vet1sab small animal behaviour and training
SMALL ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR AND TRAINING
VET1SAB
2019
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject offers a thorough and practical introduction to the basics of small animal behaviour and training at a level appropriate for student veterinary nurses. Students will develop the underlying knowledge and basic skills required to conduct puppy classes, and advise owners on common behavioural and training problems. Students will learn to take a thorough history and to perform a careful behavioural "triage" to enable a sound decision as to when veterinary intervention is required. Students will also develop the skills required to assist with behaviour modification as directed by veterinarians in the treatment of behavioural problems.Through a work integrated learning (WIL) placement, students will have the opportunity to observe and assist with the care of a wide number of hospitalised and visiting dogs and cats. An integral part of these interactions will involve applying behaviour and training theory, and critically reviewing how they have seen veterinary team members do the same.
SchoolSchool of Life Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorDilhani Premaratna
Available to Study Abroad StudentsNo
Subject year levelYear Level 1 - UG
Exchange StudentsNo
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Must be admitted in the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (SBVN)
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Decoding your dog | Prescribed | Horwitz D, Cirabassi J & Dale S. Eds(2014) | Houghton Mifflin Harcourt |
| Readings | Canine and feline behavior for veterinary technicians and nurses | Prescribed | Shaw, K & Martin, D (Eds) 2015 | John Wiley |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Perform safe and appropriate animal handing and restraint techniques which promote positive animal welfare outcomes for a range of small animal behaviours
- Activities:
- Students undertake preparatory readings and watch videos prior to workshops. Students watch demonstrations of appropriate techniques being performed on models and then live dogs, and then practice these techniques themselves under the supervision of tutors. They also regularly assist with the handling and restraint of dogs and cats whilst on clinical placement, under the supervision of experienced veterinary nurses.
02. Recognize when referral to a veterinarian is required for the diagnosis and treatment of behavioural problems
- Activities:
- During a workshop, student teams discuss a range of case studies, in order to recognize when cases involved serious behavioural issues, which require veterinary diagnosis and treatment. The lecturer then guides a whole class review and discussion of these cases, to help clarify when referral to a veterinarian is and isn't required.
03. Using an evidence based approach, design and assist owners to implement training programs and behaviour modification plans for their animals
- Activities:
- Students design a behaviour modification plan and/or training plan for an animal, and then regularly video their attempts at implementing that plan over time. Within this video, students need to explain what theoretical training/behavioural modification approaches they are utilizing, and why they chose those. They also need to discuss why there may have been difficulties experienced, and what measures they took to overcome these.
04. Educate others in an accurate, appropriate, clear, empathetic and professional manner
- Activities:
- During a workshop, tutors discuss with students, what type of communication styles and approaches, would and would not be appropriate for educating puppy owners who are members of the general public. Student teams then work to apply this approach when developing their puppy school plans.
05. Critically self-reflect on one's own role and effectiveness within a team
- Activities:
- During a workshop, student teams discuss a range of case studies, in order to recognize when cases involved serious behavioural issues, which require veterinary diagnosis and treatment. The lecturer then guides a whole class review and discussion of these cases, to help clarify when referral to a veterinarian is and isn't required.
Subject options
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Epping, 2019, Semester 2, Blended
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorDilhani Premaratna
Class requirements
WorkShopWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Placement - Off SiteWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.0 hours placement - off site per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
"WIL placement"
Unscheduled Online ClassWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours unscheduled online class per week on any day including weekend during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.
"Delivered as reading material, quizzes, video clips."
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 5 min Pre-workshop online Quizzes (850 words equivalent) | 2% each Weeks 2 -12 | 20 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
| 1 x 20 min practical skills presentation (1000 words equivalent) | Practical skills assessments by tutor with simulation models and/or live animals and role plays | 25 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
| Behaviour Modification Action Plan (600 words) | Students select an animal case where the animal has a behavior problem that they have been involved with in placement or in their own personal experience, and to develop a behavior modification action plan for that case | 15 | 03 |
| Team Client handout (Puppy Class Plan) (600 words/student) | Student team (of approx. 4 students) to create a plan for a puppy class around puppy socialisation and an accompanying owner handout. 2400 words total assessment | 15 | 03, 04, 05 |
| 5-minute individual video presentation (500 words equivalent) with instructional handout (250 words) | Student to create a video record of an animal before, during and after a planned animal training intervention, and to reflect on the training plan and process during the video | 25 | 03 |