Canine Studies Diploma

Course Synopsis
This Diploma course is aimed at those with an interest in dogs, either in an employment capacity, or simply for pleasure. The Diploma in Canine Studies will be awarded by Oxford College to those students who satisfactorily complete all 10 Units of this course.

Course Structure
   1. Introduction to Canine Studies
   2. Anatomy & Physiology
   3. Canine Nutrition
   4. Canine Diseases
   5. Canine Health & Veterinary Care
   6. Canine Genetics
   7. Reproduction
   8. Canine Behaviour part 1
   9. Canine Behaviour part 2
  10. Working with Dogs

Course Content
Module 1 - Introduction to Canine Studies
This first unit of the Diploma in Canine Studies course will introduce you to the origins of the dog, its ancestry and the story of domestication. The unit will provide you with the foundation knowledge required for further studies related to dogs and give an insight as to why dogs behave as they do, and the reasons why we care for them in the way that we do. It covers the following:
    * Taxonomy - how dogs are classified and categorised and how they fit into the animal kingdom
    * The origins of canines, and the various theories as to how they evolved
    * The history of domestication of the dog
    * The links between dogs and wolves, and the similarities and differences between them
    * The ways in which humans used dogs in the past, and the ways in which we continue to use them today, for working purposes and for sport and leisure

Module 2 - Canine Anatomy and Physiology
Unit 1 gives a general introduction to the study of canines, including a brief overview of some of the anatomical features of dogs and wolves. This unit will cover the anatomy and physiology of canines in greater detail.
It examines the main body systems of the dog, including the following:
    * skeleton
    * muscles
    * nervous system and sensory organs
    * endocrine system
    * circulatory system
    * respiratory system
    * immune system
The digestive system and reproductive systems are not covered within this unit, as they will be discussed in detail within the units on nutrition and reproduction later in the course.

Module 3 - Nutrition
Nutrition is more than just eating food, but is the science of food and of nourishing the body. The bodies of all mammals are built and maintained using the nutrients that are consumed in their diet, and dogs are no exception to this. In order to maintain healthy physiological systems, and have plenty of energy, dogs must consume a diet containing the correct nutrients in the correct quantities, so a knowledge of nutrition is important for anyone involved in the care of canines.
This unit introduces the following:
    * The structure and function of the canine digestive system
    * The particular nutritional requirements of the dog, and understand how the various nutrients affect the functioning of the physiological systems
    * A knowledge of the levels of protein and fat in the diet, according to age and lifestyle
    * Monitoring the effectiveness of a dog's diet
    * The health problems associated with incorrect feeding
    * Foods that are poisonous to dogs
    * Ailments of the digestive system

Module 4 - Canine Diseases
The causes of disease can be many, and broadly speaking they are divided into infectious and non-infectious diseases.
The previous unit covers some diseases relating to nutrition and the digestive system. This unit does not cover every other disease that may possibly affect the canine, but introduces the following topics:
    * The disease causing organisms - bacteria, fungi and viruses, and the difference between them
    * The main internal and external parasites that affect the dog
    * The signs and modes of transmission of the main infectious diseases affecting the dog
    * The signs of some degenerative diseases that dogs may suffer from
There are many disorders in the canine that are genetic, and these are not covered here, but will be examined in the unit on canine genetics.

Module 5 - Canine Health and Veterinary Care
The previous unit examines many of the different types of disease or medical conditions that can affect canines. In this unit you will look at how some of these diseases can be diagnosed and treated, and how preventative measures can be taken to promote the good health of the dog and prevent many problems.
The following topics are covered:
    * The diagnostic methods and medicines used for a range of canine diseases
    * The diagnostic methods, treatment and prognosis for injuries affecting the canine
    * The legal restrictions placed upon the veterinary profession and lay people
    * The application of First Aid to a dog
    * Some of the technological equipment used in small animal veterinary practice

Module 6 - Canine Genetics
This unit covers the science of genetics and how the knowledge can be put to use when selecting dogs for breeding. It also explains the process of evolution and explains how dogs and wolves have naturally evolved over millions of years, due to the process of natural selection.
By the end of this module, you will have been introduced to:
    * The terminology of genetics
    * The process by which genes are passed from parent to offspring
    * Genetic mutations
    * The difference between natural selection and artificial selection
    * Theories of evolution
    * Some common genetic disorders in the dog

Module 7 - Reproduction
Following on from the previous unit on the genetics of the dog, this unit looks at how this knowledge can be put to use when choosing suitable dogs and bitches for breeding. It covers the physiology of reproduction and the care of the newborn puppies. The following topics are examined:
    * The reproductive anatomy of the dog
    * The reproductive anatomy of the bitch
    * The oestrus cycle
    * Conception and development of pregnancy
    * The process of whelping
    * The development of neonatal puppies
    * The different methods of insemination - natural and artificial
    * Problems associated with pregnancy
    * Problems associated with the birth

Module 8 - Behaviour Part 1
The study of canine behaviour and why dogs do the things they do encompasses many branches of science, such as biology, neuroscience and psychology. It is a huge subject, and so this subject has been divided into two units. This first part explains why dogs behave in the way they do, and covers normal canine behaviour, and explains how dogs learn.
The following topics are discussed:
    * The similarities and differences between wolf behaviour and domestic dog behaviour
    * How genes play a part in behaviour, and the differences between breeds
    * How dogs learn, and the different learning theories
    * The areas of the brain associated with various aspects of behaviour
    * The senses of the dog and how these affect behaviour
    * The effects of diet, hormones and health on behaviour
    * The effects of previous experience on behaviour
    * Stereotypical behaviour
    * How the knowledge of how dogs learn can be used during training

Module 9 - Canine Behaviour Part 2
Following on from the previous unit, this section looks at problem behaviour in dogs and will be useful for anyone with a pet dog, or anyone who trains dogs or wishes to learn more about their behaviour. It will cover:
    * The types of behavioural problem that are commonly reported in pet dogs
    * Some of the possible reasons why problem behaviour may occur
    * Some of the techniques we can use to go about finding out the cause of the problem
    * An idea of some of the ways that behaviour can be altered, either through training the dog, changing the owner's behaviour, or by means of veterinary treatment

Module 10 - Working with canines
This final unit of the course examines the various sectors of the pet industry, related particularly to dogs, and will look at the following topics:
    * The various organisations involved with dogs and research
    * The types of jobs available working with dogs
    * The law with regards to working with dogs
    * The laws relating to ownership of dogs
    * Running a canine business - the regulations, insurance requirements, presenting a good image to clients or customers
    * Setting up a boarding kennels
    * Breeding dogs

Entry Requirements
Basic English reading and writing skills, as full tutor support is given.

Study Hours
Variable

Qualification
Diploma in Canine Studies

What's Included
Unlimited full tutor support for two years

Course Fee
£295.00

Further Information
Please note that this is an online course and your materials are delivered within the College web site in PDF format.
In the student 'Common Room' you are also able to receive the latest course updates, extra materials and information. You will also be able to take part in the student chat room and forums as part of our online student community.
After enrolling online you will receive your username and password to access your materials within 5 working days. You will also receive your personal Oxford student number via email.
Courses in paper/file format are still available at an additional fee of £35.00 and must be enrolled upon via telephone. This service is only available to those students studying within the United Kingdom. All students outside the United Kingdom will receive the online format.