Join dog behaviourist expert Rachael Claire as she takes you on a journey through the fascinating world of Separation Anxiety.
Program Overview
This Separation Anxiety Specialist Program will equip you with the necessary skills to be able to confidently and competently teach your own dog or your clients dogs Separation Anxiety training.
Assessment
In order to pass this Specialist Program, you will need to complete all the lessons, tasks and pass the Final Assessment. Upon successful completion, you will be recognised as a DTC Separation Anxiety Specialist and will receive a printed certificate in the post. You will also be able to use a digital Separation Anxiety Specialist digital badge.
Curriculum
This Specialist Program comprises of 60 lessons, including practical demonstrations and a Final Assessment.
Module One: Introduction to Separation Anxiety
- Course introduction
- What are separation-related behaviours (SRBs)?
- Emotions in animals
- What are the common signs of SRBs?
- What causes SRBs?
- Challenges with SRBs
Module Two: Behaviour modification foundations
- Fear in dogs
- Understanding thresholds
- Learning theory
- Punishment
- Holistic anxiety treatment
- Medical considerations
Module Three: Body Language
- Body language basics
- Scoring an exercise
- Considerations
- Working out what ‘normal’ is
- Body language exercise
Module Four: SA treatment plan
- DS v CC v OC for SA
- Baseline assessment
- Designing a plan
- Adjusting a plan
- Management of triggers
- Emergency tools
Module Five: Frustrated Dogs
- Introduction to frustration
- Identifying frustration
- Reducing frustration
- Impulse control exercises
- Barrier frustration
Module Six: Attachment
- Attachment styles
- What is ‘hyper-attachment’?
- Working with hyper-attached dogs
- Bond building
- Training for hyper-attachment
Module Seven: Setting up for success
- Leaving signals
- The importance of predictability
- Monitoring progress
- Free rein
- Changing the picture
Module Eight: Puppy Training
- Working with puppies
- Prevention of SRBs
- Treatment of SRBs
- Crate training
- Night time routine
Module nine: Working with clients
- Overview of working with SRB clients
- Questioning skills
- Empathy and rapport
- Managing expectations
- Accountability
- Designing a programme
- Tech set-up
Module Ten: Case Studies
- Maggie
- Inja
- Stanley and Doris
- Henry
Module Eleven: Tools
- Settle
- Door desensitisation
- Mat target
- Crate training
Module Twelve: Conclusion
- Conclusion
- Further Reading
- Final Assessment
This Specialist Program as well as other Specialist Programs are all included within our Membership.