VTEC 1723: Animal Behaviour for Veterinary Technologists
AVAILABLE IN CANADA ONLY FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMA OPEN LEARNING PROGRAM
Students learn to interpret natural animal behaviours as they relate to safe handling, restraint and management practices. Students examine and learn how to employ low stress techniques that result in a positive experience for both the animal and the handler. Students acquire knowledge of restraint techniques used in the veterinary industry for common domestic species.
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate appropriate behavioural management of cats and dogs to be applied in clinic, kennel and home environments (includes compounds, playrooms).
- Observe, identify and accurately transcribe the behaviour of dogs and cats into patient files and assignments.
- Identify common restraint techniques used in veterinary procedures including low stress handling.
- Apply effective training techniques, using a variety of aids, to teach dogs and cats socially desirable behaviours.
- Observe, identify and discuss normal behaviour in dogs, cats and horses.
- Develop strategies to facilitate integration of pet behaviour counselling in veterinary practice.
- Examine common behaviour problems of dogs and cats that may be problematic to an owner and more serious behaviour problems that may require intensive management and behaviour modification strategies.
- Communicate with clients regarding the identification, classification and strategic management to alleviate a pet’s behaviour problems including common medications used for behaviour management.
- Recognize with moderate accuracy certain normal and abnormal behaviours in pet birds (psitticines) and describe how bird behaviour can be modified by the application of learning principles.
Course topics
Module 1: Small Animal Handling and Restraint
Module 2: Overview of Animal Behaviour
Module 3: Normal Canine—Behaviour and Social Development
Module 4: Normal Canine—Body Language
Module 5: Normal Feline—Socialization and Body Language
Module 6: Normal Feline—A Day in the Life
Module 7: Behavioural Learning Theory
Module 8: Behavioural History
Module 9: Behavioural Challenges
Module 10: Horses and Birds
Required text and materials
The following material is required for this course:
- Shaw, J., & Martin, D. (2023). Canine and Feline Behavior for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses. Wiley Blackwell.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-1-119-76540-0
The following textbook would have been purchased in VTEC 1713. Students who did not take VTEC 1713 and/or don't already own the required textbook, will need to purchase it. To do so, please contact Enrolment Services at student@tru.ca or 1.800.663.9711 (toll-free in Canada), 250.852.7000 (Kamloops, BC), and 1.250.852.7000 (International).
- Boyle, J. (2016). Crow and Walshaw’s Manual of Clinical Procedures in Dogs, Cats, Rabbits and Rodents (4th ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-1-118-98570-0
Additional requirements
A video recording device.
Optional materials
It is strongly recommended that students have access to one of the following editions (or earlier) of a veterinary dictionary. The recommended veterinary dictionaries are:
- Studdert, V. P., & Gay, C. C. (2020). Saunders comprehensive veterinary dictionary (5th ed.). Elselvier. ISBN-13: 978-0-7020-7463-9 (This textbook is also available as an e-text.)
- Aiello, S. E., & Moses, M. A. (Eds.). (2016). The Merck veterinary manual (11th ed.). Merck & Co. ISBN-13: 978-0911910612 (This textbook is available online at: Merck Manual, Veterinary Manual)
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 60% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the mandatory final exam.
The following table illustrates how your final grade will be determined for this course.
| Assignment 1: Animal Handling | 15% |
| Quiz 1: Animal Behaviour | 2.5% |
| Assignment: 2 Sensory Systems | 5% |
| Quiz 2: Canine Body Language | 2.5% |
| Quiz 3: Feline Socialization and Body Language | 2.5% |
| Assignment 3: Environmental Enrichment | 10% |
| Assignment 4: Animal Training | 10% |
| Assignment 5: Behavioural History | 5% |
| Assignment 6: Discussion—Behaviour Challenges | 5% |
| Quiz 4: Birds and Horses | 2.5% |
| Mandatory Final Exam | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
