Online / Distance Learning Canine Studies Courses

British College of Canine Studies:
British College of Canine Studies (BCCS) is a specialist canine home study college run by practicing canine professionals. We provide specialised online / distance education courses for anyone interested in pursuing a career working with dogs. Our courses are written and assessed by professionals currently working within the canine behaviour and training field. This assures our students that the course content is current and well informed, and will equip you with real world knowledge which you can put to use immediately upon completion.

Level 3 Accredited Canine Health & Nutrition Diploma
There are a variety of variables which can affect the health of our dog. If we know how we can prevent diseases and parasites, it can give some peace of mind that we are giving our canines the best possible start, as well as keeping those vet bills down. Choosing a new puppy or dog is also covered as you want to get this right for your family.

Nutrition is a vital part of health. There are so many different foods on the market for dogs it can be very confusing choosing the right one for your dog. However if you know what nutrients they need, you can make an informed decision. Nutrition can be very scientific, so this course aims to break it down to the essentials that you need to know. Many dogs now also suffer from allergies and have special nutritional needs during different stages of their life.

On completion the student will:

Be able to identify a healthy dog and the symptoms of ill health.
Know how to prevent problems arising, such as disease and parasites.
Provide a good balanced diet for dog which has all the nutrients it requires.
Understand the special nutritional needs of canines that have allergies or suffer from ill health.
Understand how the canine body functions.
Be able to identify common conditions, viruses and bugs that dogs may suffer from and how to fight them.
Be able to perform basic first aid on a dog.
Understand the alternative or holistic health therapies that can be used instead of conventional medicine.
Understand how important exercise is to canine health and wellbeing.
Identify the needs of canines as they reach old age.

Course Content: 

UNIT ONE - Canine Health
UNIT TWO - Preventing Problems
UNIT THREE - Building Blocks of Good Nutrition
UNIT FOUR - Feeding And Supplements
UNIT FIVE - Special Nutritional Needs
UNIT SIX - How The Canine Body Works
UNIT SEVEN - Common Conditions
UNIT EIGHT - Fighting Viruses And Bugs
UNIT NINE - Canine First Aid And Drug Therapy
UNIT TEN - Alternative Health
UNIT ELEVEN - Importance Of Exercise
UNIT TWELVE - Senior Health

Level 3 Accredited Dog Behaviour Diploma Course:
It doesn't matter if you're a fan of Victoria Stilwell or Cesar Millan, the Dog Behaviour Diploma courses are written from a neutral standpoint, offering the latest info and studies, the newest understanding of social structure in dogs, and debating hot topics such as dominance in dogs. With thorough chapters on everything from Operant conditioning, including clicker training, to the principles and techniques of Cesar Millan, there is something for everyone. This course will get you thinking about dogs and dog behaviour like never before. Devised by a practicing behaviourist for every day dog owners and anyone who works or has regular contact in a professional capacity with dogs i.e kennel assistants, dog sitters, groomers etc.

This course is unique for many reasons, least of all being the first of its kind and the only dog behaviour diploma course to offer a ‘practical’ element. It is also the first course to study and consider both Positive Reward Training and its application in the human-dog relationship, and the more physical world of dog behaviour between dogs. Find yourself immersed in the debate of topics such as pack structure, appeasement societies, the need for an authority figure, and the relevant scientific studies.

Far from a course that exists to merely educate from one perspective, this course will challenge everything you thought you knew about dogs and dog psychology, calling on the work of Fisher, Scott and Fuller, Bruce Fogle, Cesar Millan, Ray and Lorna Coppinger, Stephen Budiansky, Ian Dunbar and many more leading experts.

On completion, the student will:
- Have learned the difference between how dogs learn, and how dogs behave.
- Have a greater understanding of both dog training and dog psychology.
- Have examined the most recent studies and debates in the world of dog behaviour and training, and encouraged to formulate their own opinion based on experience and research.
- Have a better understanding of key subjects such as: socialisation, communication, the origins of the dog and evolution.
- Have a better understanding of the importance of the role of the owner, human moods, temperament, personality, morality and their affects on the dog.
- Be able to recognise key body language, gestures and signals of the dog.
- Be able to diagnose classic behavioural problems and formulate possible solutions, calling on both dog training and dog psychology.
- Have a greater understanding of what is required for a dog to be happy, healthy, well behaved, and mentally balanced.
- In essence, what it truly is to be a good dog owner.

