how to treat

pathological behaviour through the use of psychopharmacology yourself if you are a veterinarian, or

in cooperation with a veterinarian if you are not a veterinarian yourself. You will conduct a research

project under supervision of an expert in the field to develop a specialized knowledge on a topic you

find relevant for the development of your career or out of special interest.

Both courses demand a good practice of English because most of the learning material is in English.

I want to become a

Min. degree at start

Postgraduate course

Study points Duration

Course in

English

Number of workshop

days

Registration fee

(2 years)

Clinical Animal Behaviourist bachelor* x 60 2 years x 10 € 7.500,00

Animal Behaviour Technician bachelor* x 40 2 years x 10 € 5.000,00

*=you can participate in the course without bachelor's degree after approval of your portfolio by the

course coordinator. You will receive a certificate but no postgraduate diploma.

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Optional module: Introduction to the scientific study of CABW

This module consists of 3 ECTS study points and is optional. We strongly advise you to participate in

this module if you do not have or have limited experience of writing in a scientific style and you

register for one of the postgraduate courses (Clinical Animal Behaviourist or Animal Behaviour

Technician).

In this module is included how to search for scientific literature, the interpretation of scientific

papers and how to write assignments correctly using scientific based knowledge.

This module is offered online and costs €375. You can register for this module at any time but we

advise you to participate as from the start of the course in order to have the necessary knowledge to

write scientifically based assignments for the postgraduate courses.

Individual modules You can choose to register for individual modules of one of the offered courses, without subscribing

for the whole course. You can only register for a complete module (not partial). You pay €125 per

ECTS.

To register for individual modules, please contact Heidi.poelman@odisee.be

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Practical information

Registration fee Fees are paid on a year-by-year basis at the start of each year:

Postgraduate course in Clinical Animal Behaviour (PG CAB)

60 EC and a duration of 2 years

CAB year 1: €3.500 (28 ECTS credits)

CAB year 2: €4.000 (32 ECTS credits)

Postgraduate course in Animal Behaviour (PG ABT)

40 EC and a duration of 2 years

ABT year 1: €2.750 (22 ECTS credits)

ABT year 2: €2.250 (18 ECTS credits)

Optional module Introduction to the scientific study of CABW (3 EC): €375

Small companies in Flanders can pay this course through KMO-portefeuille (number DV.O215752).

More information: http://kmo-portefeuille.be

Theory and practice The theoretical concepts of the field will be introduced in e-learning modules. The practical skills in

handling, training, behavior modification techniques and communication are taught through practical

workshops at a behavior clinic/shelter in the Netherlands.

The e-learning modules are introduced on our digital learning platform Toledo.

Dutch in the course The content of the courses is in English. We will try to form Dutch-speaking groups for the practical

workshops. We advise you however to have a good knowledge of English in order to understand

written courses and articles. Most of the lecturers are native English speakers and will deliver course

material in English.

Exemptions If you have already studied a course module at the same or higher level as a module of the

course you register for, it is possible to request one or more exemptions. Exemption from a

module will be granted if you can show successful completion of work as defined by the

course’s learning outcomes. You find a detailed description of the content and learning

outcomes of each module in the ECTS files which will be available on the course website.

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Please note that exemption can only be granted for a complete module and not for separate

parts of a module. If you wish to apply for exemption for the academic year 2020-2021

based on previously acquired qualifications (PAQ), please follow the procedure below.

1. Provide a portfolio with the following items:

- A copy of your diploma (if we have not received it yet). - For each module you apply for exemption:

- A written proof that you master the content of this module including the grade obtained and the year of completion of the module. - A copy of the ECTS-file of the course module you have already followed (in English, Dutch, French or German). - A copy of the course syllabus or course handbook outline of the module.

2. Send your portfolio before half September to: adinda.sannen@odisee.be The program coordinator will assess your application. You will receive an email notification

of the outcome of your application before the end of September. If you are granted an

exemption we will subtract an amount of €125 per study point from your registration fee.

