Application of Canine Learning Theory

Learn more about Bettina and this course in her Fireside Chat - click on the above image to watch

THIS MODULE IS NOW INCLUDED IN OUR CANINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME

This course covers canine learning theory and how to apply it to the canine patient. It shows insight into the world of canine learning theory, which enables the practitioner to work with an accurate understanding of the canine patient. This knowledge radically enhances the efficacy of assessment and treatment, through the application of a skill set that so many manual therapists fail to learn. 

Your lecturer: Bettina Hvidemose

Behaviourist and Osteopath – Denmark

Bettina graduated her BSc. in Applied Animal Behavior in 2006 and she has a special interest in how physical challenges impact animal behaviour and thus, how many behavioural issues are consequences of pain and/or physical restrictions. Therefore, Bettina has expanded her knowledge into physical approaches to animal biomechanics and treatment and she holds qualifications in different approaches to manual therapy. In 2018 – 2019 Bettina completed the Stage 1 and 2 courses, both canine and equine pathways, with Animal Osteopathy International.

Bettina is passionate about improving animal welfare from a holistic approach including both brain and body. Both dogs, horses and cats are included in Bettina’s everyday practice and teaching field. As a curiosity, she also works with marine mammals, applying ethology and learning theory to enrichment and husbandry training for seals.

Indicative Content

  • Introduction to the course;
  • What is learning theory & why is it important to understand learning theory when practicing animal osteopathy?
  • Ethology and learning theory: 
  • What is etholoy? And why is it important in relation to learning theory? 
  • Canine – human interaction;
  • The canine brain;
  • Main differences and similarities between the human and the canine brain and how is this knowledge relevant to us? 
  • Learning theoretical concepts;
  • Overview of operant and classical conditioning;
  • Operant conditioning;
  • How behavior and consequences interact and influence each other; 
  • The concepts of reinforcement and punishment;
  • The four types of consequences;
  • How can knowledge of operant conditioning be beneficial in osteopathic practice?
  • What can go wrong? 
  • Classical conditioning;
  • The concept of associations;
  • Conditioning of a previously neutral stimulus;
  • Pros and cons in classical conditioning;
  • How can knowledge of operant conditioning be beneficial in osteopathic practice?
  • What can go wrong? 
  • Combining operant and classical condition in successful practice;
  • Shaping; 
  • Timing;
  • Practical applications – examples and analysis;
  • Improve cooperation with your canine patient;
  • Explore the types of learning theory and how to apply these;
  • Learn how to increase wanted and decrease unwanted canine behaviour;
  • Optimize canine-human communication and decrease stress and misunderstandings;
  • How to communicate information to owners;
  • Be guided through practical examples to apply your knowledge.

How will this help you as a practitioner?

  • Develop your understanding of canine behaviour and the canine brain;
  • Learn how to communicate with your canine patient in a way that helps you both;
  • Improve cooperation with your canine patient so that treatment is more effective;
  • Explore the types of learning theory and how to apply these in practice;
  • Learn how to increase wanted (and decrease unwanted) canine behaviour;
  • Recognise that not everything you see is physical and maybe a behavioural issue that needs attention;
  • Optimise canine-human communication to decrease stress and misunderstandings;
  • How to communicate information to owners;
  • Be guided through practical examples to apply your knowledge; 
  • Utilise your new knowledge to educate owners;
  • Enhance your own practice – give yourself knowledge that helps you stand apart from other MSK practitioners.