Dear Prospective Student
Thank you for enquiring about the Ethology Practitioners Couse.
This exclusive course is intended for the behaviour practitioner, dog handlers and pet owners who want to further their knowledge on canine behaviour.
Drs. Frederique Hurly (veterinary behaviourist) and Hannes Slabbert (Veterinary ethologist) jointly present the Practitioners course.
Students who have successfully completed the Basic and Advanced Dog Behaviour courses are welcome to enrol for this course. Students who have completed Behaviour courses offered by other institutions must please contact Dr Hurly. Each case will be evaluated on merit to evaluate whether the student will be able to enrol for the course. A bridging course might be needed. Students need to have basic computer skills, internet access and some form of recording equipment.
Students will receive ‘in depth’ scientific information on specific dog behaviour problems, genetic and developmental influences on behaviour, physiology, conditioning techniques, medical conditions that can influence behaviour, pheromones and behaviour pharmacology, client handouts and business aspects. Students are encouraged to view behaviour and attempt to find successful resolutions for behavioural problems in a holistic framework and no ‘generic recipes’ to solve behavioural problems are introduced. Sound knowledge of the content of the Basic and Advanced Courses are required to be successful in this course.
The study material consists of a comprehensive set of notes, nine assignments, and list of terms and definitions.
It is essentially a correspondence course, but attending a three – day seminar in Gauteng is compulsory for all students.
Course information:
The Pratitioners Course: Dogs Course consists of ten Modules:
• Module 1: Influences on behaviour – Genetics (Selection and breeding as well as breed specific behaviours) and Environmental influences
• Module 2: Canine stages of development, canine social behaviour and communication, canine body language. Temperament testing
• Module 3: Physiology of behaviour
• Module 4: Conditioning techniques – Puppy school, learning theories, basic training, specialised training, clicker training
• Module 5: The Behaviour Consultation – Client questionnaire, history taking skills, assessment and conclusion, resolutions
• Module 6: Specific Behaviour Problems – Fear and anxiety, compulsive behaviours, aggression, nuisance behaviours, destructive behaviour, elimination problems, geriatric behaviour
• Module 7: Medical conditions that can cause behaviour problems
• Module 8: Behaviour Modification Protocols and Client Handouts
• Module 9: Pheromones and Behaviour Pharmacology
• Module 10: Behaviour Practice Business aspects
Students will have to complete nine assignments throughout the course. These will include theoretical and practical aspects. The course has 12 webinars and one seminar. The webinars will be held roughly every three to four weeks and attendance is compulsory. The final examination will consist of a written component during a Webinar and the submission of a case study.
The course is presented from February to 31 March.
Registration for this course takes place from 2 January to 28 February. Students may, however, enrol earlier. The study material will be posted once proof of payment has been received.
For course fees please see “Fee Structure” on this Website. The fee includes the study material, assignments, attendance of the webinars and the final evaluation.
How to enrol for this course:
Go to the website www.ethology.co.za
• Click on ‘Enrol"
• Read the ‘Terms of Agreement’
• Complete and submit the enrolment form and financial agreement form
• Pay the appropriate fee
• Provide Dr Frederique Hurly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with confirmation of payment
Do not hesitate to get in touch should you need more information.
Best regards
Frederique Hurly
BVSc, MPhil, MANZCVS
(Veterinary behaviour)
Course administrator, Ethology Academy