Dogs Trust - Dog Behaviour for Veterinary Receptionists

This course comprises 4 webinars as follows:

Webinar 1: What is a dog? An introduction to dog behaviour.

This webinar introduces a basic overview of how dogs perceive the world around them and what their basic needs are.

• Reflect upon the species-specific behaviour which makes dogs unique.
• Empathise with dogs' emotional experience.
• Appreciate what dogs need for optimal health and welfare.
• Acknowledge influences on the human-dog bond and the societal expectations placed upon pet dogs.

Webinar 2: Influences on dog behaviour.

This webinar explores what behaviour is and how it develops, as well as what influences it.

• Define behaviour.
• Acknowledge the variety of factors influencing the way a dog behaves.
• Appreciate that behaviour develops throughout a dog's life.
• Understand the impact of health and pain on the way a dog might behave.

Webinar 3: Communication and interacting with dogs.

In this webinar we examine how to interpret dogs’ communication and respond in an emotionally supportive way. 

• Reflect upon the many ways in which dogs communicate, including chemical signalling and vocalisation, as well as body language.
• Identify body language which indicates that a dog is likely to be feeling.
• Understand how to respond to these differing signs from dogs.
• Describe how to interact with a dog using an approach which acknowledges their communication.

Webinar 4: The impact of the veterinary environment on dog behaviour.

The final webinar aims to provide a general overview of the impact of the veterinary environment on the way dogs might feel and behave, and how to create a positive emotional experience when visiting the veterinary clinic.

• Empathise with the way a dog might feel when present within the veterinary environment and recognise specific elements which contribute to this.
• Understand the concept of situation/trigger stacking and how this contributes to dog behaviour within the veterinary environment.
• Reflect upon ways in which the environment may be modelled to promote a more positive experience for dogs present.