Online Diploma in Conservation Canine Handling
The Diploma in Conservation Canine Handling is a comprehensive course combining theory and practical skills. It covers ten key areas essential for understanding, training, and working with dogs in professional and conservation settings.
The Online Diploma in Conservation Canine Handling is a comprehensive programme that combines theory and hands-on training. Below is an overview of the ten theoretical modules included in the course. In addition, the diploma features an extensive practical training video library that includes remarkable recall, disciplined downs, the certificate in practical dog training and the certificate in canine scent detection and tracking as well as much more covers all the commands and techniques required to train a scent-detection dog for conservation work.
In the first section, The Canine Industry, learners are introduced to canine behaviour and training, exploring the roles of behaviourists, trainers, and handlers. It examines how genetics, development, and temperament affect suitability for working roles, alongside key terms such as prey drive, biddability, desensitisation, and common behavioural challenges.
The next section, Dog Evolution, traces dogs’ journey from wolf-like ancestors to modern companions, exploring wolf-dog and village-dog models, domestication, selective breeding, and human influence. Case studies, such as feral dogs in Armenia, illustrate how evolution and domestication shape cooperation, instincts, and training potential.
Motivation and Learning examines what drives dogs—food, play, and social bonding—and how breed and purpose influence motivation. Learners explore timing, tone, and consistency to strengthen praise and rewards for effective training.
In Selective Breeding and Dog Breeds, the focus is on breed development for hunting, herding, guarding, and scent detection. Taming versus domestication, key breed groups, and traits influencing behaviour and intelligence are discussed, with emphasis on top breeds for conservation detection work.
Canine Personalities applies psychology models like the Five-Factor Model and TCI to assess traits such as openness, extroversion, and persistence, highlighting genetics, environment, and early experiences.
Canine Body Language teaches interpretation of posture, movement, vocalisation, scent-marking, and calming signals to read emotions, build trust, and prevent conflict.
Enrichment, Nutrition, and Health covers shelter, diet, health, and mental stimulation, emphasising nutrition, body condition, enrichment, and behavioural wellbeing.
Learning Stages examines development from puppies to seniors, highlighting socialisation, training, and consistent positive reinforcement.
Behaviour Issues addresses normal and abnormal behaviours, causes of disobedience, and fear or aggression, focusing on trust, clarity, positive reinforcement, desensitisation, and counter-conditioning.
Finally, Rescue Rehabilitation explains kennel-to-home transitions, emphasising patience, trust, structured routines, and gradual exposure to help rescue dogs regain confidence and become well-adjusted companions.