ISCP Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour

Study Modules

Behaviour Theory

Applied Behaviour

Samples from three coursework essays. These give an indication of the content and style of writing expected.

Compassion has deep evolutionary roots, and along with the emotion of empathy, can be found by neuron activity within the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. Mirror neurons react when we sense another’s emotions, and oxytocin is released through trust and social bonding. Specific genes and receptors also predispose us to altruism, there is a real health benefit for us to act with kindness and compassion. Our empathy with others which allows us to understand how they feel, also allows us to momentarily mirror their feelings. However, our somatic empathy, that which we unconsciously feel deep within ourselves, is a major factor in compassion fatigue. The right side of our brain which is involved in regulating our emotional lives becomes repeatedly overused, and ultimately we can become dysfunctional showing symptoms of depression, anxiety, hypochondria, combativeness and the inability to concentrate (Smith 2009).

__________________________

The hypothalamus is pea-sized and weighs (in a human) around 4g (Nevid, 2016). It is located below the thalamus at the base of the brain (Boreree, 2015 cited in Tyler et al, 2017) and receives information that is linked with the fight-flight response such as increased heart rate and changes in blood flow (Tyler et al, 2017). The hypothalamus therefore plays a major role in the body’s response to stress. It is the corner stone of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (Genes to Cognition Online, 2009) and also controls the endocrine system and hormonal release (Nevid, 2016).

__________________________

One of the key issues around this debate is sentience and the ability to recognize that animals do have it. Current European law recognizes animals as sentient beings, able to feel pain, suffer and experience joy, and in 1998 a directive was signed putting into place five rules, better known as the “five freedoms”. These were composed of freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury and disease, freedom to express normal behaviour and freedom from fear and distress. This in effect the animal equivalent of human rights. In 2009 the European Union recognized that animals are sentient beings and an extract from this article states. ‘With Brexit looming Compassion in World Farming are concerned that if the repeal bill is passed as it currently stands, future UK governments will have no obligation to treat animals as sentient beings’.

Refunds: There is an optional 14 day cooling off period during which you can ask for a refund on your course fee. However, as the course files are sent electronically, this means we would need to delay sending the course files until after the 14 day period is over. If you wish to take advantage of a cooling off period please send an email to our secretary at secretary@theiscp.com to inform her of your decision, immediately after purchasing. If you do not email the secretary we will assume that you have chosen to receive the files immediately and that you are happy to waive your right to a 14 day cooling off period and the option of a refund. Our secretary will send your files as soon as she receives your form if you have chosen to start the course immediately.