Course Content:

Introduction:
- UNIT ONE - The History of Dogs
- UNIT TWO - Genetics of the Dog’s Mind, Nature or Nurture? The Brain, The Senses
- UNIT THREE - Breed Difference - Are all dogs the same?
- UNIT FOUR - Hormones, Health & Diet – Their Influence on Behaviour
- UNIT FIVE - Communication, Pheromones, Body Language
- UNIT SIX - Early Learning, Mum and Pack’s Influence, Socialization, Habituation
- UNIT SEVEN - How Dogs Learn, Classical Conditioning, Operant Conditioning, Discipline etc.
- UNIT EIGHT - Social Structure of the Dog, New Understandings Examined - Dominance, Pack Structure
- UNIT NINE - Aggression In All Its Forms
- UNIT TEN - Fears, Phobias & Anxiety
- UNIT ELEVEN - The Owner Influence, Energy, Personality
- UNIT TWELVE - Case Studies, Final Examination

Level 4 Accredited Advanced Canine Behaviour Diploma:
Our Dog Behaviour Diploma courses are written from a neutral standpoint, offering the latest info and studies, the newest understanding of social structure in dogs, and debating hot topics such as dominance in dogs. With thorough chapters on everything from Operant conditioning, including clicker training, to the principles and techniques of Cesar Millan, there is something for everyone. This course will get you thinking about dogs and dog behaviour like never before. Devised by a practicing behaviourist, this course is specifically for those who wish to become a dog behaviourist themselves, and don’t know where to start.

Again, this course is unique for the same reasons that make the Dog Behaviour Diploma Course unique, least of all being the first of its kind to offer a ‘practical’ element in the form of real life consultations with clients and problem dogs. As with the Diploma Course, this course includes the study of both the Positive Reward Training & application, as well as the more physical world of dog behaviour between dogs. Find yourself immersed in the debate of topics such as pack structure, appeasement societies, the need for an authority figure, and the relevant scientific studies.

Far from a course that exists to merely educate from one perspective, this course will challenge everything you thought you knew about dogs and dog psychology, calling on the work of Fisher, Scott and Fuller, Bruce Fogle, Cesar Millan, Ray and Lorna Coppinger, Stephen Budiansky, Ian Dunbar and many more leading experts.

Additional units are designed to not only cover training and behaviour, but the practical aspects of setting up in business, conducting a consultation, follow up sessions, monitoring progress, the law, health & safety, and your role as Dog Behaviourist, Teacher, Trainer, Mentor and Coach. No other course better prepares you for the real world of being a Dog Behaviourist. The practical element is optional and consists of real life consultations. You will be expected to make suggestions, contribute, watch and observe.

On completion, the student will: 
- Have learned the difference between how dogs learn, and how dogs behave.
- Have a greater understanding of both dog training and dog psychology.
- Have examined the most recent studies and debates in the world of dog behaviour and training, and encouraged to formulate their own opinion based on experience and research.
- Have a better understanding of key subjects such as: socialisation, communication, the origins of the dog and evolution.
- Have a better understanding of the importance of the role of the owner, human moods, temperament, personality, morality and their affects on the dog.
- Be able to recognise key body language, gestures and signals of the dog.
- Be able to diagnose classic behavioural problems and formulate possible solutions, calling on both dog training and dog psychology.
- Have a greater understanding of what is required for a dog to be happy, healthy, well behaved, and mentally balanced. In essence, what it truly is to be a good dog owner.
- Have an understanding of the daily running of a dog behaviour practice including time management, the law, health and safety, marketing, insurance, code of conduct, record keeping and referrals.
- Be able to perform a real life consultation with clients and their dog, evaluate, diagnose, and implement solutions and techniques both relevant and suitable to the dog and owner.

