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From experience we know that most prospective students have questions that they would like to ask. The most common questions are answered here. But if there is anything else you need to know before enrolling, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Do I need any prior knowledge or qualifications? Apart from an interest in dogs, no. The Course is written in a clear and straightforward style assuming no prior knowledge of psychology. Any psychology terms are fully explained. [Back to FAQ] Will I have to buy any extra materials No. The Course is unusual in that it is completely
self contained. We have done the work for you by collating all the
relevant research that has taken place around the world from the 1800's to
the present day. [Back
to FAQ] Unfortunately no. The popular books tend towards listing the common problems,
providing an anecdotal example and then giving the solution for that example. If
your experiences are not identical, then the proposed solution will fail because
canine behaviour therapy provides unique treatment for individuals. Many of our
clients have tried some of these books before approaching the Canine Behaviour
Centre for help… only a thorough knowledge of the underlying psychology will
enable you to treat all problems, whatever the individual circumstances. [Back
to FAQ] There are Courses available at undergraduate and post-graduate degree level but if you have neither the time nor money to embark on such Courses, home study is the only option. The Canine Behaviour Centre is the only organisation to offer a Course which covers both the psychological theory and the details of how to set up a practise. [Back to FAQ] I don’t have a great deal of time to study. Will that be a problem? On the contrary, that is one of the benefits of home study. You work at your own pace in the time you have available. [Back to FAQ] How long does the course take? This is an impossible question to answer because it depends on so many individual factors: time available, recency in studying, previous knowledge or experience - but a very rough guide would be not less than three months and not more than two years. [Back to FAQ] The Course Director is Deborah Bragg, a graduate member of the British Psychological Society who originally practised behaviour modification with emotionally disturbed adolescents. She started to work as a canine consultant in 1990; since then the business has expanded rapidly and the Canine Behaviour Centre now operates throughout the North East. In addition to running the practice, Deborah teaches psychology at GCSE, Advanced and Degree levels and lectures on Canine psychology to organisations throughout the country. With the rest of the Course team, she is currently involved in researching the relationships between owners’ perceptions of their dog and the dogs’ problems. She has been involved with dogs for many years and has owned rescue dogs, cross breeds and pedigrees. She currently owns a Newfoundland, a Springer Spaniel and a long haired Dachsund. [Back to FAQ] Will I have to sit any examinations? There are no examinations to sit although there are Self Assessment Questions at the end of each Unit for you to monitor your own progress. [Back to FAQ] When I finish the Course will I receive a recognised qualification and certificate? No. There is no formal qualification in dog psychology. We will, however, present those of our students who successfully complete six case studies with a Certificate declaring that the student has completed the Course to our satisfaction. The award of our Certificate means we, your Course team, believe that you have acquired sufficient knowledge and skills to practise as a qualified dog psychologist. Application for the Certificate is entirely optional. [Back to FAQ] After studying the Course, will I be able to treat other animals, apart from dogs? To a certain extent, yes, in that that the underlying principals for behaviour modification are the same for most animals. The Course concentrates on the normal and abnormal behaviour of the dog so you will only be able to treat other animals, say horses, if you already possess a good knowledge of that species. [Back to FAQ] Can I work from home as a dog psychologist, and does it have to be a full time occupation? You can work from home , travelling to meet clients in their own homes – or work from a clinic or consulting room in your local veterinary surgery. The choice is entirely yours and the Course covers the pros and cons of the different options. It is also up to you whether you choose to work on a part-time basis, or make it a full time profession – depending on your personal circumstances and requirements. [Back to FAQ] Is there likely to be plenty of work available? Since an increasing number of owners are experiencing difficulties with their dogs, the answer is almost certainly yes! And while there seems to be a proliferation of pet behaviour counsellors, the majority are are practising psychological techniques – with no training or qualifications in psychology. In our opinion, not only is this unethical, it is also potentially dangerous for the dog. After all, would you want your dog treated by a "vet" with no qualifications in veterinary medicine. [Back to FAQ] Simply click here for the enrolment form. You may choose to print the form and post it to us with your payment or email the form to us and give us details of how you intend to pay. [Back to FAQ]
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