The course is intended for prospective pet owners, qualifying as petsitters. The course professionally prepares students for working with dogs and cats, with a particular emphasis on animal behavior and communication skills, but also covers the basics of training. In addition, there will be basic knowledge of physiology, and most of all – the participants will undergo an emergency first aid course.

Pet owners are increasingly looking for qualified animal care, fearing for their physical and mental health. In order to be sure that their pet will be in good hands, they choose certified keepers. In response to this demand, we have created a professional course for animal keepers including theoretical and practical parts. The course is also highly recommended for breeders and people running hotels for animals, as well as for owners and amateurs of dogs, as it contains all the basic information on the behaviour of these animals, with elements of anatomy, physiology, zoosemiotics and training, and a professional first aid course.

The course may be attended by persons under the age of 16. Then they receive a “Junior Dog and Cat Carer” diploma.

Module 1: Dog and cat ethograms

Possibilities of hunting behaviour sequences recorded in the course of shaping the breed;
Domination theory;
Elements of zoosemiotics – communication in the world of dogs and cats in a nutshell.
Basics of dog and cat behaviour. Making contact with a strange dog and cat.
Taking precautionary measures.
The concept of need, drive, motivation and instinct. Dog and cat needs.
Calming signals in the world of dogs and cats.
The biological meaning of emotions. The influence of emotions on learning. Learning process and training. Emotions as a direct reinforcement.
Petsitter and his training possibilities.
Socialization, exploration, and security as three pillars of mental health in dogs and cats.
Caring for a cat at the owner and caregiver’s home.
Introducing environmental enrichments.
Toys creation and use
Learning to use coaching tools. Practical aspects of working with an animal.
Socialization of puppies and kittens.
Basic behavioural problems of dogs and cats.
Stress as a state of mobilization of the whole organism.
Shyness, aggression, hyperactivity – working with a dog with behavioral disorders.
Techniques for working with a dog. Desensitization, Counterconditioning, Classical Conditioning,
Instrumental Conditioning, Habituation, Flooding.
Petsitter forms
Petsitter’s inventory
Legal aspects of petsitter’s work – running a business.

Module 2 Physiology of dogs and cats

Selected infectious diseases of dogs and cats – symptoms. Transmission diseases and their prevention – mainly tick-borne diseases. Infectious disease prevention – vaccination schedule and deworming.
Rearing puppies and kittens, feeding the mother and the litter.
Elements of dog and cat topography on the example of a living animal.

Module 3 Nutritionist in a nutshell

Basic information about nutrients.
Commercial pet food market. Types and methods of pet food production. Quality division of feed. Food storage.
Complementary foods: Dog treats / snacks.
Choice of diet: Home vs. commercial diet.
The most common nutritional mistakes made by dog owners.
Feeding regimens.
Feeling hungry and full.
The concept of digestibility and palatability.
Food behaviour (neophilia, neophobia, food aversion).
Diet-related behaviour problems (polyphagia, drinking, anorexia, polydipsia, coprophagia, etc.).
Behaviour modification diets. Nutrition and the cognitive abilities of older dogs.

Practical:

Module 1 Building Relationships

The first meeting with a dog and a cat. Getting in good contact with your pet. Walking the dog. Prevention of problematic situations. Conflict resolution with another dog. Playing with a dog and a cat. Developing and filling in the tutor’s questionnaire.

Module 2 Hygiene and veterinary prophylaxis of dogs and cats

Veterinary care and prophylaxis on the example of a live animal (learning to clean ears, eyes, brushing teeth, removing tartar, clipping claws). Emergency first aid (wounds, poisoning, burns, heatstroke, frostbite and hypothermia, cardiac arrest, bites and stings). Dressing wounds and changing dressings. Administration of drugs. The influence of hormones on the behaviour of dogs and cats (practical information).

Credit: Theoretical and practical final exam

Term:
The course is carried out remotely (online - e-learning platform).
Course content: 5 modules, total recording time 6 hours

In addition, the course participants have the opportunity to hold 2 individual practical meetings. For this purpose, please contact Dr. Agata Kokocińska-Kusiak at the phone number: 515-631-055

Access to the platform: 3 months.

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