Course Content:

Introduction:
- UNIT ONE - The History of Dogs
- UNIT TWO - Genetics of the Dog’s Mind, Nature or Nurture? The Brain, The Senses
- UNIT THREE - Breed Difference - Are all dogs the same?
- UNIT FOUR - Hormones, Health & Diet – Their Influence on Behaviour
- UNIT FIVE - Communication, Pheromones, Body Language
- UNIT SIX - Early Learning, Mum and Pack’s Influence, Socialization, Habituation
- UNIT SEVEN - How Dogs Learn, Classical Conditioning, Operant Conditioning, Punishment etc.
- UNIT EIGHT - Social Structure of the Dog, New Understandings Examined - Dominance, Pack Structure
- UNIT NINE - Aggression In All Its Forms
- UNIT TEN - Fears, Phobias & Anxiety
- UNIT ELEVEN - The Owner Influence, Energy, Personality, Compatibility
- UNIT TWELVE - The Walk, Feeding, Routine & Structure
- UNIT THIRTEEN - Case Studies, Diagnosis, Evaluation, Proposals & Implementation
- UNIT FOURTEEN – H&S, The Law, Code Of Conduct, Insurance, Advertising, Record Keeping, Time Management
- UNIT FIFTEEN – Consultations, Follow Ups, Progress
- OPTIONAL PRACTICALS - Real World Assessment With Actual Consultations

Complete Canine Care Diploma Course:
Do you currently, or do you want to, care for other people’s dogs, perhaps as a walker, sitter, day care provider, groomer, kennel assistant or rescue dog handler? This is the course for you. The BCCS Complete Canine Care Diploma course offers a comprehensive study of all areas of working with and caring for dogs, including understanding canine communication and reading body language to avoid unpredictable behaviours, introducing dogs to each other and the basics of training and dog psychology.

The course covers early days with mum through to differences in breed, how to meet dogs properly, basic health and nutrition, the importance of exercise and solutions to common issues. This course aims to equip anyone working with and caring for dogs on a regular basis with all of the information they’ll need to get it right from day one. Whatever your role within the dog care industry, this qualification will enhance your understanding and assure your customers that their dogs are in good, knowledgeable hands.

On completion, the student will:

- Understand the various stages of canine development
- Understand the workings of the dog’s mind and how they learn
- Have a basic understanding of canine health and nutrition, including the importance of good quality foods
- Understand breed differences and the importance of matching the right dog with the right owner
- Know how to make introductions betweens dogs, and to humans, including young children and babies
- Understand the importance of exercise, and how much a dog needs in order to avoid certain unwanted behaviours
- Know the basics of dog training
- Have a good understanding of dog behaviour
- Be able to identify communications and body language which make sense of otherwise ‘unpredictable’ actions
- Understand their role, as the human, including the importance of boundaries, discipline and leadership

Who is this course for?
Anyone who currently works, or wishes to work, with dogs in a caring capacity such as walkers, sitters, day care providers, etc. This qualification will enable them to offer a more comprehensive service to their customers and give them an advantage over their unqualified competitors.

Course Content:

UNIT ONE – Early Days With Mum
UNIT TWO – Canine Mind and Senses
UNIT THREE – Pairing Dogs and Owners
UNIT FOUR – Breed and Behaviour
UNIT FIVE – How Dogs Learn
UNIT SIX – Getting Introductions Right
UNIT SEVEN – The Importance of Socialisation
UNIT EIGHT – The Importance of Boundaries and Rules
UNIT NINE – Basic Health & Nutrition
UNIT TEN – Why Dogs Need Exercise
UNIT ELEVEN – Communication and Reading Body Language
UNIT TWELVE – Basic Training
UNIT THIRTEEN – Problems and Issues: Aggression
UNIT FOURTEEN – Problems and Issues: Fears and Phobias
UNIT FIFTEEN – The Role of the Human

Professional Dog Walker Certificate:
The course features units on the most important factors you’ll need to consider in order to get things right from the start. From recognising the body language which suggests a bite or confrontation is imminent, through to safe walking and lead training, the importance of your leadership role, dealing with aggression, fears and phobias and how to safely meet a dog.

Upon completion of this course, you will not only be able to present potential clients with a certificate illustrating your knowledge, you’ll also have the expertise you need to offer a service that your customers will use and recommend again and again.

