Program Overview

Program Overview

The university program provided is the Veterinary Technology Diploma Open Learning Program, specifically the course VTEC 1723: Animal Behaviour for Veterinary Technologists.

Course Description

This course is available in Canada only for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technology Diploma Open Learning Program. Students learn to interpret natural animal behaviours as they relate to safe handling, restraint, and management practices. They examine and learn how to employ low-stress techniques that result in a positive experience for both the animal and the handler. Students acquire knowledge of restraint techniques used in the veterinary industry for common domestic species.

Delivery Methods

The course is delivered online, paced, and consists of 13 weeks.

Credits and Prerequisites

The course is worth 2.0 credits and has prerequisites of VTEC 1201 with a minimum grade of C and VTEC 1693 with a minimum grade of C. There is an exclusion for ANHD 1130.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate appropriate behavioural management of cats and dogs.
2. Observe, identify, and accurately transcribe the behaviour of dogs and cats.
3. Identify common restraint techniques used in veterinary procedures.
4. Apply effective training techniques to teach dogs and cats socially desirable behaviours.
5. Observe, identify, and discuss normal behaviour in dogs, cats, and horses.
6. Develop strategies to facilitate integration of pet behaviour counselling in veterinary practice.
7. Examine common behaviour problems of dogs and cats.
8. Communicate with clients regarding the identification, classification, and strategic management of pet behaviour problems.
9. Recognize certain normal and abnormal behaviours in pet birds and describe how bird behaviour can be modified.

Course Topics

The course covers the following topics:

• Small Animal Handling and Restraint
• Overview of Animal Behaviour
• Normal Canine Behaviour and Social Development
• Normal Canine Body Language
• Normal Feline Socialization and Body Language
• Normal Feline Behaviour
• Behavioural Learning Theory
• Behavioural History
• Behavioural Challenges
• Horses and Birds

Required Text and Materials

Students are required to purchase the following textbooks:

• Shaw, J., & Martin, D. (2023). Canine and Feline Behavior for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses.
• Boyle, J. (2016). Crow and Walshaw's Manual of Clinical Procedures in Dogs, Cats, Rabbits and Rodents (4th ed.).

Additional Requirements

A video recording device is required for the course.

Optional Materials

It is recommended that students have access to a veterinary dictionary, such as:

1. Studdert, V. P., & Gay, C. C. (2020). Saunders comprehensive veterinary dictionary (5th ed.).
2. Aiello, S. E., & Moses, M. A. (Eds.). (2016). The Merck veterinary manual (11th ed.).

Assessments

To successfully complete the course, students must achieve a passing grade of 60% or higher on the overall course and 50% or higher on the mandatory final exam. The final grade will be determined based on the following assignments and quizzes:

• Assignment 1: Animal Handling (15%)
• Quiz 1: Animal Behaviour (2.5%)
• Assignment 2: Sensory Systems (5%)
• Quiz 2: Canine Body Language (2.5%)
• Quiz 3: Feline Socialization and Body Language (2.5%)
• Assignment 3: Environmental Enrichment (10%)
• Assignment 4: Animal Training (10%)
• Assignment 5: Behavioural History (5%)
• Assignment 6: DiscussionBehaviour Challenges (5%)
• Quiz 4: Birds and Horses (2.5%)
• Mandatory Final Exam (40%)

Open Learning Faculty Member Information

An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students, and contact information will be provided at the start of the course.