DOG CARE

Learn about different types of dogs, their care and management.

Some of our students take this course because they want to understand and better care for their own pet dog. For others, this course may be professional development or training, pursued for the benefits that learning will bring to a career or business associated with dogs.

Whatever your reason for studying this; it is a course that can take you a long way toward better understanding canines and appreciating these animals in a more heightened way.

We all recognise that there are things that people can do which dogs can't do -but there are also many things dogs can do that people cannot do. This is why humans and dogs have developed the relationships they have.  Dogs are intelligent animals that have evolved over tens of thousands of years, to live with humans; but they are not humans. Dogs have senses we don't have, and intrinsic behavious that are different to ours. Recognising the differences is part of proper dog care, but of course, there is much more to it than just that.

Lesson Structure

There are 9 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction – The Nature and Scope of Dog Care
2. Canine Anatomy and Physiology
3. Nutrition and Preventative Health
4. Canine illnesses and Treatments
5. Dog Breeds
6. Canine Breeding
7. Understanding Dog Psychology and Training
8. Grooming Dogs
9. Dog Industry Enterprises and Opportunities

Aims

• Determine the typical daily needs of a dog, both physical and psychological. Discuss the nature and scope of services available to dog owners.
• Describe the internal and external anatomy of a dog. Explain the standard physiology of a dog.
• Identify common health issues that impact on a dog’s health, wellbeing and longevity. Determine appropriate measures to prevent problems arising or respond to problems in the first instance when they do arise.
• Describe common ailments and optional treatments for those ailments.
• Compare differentiating characteristics across breeds of dogs, including both desirable and undesirable characteristics.
• Describe how dogs are bred and how the purity of breeds is controlled. Discuss the dog breeding industry and how to operate a dog breeding business.
• Explain ways in which dogs can be trained. Discuss how to successfully operate a dog training or behavioural consultancy business.
• Explain how to groom a dog.
• Determine how to successfully operate a dog grooming business.
• Explain the scope and nature of a wide range of products and services involved in the dog industry.
• Determine how to successfully operate a range of different dog service businesses.

What should you Feed Dogs?

Dogs require life stage specific diets as puppies and mature age (7+ years old) dogs have different dietary requirements than adult dogs.

Dogs can get food allergic dermatitis with itchy skin and eruptions, inflamed ears digestion problems inflammation of the toes and so on. There are various food sources that can cause this including wheat, beef, soy and corn. The particular food allergen can usually be identified by using an elimination diet or seeking veterinary advice.

Choosing a Dog Food
Commercial dog foods should be appropriate to the needs of the dog you are feeding. There are established quality standards in some countries;p but wherever you are, it is always useful to follow advice from a veterinary professional.

Commercially produced dog foods can be split into two main types: dry and wet foods. Both types of feed have their own merits and deciding which type to feed will depend on the individual dog and owners circumstances. Dry food is easy to store and weigh out, is beneficial for the dog’s teeth and gums and is generally less expensive than wet food.  However, dry food can sometimes contain high levels of gluten, which is not ideal if the dog has a sensitive stomach.  Wet food is generally higher in protein, helps to maintain an active dogs hydration levels and is often more palatable to the dog.


Making your own dog food
It is perfectly fine for people to provide their dog with homemade food. However, they have to be prepared to put effort into ensuring their dog’s daily nutrition needs are being met.   Raw bones rather than cooked bones should be used.  It may be wise to consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist first to understand exactly what the dog requires. People should also be aware of any medical conditions their dog may have before giving them homemade food.

It may also be a good idea to start off making homemade dog treats before switching a dog entirely over to homemade food.  Once on homemade food, the owner should keep an eye out for any changes in skin, coat, weight and overall health – as these can be an indication of a nutrient insufficiency.

More to Dogs than Diet Though

Dog care obviously involves more than just feeding them though. This course helps you understand the full scope of things that should be considered and addressed when keeping a dog. By studying this course, you will understand different breeds and how the behavious and needs vary from one breed to the next. Some breeds do have a tendency to develop certain health problems more than others; and some breeds are in a wide range of ways, easier and cheaper to care for than others.

How Will You Benefit?

• Follow your passion
• Fast track business or employment opportunities in dogs
• Study a course developed by veterinary and animal science professionals
• Save time -don't waste time and money traveling to classes
• Take control over when and where you study
• Take control over your speed of learning - halve the time to qualify if you want.
• Access to a team of tutors who work with animal science and veterinary care from across both Australia and the UK
• Develop a deeper understanding of dogs, and make better decisions about their management and care
• Develop connections with the pet industry, and see opportunities that may otherwise pass you by
• As a graduate, receive free career and business advice from our staff -yours for the asking.

Employment Prospects

• Pet shops
• Kennels
• Dog walking
• Dog Grooming
• Dog training
• Animal rescue
• Pet products -leashes, dog food, etc

Business Opportunities

• Buy or start up your own
• Part time or full time
• Low start ups may include dog walking, doggie day care
• Grooming or training
• Manufacture or buy in products to sell at online or at local markets
• People who love their pets will pamper them. Your business opportunities are only limited by your understanding of dogs and your ability to imagine ways an owner might pamper them.