Course Content:

UNIT ONE – Introductions
UNIT TWO – Basic Training and the Walk
UNIT THREE – Body Language and Communication
UNIT FOUR – Breed Difference
UNIT FIVE – Common Issues and Problems
UNIT SIX – Setting Up Your Business

We also have a Professional Dog Sitter Certificate course. These much smaller courses are only £99.

Fun Dog Agility Class Coach Diploma Coach:
Dog agility is a popular and fun sport in which a handler directs a dog through a series of obstacles as accurately as possible in a race against the clock. Dogs run off lead, being guided only by the voice commands and body signals of their handler. This requires training and great co-ordination between handler and dog. Agility has many benefits. Some of these include:

• Burning off energy and curing boredom, which will lead to a reduction in destructive behaviours around the home and even address some forms of aggression
• An increase in self esteem for nervous and anxious dogs
• An improved bond between you and your dog which will lead to a better all round relationship
• Better health and fitness for both you and your dog
• Much needed exercise which is a basic need of EVERY dog
• Fun for both you and your dog

Plus, increased fitness, flexibility and stamina for owners. What better way to get in shape?

Dog agility has become one of the most popular activities for dog owners. With many groups boasting waiting lists of up to six months to join, there is certainly a demand for classes. One of the best things about becoming a fun agility trainer is that you can fit your classes around other commitments, and chose exactly how many you wish to run. Agility is performed at both a fun level, and also at serious competition level. The aim of the course is to equip you, the student, with the knowledge and understanding required to set up and run your own potentially very profitable fun agility classes. The knowledge gained in this course will equip you to then progress to further studies to participate or teach at competition level if you so wish. We are, at present, the only college in the UK offering a qualification in Dog Agility.

Course Content:

- UNIT ONE - Introduction to Agility
- UNIT TWO - Essential Health and Nutrition for Agility Dogs
- UNIT THREE - Teaching the Basics
- UNIT FOUR - Using a Clicker
- UNIT FIVE - The Go-Throughs
- UNIT SIX - The Go-Ups
- UNIT SEVEN - The Jumps
- UNIT EIGHT - The Pause
- UNIT NINE - The Poles
- UNIT TEN - Sequencing and Completing a Course
- UNIT ELEVEN - Running a Class
- UNIT TWELVE - Laws, Insurance, Waivers and the Essentials of Running Your Business

Puppy Care Diploma Course:
Everyone loves a puppy. With their cute little faces and adorable play behaviours, how could you not? What many people don’t take into account when buying a puppy is the amount of work that needs to go into caring for and raising a well balanced pup who can then grow into a well behaved and happy adult dog.

There is little or no consideration made for the complexities of owning a pup, breed differences and how much it will all cost. Many people don’t consider the fact that puppies don’t stay that way forever, and soon they’ll have an adult dog whose behaviours, temperaments, fears and phobias are largely based on genetics and environment, i.e. how they, the owners, raised and cared for them.

As is the case with raising a child, it is very easy to get things wrong when bringing up a puppy. You need to know the ropes before the pup becomes part of the family, or you may be on a downwards slide from moment one. It is a sad and shocking fact that one in five people who bought a puppy have either re-homed it or taken it to a rescue centre by the age of two.

The aim of this course is to equip the student with the knowledge needed to raise the perfect pup from day one, whether in a home environment, or if you want to work with puppies. With the right information, you can help that puppy grow into a balanced, confident adult, free of aggression, behavioural issues, fears, phobias and anxieties. It covers everything from choosing the right breed to housetraining and feeding right up to socialisation and stimulating his growing and developing mind. Learn about puppy health and nutrition, how a dog learns and how to address unwanted behaviours.

Course Content:

Introduction:
- UNIT ONE - The Puppy’s Mind and Senses
- UNIT TWO - Early Development
- UNIT THREE - Breed Differences
- UNIT FOUR - Choosing a Puppy
- UNIT FIVE - Bringing a Puppy Home and Making Introductions
- UNIT SIX - Health, Vaccinations and Nutrition
- UNIT SEVEN - Socialisation
- UNIT EIGHT - The Basics – Housetraining, Separation, Nipping and Chewing
- UNIT NINE - Basic Commands
- UNIT TEN - Using a Clicker
- UNIT ELEVEN - Dealing With Problem Behaviours
- UNIT TWELVE - Tricks and Games to Keep a Pup Stimulated