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Course Descriptions
CAS 101 - Animal Learning Processes & Behavior Analysis (48 Clock Hours) (4.8 CEU's)
This course serves as an examination of basic scientific assumptions as they apply to the practice of applied companion animal
behavior analysis. The course will include an analysis of animal learning behavior processes, including respondent and operant
conditioning. This analysis will focus on the theory behind the procedures used by applied animal behavior specialists for
increasing and decreasing animal behavior. Students will receive the theoretical framework behind animal behavior analysis within
the context of real-life clinical examples. A discussion of current and past research on animal cognition will also be
entertained.
CAS 103 - Principles of Ethology (48 Clock Hours) (4.8 CEU's)
This course will explore animal behavior as observed in the natural environment and in the context of evolutionary adaptation with
particular interest in the behavior of domestic animals or animals kept in captivity. Ethology is based on the theory that an
animal's behavior is generally adapted to its environment in much the same way as its physical characteristics. Unlike the
behaviorist, the ethologist's point of view is that a laboratory environment constrains animal behavior too much to provide a true
understanding of its full range of functions and activities. Topics in this course include the cause of behavior, development within
the lifetime of the individual animal, evolution within the lifetime of the species, and adaptive function or how it helps the
animal's species to survive. The pioneering work of Konrad Lorenz and Niko Tinbergen and its effect on such wide-ranging disciplines
as genetics, anthropology, psychology and political science will be reviewed through current practices in ethology and
conservation.
CAS 104 - Family Counseling for Animal Behavior Professionals (48 Clock Hours) (4.8 CEU's)
Certain principles governing behavior are common to all life forms by means of interplay between
biological, genetic, psychological, and sociological factors in determining individual behavior. This course will explore the
potential for collaboration among families, the family veterinarian and the animal behavior professional with the goal of shaping
appropriate companion animal behavior to meet reasonable expectations. Principles of family systems theory will be considered.
Students will learn to consider the behavior of individuals and families responsible for the care of a companion animal and will
employ strategies to increase the probability of success in the animal’s treatment program and reaching determined goals. Included
are development of flowcharts to guide decision making for family intervention, client history and survey forms, and methods for
graphing client progress.
CAS 106 - Canine Behavior Analysis and Treatment (48 Clock Hours) (4.8 CEU's)
This course focuses on approach and technique in modifying unwanted behavior in the family dog through the application of learning
principles and biopsychology in the behavior clinic or in the family home setting. Normal and abnormal behavior and the social,
communication and sensory systems of the dog are examined. An indepth analysis of abnormal classifications of behavior and the
protocols for treatment are explored. The student will learn to create assessment forms, take a behavioral history from the human
family, and use methodical observations in order to formulate a clear and concise behavioral diagnosis of the problem. Using this
diagnosis, the student will learn to develop a behavioral treatment plan, advise the human family members of how to implement the
plan, and prepare a report for the family veterinarian. CAS 101 and CAS 103 are prerequisites for this course.
CAS 105 - Feline Behavior Analysis and Treatment (48 Clock Hours) (4.8 CEU's)
This course focuses on the domestic cat including behavioral development, the mother-kitten relationship, individuality, social
life, signaling, group-living, density, spacial organization and reproductive tactics, predatory behavior, domestication and
history, and the human-cat relationship. In addition, normal feline behavior, aggression, elimination disorders, fraes, anxiety and
stereotypies. behavioral pharmacology, prevention, and treatment of behavior problems will be covered. The student will learn to
create assessment forms, take a behavioral history from the human family, and use methodical observations in order to formulate a
clear and concise behavioral diagnosis of the problem. Using this diagnosis, the student will learn to develop a behavioral
treatment plan, advise the human family members of how to implement the plan, and prepare a report for the family veterinarian. CAS
101 and CAS 103 are prerequisites for this course.
