Dog Training – Introduction

The main aim of this course is to empower participants to become effective dog owners and to understand the origins of the dog, basic health issues, nutritional criteria and training techniques.

This course will give a detailed overview of the dogs’ world focusing on health, nutrition, behaviour and training. This is important not only for those interested to adopt or buy a puppy but also to those who already own a dog and wish to improve their rapport with their pet.

This course will not only help the individual but also the community in general because when owners build a strong relationship with their dog and know how to control their dog properly, it could lead to less strays.

This is a 20hr guided learning course.  Students need to invest further hours to conduct private study Lessons are held once a week at the Institute of Agribusiness, Qormi between 1700hrs and 1900hrs.  Each lesson is of 2 hours duration.

This course will provide a general overview of the dog and how to live with this pet in order to avoid behavioural and health issues.  The course provides theoretical sessions as well as some practical session where the participants will be encouraged to bring over their dogs and practice different training techniques. 

Learning Outcome 1: Explain the dog’s learning process and causes of difficult behavior.

Unit Content

• Introduction to Dogs

• Origin of the Canidis
• Difference between dog and Wolf and how this reflects on today’s methods of training
• Breeds

• The Dog’s Mind

• The process of learning
• Training Concepts and methodology

• Breeding

• Breeding concepts
• Taking care of a litter

• Legislation

• The Animal Welfare Act
• Importation of animals
• Dangerous dogs

Learning Outcome 2: Outline the techniques that can be used to rehabilitate a dog with difficult behavior.

Unit Content

• Problematic Dog Behaviour

• Dog psychology
• Problems, Diagnosis and Rehabilitaion 

• Training Practicals

Learning Outcome 3: Describe basic nutritional regimes for different dogs

Unit Content

• Dog Nutrition

• Digestive Tract
• Dietary Components
• Nutrition Regime
• Dietary Formulations

Learning Outcome 4: Use the correct techniques to train a dog to respond to simple commands

Unit Content

• Training Practicals

There are no pre-requisite or entry requirements for this course.

An MCAST Certificate of Attendance will be issued to all students attending more than 80% of lectures.

There are no summative assessments in this course.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own dog as and when instructed by the tutor.