The ISCP Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour

Authors and Contributors

Dale McLelland (main author)

Marco Adda (author of Module 1 and additional video discussion in Module 1)

Dr. Clive Wynne (video discussion module 5)

Natalie McLelland (co-author of Module 6)

Dr. Marc Bekoff (video discussion, Module 7)

Dr. Franklin McMillan (video discussion Module 8)

Kaye Scott (contributor, Module 8)

Dr. Simon Gadbois (video discussion module 10)

Janice Macleod (author of Module 11)

Denise O’Moore (Mighty Dog Graphics images, Modules 3 and 10)

 

Module 1. Domestication. Author: Marco Adda

Premise

Introduction

Domestication frame

A complex and significant topic

Past-Long term: Various perspectives on dog domestication

Individual-based selection

Population-based selection

Human-dog co-evolution

Human group selection

Cultural-technological evolution

A long-term alliance

Short – recent domestication

Recent breed dogs

Individual domestication

Diet and starches

The Belyaev foxes experiment

Consequences of domestication

A final note for professionals

Recorded video discussion between Marco Adda, Dale McLelland and Lisa Tenzin-Dolma

 

Module 2. Social Interactions and Communication

Social brain network

Interspecies communication

Canine communication

Olfactory

Auditory

Sensory/tactile

Visual

Piloerection

Tail wagging

Movement

Facial expressions

Eyes

Mouth

Ears

Conversations between dogs

One behaviour, two different meanings

Meeting novel dogs

Aggressive responses

Body language

 

Module 3. Learning theory

Learning in dogs

Associative learning

Innate behaviours

Classical and operant conditioning

Principles of behaviour

The four quadrants and reinforcement

Generalisation

Extinction

Habituation and socialisation

Counterconditioning and desensitisation

Flooding

Punishment

Shaping

Concept learning

Learning with humans

Different needs

Bond and connection

Reading human intentions

Two-way communication

 

Module 4. Neuroscience, the senses, and emotions

Anatomy and physiology of the brain

The limbic system

The autonomic nervous system

Neuron anatomy

Synaptic transmission

The skull

Neurobiology of the senses

Emotions and feelings

What are emotions?

Trauma and stress

Stress versus trauma

Types of trauma

Recorded video discussion between Dr. Franklin McMillan, Dale McLelland and Lisa Tenzin-Dolma

 

 

Module 5. Emotions

Freedom to express natural behaviours

How does it feel?

Primary and secondary emotions

Umwelt

Domestic dogs

Obedience and unequal power

Fear

Emotion and motivation

Stress

Stereotypical behaviours

Recorded video discussion between Dr. Clive Wynne, Dale McLelland and Lisa Tenzin-Dolma

 

 

Module 6. Attachment theory. Co-authors: Natalie McLelland, Dale McLelland

Part 1: Attachment theory in human children

History of attachment theory

Attachment theory and development

Phases of attachment

Attachment styles

Human development: the brain

Theories of childhood development

Factors impacting on attachment and development

Supporting attachment and development

 

Part 2: Linking human attachment theories to dogs

Key development stages in dogs: puppy, adolescent, adult, geriatric/senior

 

Module 7. Canine play, resilience and intelligence

What is play?

The importance of play

Dog to dog play

Self-handicapping

Play indicators and invitations

Bow

Crouch down

Parading or possession

Rough and tumble

Play deficits

Puppy play

Puppy and adult play

Adult play

Videos of adult dog interactions

Object play

Play between dogs and humans

Theory of mind

Resilience

Choice

Intelligence

Recorded video discussion between Dr. Marc Bekoff, Dale McLelland and Lisa Tenzin-Dolma

 

Module 8. Rescue and Rehoming

Adoption of overseas dogs

Case study 1

Establishing routines

Grief and loss

Social pain and isolation

Canine Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Dogs in rescue environments

Choices and caregiver matching

Reasons for choosing to rehome a dog

Case study 2

Case study 3

Case study 4

Working together - best practice (Kaye Scott, MAPDT)

Common behavioural concerns

Recorded video discussion between Dr. Franklin McMillan, Dale McLelland and Lisa Tenzin-Dolma

 

Module 9. Communication and change management

The way that we think

Motivational interviewing

Listening skills

Body language

Schemas

Change management

Lean processes

Learning styles

 

Module 10. Aggressive Behaviours in dogs

What is aggression and aggressive behaviour?

Genetics and breed

Genetic hitchhiking

Categories of aggressive behaviours

Pain aggression

Food-related aggression

Toy or possessive aggression

Territorial aggression

Inter-dog aggression

Fear aggression

Redirected aggression

Predatory aggression

Play aggression

Idiopathic aggression

Maternal aggression

Impulse control aggression

Offensive and defensive aggression

Behavioural traits

Motivation

Control and choice

Dangerous Dogs Act (UK)

Contributing factors

Punishment

Trigger stacking

Thresholds

Socialisation

Avoiding incidents

Guardians

Human behaviours

Treatment plans

Recorded video discussion between Dr. Simon Gadbois, Dale McLelland and Lisa Tenzin-Dolma

Contributor: Denise O’Moore: graphic

 

Module 11. Working collaboratively. Author: Janice Macleod

Seeking veterinary advice, collaboration between professionals

Extrinsic environmental factors

Intrinsic physiological factors

Challenges for veterinary surgeons when examining dogs

Possible causes of behaviour changes

Medical tests and collaboration between professionals

Low stress handling

Generalised medical differentials

 

Module 12. Dissertation

Choosing your subject and submitting a proposal

Format

A stepwise approach using project management

Ethical considerations

Structure and layout

Plagiarism

Referencing/citations

Word count