Distance Learning Courses - behaviour/training

Distance Learning Courses (Dogs)

I am thinking of doing a distance learning course based around dog behaviour/training and (UK one). I have already attended a years City + Guilds Canine Studies course as a part-time evening course, this was a couple of years ago. However, I would prefer to start afresh with a basic course.

There are a lot of organisations that offer these types of courses and was wondering if there is anyone on here that has taken any. I would be able to do a distance learning course that involved a couple of weeks/weekends away as I realise some practical assessments may be compulsory.

Any information welcome be it good or otherwise!!!!!!

Thanks

I previously posted this in a different section, but didn't get any replies had a look around and thought it was probably more appropriate in this section.

Better luck this time

Hi, I'm treading this very path myself - asked on other boards what people would recommend and got a mixed bag of advice. A lot seemed to depend on what the ultimate aim was: did I want a new career as a dog trainer (no) or just to broaden and deepen my knowledge of all things canine (yes).

Considered two in depth: COMPASS canine behaviour and psychology and COAPE Think Dog!. Both correspondence, first approx £300, second approx £400. COMPASS you can start any time, COAPE only in April and October.
Decided to go with the COAPE one because it focussed more on behavioural rather than physiological issues and I thought this would be more relevant to rescue work. Also it seemed a bit more disciplined (monthly assignments for 6 months rather than 'at your own pace' which means I will never get round to it). Also COAPE and John Fisher seem to have a pretty good reputation and there are further courses you can take to specialise.

Someone else may be along in a bit to give you first hand experinece but hope this has been of some help.

Thanks RinTinTin,

My interest has come about as I have three rescue dogs and like youself I am not looking for a career as dog trainer/behaviourist. Have you actually started the COAPE course yet or is it a future plan? I have almost made my mind up to go with Compass but before commiting am interested in feedback from any courses that people have already started. I probably won't start anything until next year as I have other things I need to sort first.

Thanks again

Hi

If you are doing the course out of interest, rather than for an actual career, I'd definitely suggest COAPE as one of the better ones. The tutors are very knowledgeable and pleasant people which is a bonus

Compass is very good too.

The Animal Care College is also one to take a peek at.

Good luck

Wys
x

Hi - just noticed your thread. Don't know if this is the kind of thing you wanted but have a look

http://www.opencollege.info/

They seem to offer a choice of 2 courses and I think they are priced at around £175.

It would be interesting to hear what you think

Have just enrolled but missed the April date so won't start until October, which is a bind. However have posted the book list on fridge and marked it 'Mum's Birthday Presents'; as birthday is in July I can get a jump on the reading - and already had two on list which was encouraging.

I know someone on another forum who has just started the COMPASS course - says it is a bit basic at the moment but may pick up later. (She was a professional trainer in another country so her 'basic' might be my 'advanced'.)

I did ask the manager of the rescue where I volunteer what she would recommend but she is in thrall to the 'Dog Listener' and couldn't see past that.

this is something I am interested in doing as well, although from a career point of view and have been looking around for courses. I was rather hoping to find a local college doing them to be honest, does anyone have any experience of a local college having these types of courses on offer?

Thanks for all the replies, I've had fresh look at the courses offered by the following as it was a while ago that I originally looked. Animal Care College, Compass, Coape and Bishop Burton (this is a college in Hull and the course can be done distance learning with some weeks/weekends each year). My biggest problem is I WANT TO DO ALL OF THEM, HELP. I think having had a fresh look I would seriously like to do the Bishop Burton course but it does look quite daunting.
I'm currently finishing the last assignments for the City + Guild in Canine Studies which I took as an evening class locally, it didn't cover much on behaviour but it is a good foundation but very time consuming. I should have completed this by September and having looked at the Animal Care College courses I might do a short one while I look at the others in more depth.

Thanks for the replies.

I haven't seen these two courses before but would be interested in finding out more about them - mainly who they are written by, I'll give them a call in the next couple of days and let you know of the outcome

Thanks

found this one as I too am thinking of doing a course .www.jcbiology.com and www.caninebehaviour.co.uk. anyone any views on them I also would like more info on the open college one if anyone has any
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