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Lecturers (More details on the digital learning platform Toledo for registered students)

Dr. Jolanda Pluijmakers, DIP CABC, CCAB,

Course coordinator PhD in Veterinary Behaviour Science, University of Bristol,

UK Postgraduate degree in Companion Animal Behaviour

Counselling, University of Southampton, UK Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist by ASAB

David Appleby, MSc, CCAB

Course co-coordinator Master degree in Companion Animal Behaviour

Counselling, University of Southampton, UK Visiting CCAB to University of Helsinki, Faculty of veterinary

medicine, behaviour clinic, Small Animal Hospital Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist by ASAB

Jaume Fatjo, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ECAWBM (BM)

Director de la Cátedra Fundación Affinity Animales y Salud, University of Barcelona, Spain

Professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Department of Psychiatry and Forenic Medicin

European Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine

Anne McBride, BSc, PhD, Cert.Cons., MAPBC, Hon.

Mem.TCBTS, Hon.Mem. BVNA PhD in Animal Behavior, University College London, UK Founder and director European course in Companion

Animal behaviour Counselling, University of Southampton (until closure in 2010)

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Jon Bowen, BvetMed, DipAS(CABC), MRCVS

Honorary Lecturer in Small Animal Behaviour at the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, UK

Head of Veterinary Behaviour Service, Royal Veterinary College, UK

Adinda Sannen, MSc, PhD MSc in Biology, University of Antwerp, Belgium

PhD in Zoology/ Animal Biology, University of Antwerp, Belgium

Researcher and lector at Odisee

Dr. Anouck Haverbeke, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ECAWBM (BM)

PhD in Ethology, University of Namur, Belgium European Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine

Xavier Manteca, BVSc, MSc, PhD, Diplomate ECAWBM MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare,

University of Edinburgh, UK Professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona

Veterinary School, Spain European Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine

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Christine Halsberghe DVM, VC ENVF

Veterinarian from Ghent University (Belgium) Vétérinaire Comportementaliste des Ecoles Vétérinaires

Françaises

Anthony Podberscek, DVM, PhD

PhD in Animal Behaviour and Human–Animal Interactions University of Queensland, Australia

Affiliate of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre.

Editor-in-chief of Anthrozoös

Christos Karagiannis DVM, MSc, Resident ECAWBM, MRCVS

Veterinarian - Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour at the University of Lincoln

Stef Aerts, Ir., PhD PhD in Animal Ethics, University of Leuven, Belgium

Director of the agriculture and biotechnology program at Odisee University College

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Contact and questions

Registration and info: Heidi Poelman – Heidi.poelman@odisee.be or +32 (0)9 267 27 09

Course coordinator: Jolanda Pluijmakers – jolanda@davalon.nl or +31 (0)6 52833588

Co-course coordinator: David Appleby - appleby@abklinikka.com

Exemptions: Adinda Sannen – adinda.sannen@odisee.be

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Testimonials

Annika Mattson (CABW 2015-2017)

At the age of 50, after an exciting career in hospitality, IT

and marketing and 15 fulfilling years at home with my 3

children, I decided to go for my dream. My wish was to

work with people and animals in a therapeutic context. A

friend, veterinarian, encouraged me to apply to the brand

new international Postgraduate Course in Companion

Animal Behaviour & Welfare offered by Odisee, taught

entirely in English. This course changed my life. I admit that it was challenging at times trying to

juggle family and deadlines, but my work/life experience and the valuable support from fellow

students made it all possible. Discipline, careful planning and a good command of English are key

concepts for this e-learning course. The fact that most of the work can be done from home and that

all assignment deadlines are known on the start date of the course makes it flexible and possible

even with a job or family. The notable academic level of the course establishes credibility and

understanding when in contact with clients, vets and other professionals. I recently started my own

companion animal behaviour counselling business. I enjoy every minute of my new life knowing that I

will be able to make a difference in the lives of many pets and their owners.

Ingrid Van Overbeke (CABW 2015-2017)

The online studying was for me excellent. I couldn’t have done the

course if I had to attend classes. It needs some discipline now and

then but the deadlines helped to focus. The course is very

thorough, students have to work hard for the assignments but I

learned a lot. It was not easy for me to combine the study with our

move to Canada but I am glad I finished the course and I started my

business as Pet Counsellor here in Canada. It is still in start-up

phase but I get a lot of positive reactions. I only do home visits as I

believe that is the only way you can provide a good modification

program.

Timetables Cf. separate document