CAS 110 - Companion Animal Business Practices and Ethics (48 Clock Hours) (4.8 CEU's)
This course will provide an overview of business practices for the student who wishes to create and grow a private companion animal
behavior practice, animal training business or animal behavior facility; or for those who want to work for an established animal
behavior business as an employee and professional. Topics will include examining personal objectives, determining business
feasibility, researching the market, analyzing the competition, choosing a business name, opting for a home-based versus business
facility, choosing a legal structure, writing a mission statement and business plan, graphic identity and promotional materials,
forms and contracts, educational materials, resale certificates and sales tax, setting up a bank account, selecting insurance,
business financing, record keeping, hiring professionals, developing a marketing plan, pricing your services, and marketing on the
Internet. Ethical concerns encompass every aspect of business activity, and so ethical choices in business are unavoidable.
Business ethics can provide important support for maximizing long-term owner value or cost a business its very life. This course
will also consider the importance of business ethics in ordinary, everyday, routine activities in a companion animal behavior
practice and how the business or practice deals with its staff, its customers, its veterinary and pet service professionals, and the
services it provides to the public. Actual cases from animal behavior business start-ups will be examined and live "chats" with
successful professionals in the field will allow the student to ask questions while learning. The final project for this course
will include development of a professional business plan and a code of standards and ethics.
CAS 111 - Companion Animal Welfare, Control and Human Service (48 Clock Hours) (4.8
CEU's)
This course is intended to provide an appreciation of the scope of, and working positions within, the field of companion animal
welfare including the areas of protection, control, and the use of working animals to assist humans. The training of working dogs,
i.e. guide dogs for the blind, service dogs, search and rescue dogs, hearing dogs, detector dogs, therapy dogs, law enforcement
dogs, performing animals and other specialty dogs will be explored as will their role in society. The mission of no-kill animal
shelters, animal sanctuaries, government animal control agencies, and non-profit animal training organizations will be explored.
Issues in companion animal welfare, overpopulation, and its prevention will be addressed.
CAS 120 - Canine and Feline Nutrition and Wellness (48 Clock Hours) (4.8 CEU's)
This course provides a through examination of the science of companion animal nutrition and practical feeding management information
for dogs and cats. Topics covered include the basic principles of nutrition, nutrient requirements for cats and dogs, animal feed
production and selection, feeding management through life's stages, feeding problems, and dietary management of nutritionally
responsive diseases. Current research is reviewed and balanced discussions of controversial issues of dietary management are
presented. Differences between the nutrient requirements and feeding practices of cats and dogs are addressed.
CAS 107 - Puppy and Kitten Behavioral Development (48 Clock Hours) (4.8 CEU's)
This course will provide the student with an in-depth look at puppy and kitten behavioral development from birth to social maturity
with special, emphasis on the animal's critical periods of social and behavioral development. The reseach of puppy social
development by Scott and Fuller will be examined in depth as well as other scientific papers and readings in this area.
CAS 133 - Canine and Feline Reproduction (48 Clock Hours) (4.8 CEU's)
This course will focus on canine and feline reproduction (theriogenology), and the requirements for a successful breeding program.
Topics will include sexual differentiation and normal anatomy, breeding management, semenology and artificial insemination including
the use of chilled and frozen semen, copulation, pregnancy and parturition, neonatal care and infertility. Management of normal
reproduction and reproductive disorders in the male and female dog and cat will be covered. Basic anatomy and physiology and
nutrition of the dog and cat, health, diseases, infections, vaccinations and schedules, daily care, grooming, hygiene, and well
being.
CAS 135 - Companion Animal Handling and Care (48 Clock Hours) (4.8 CEU's)
While this course is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary care, it will enable the student to understand the
basics of health care and disease prevention for young and adult dogs and cats. Topics will include animal emergencies, intestinal
parasites, infectious disease and vaccinations, skin problems and care, eye disorders, ear infections, nose irritations and oral
cavity, digestive and respiratory system problems, circulatory system, nervous system, muscle and bone disorders, urinary system,
pediatrics, tumors and cancer, and geriatrics.
CAS 701 - Dog Training and Instructor Skills Development Workshop (48 Clock Hours) (4.8
CEU's)
This 6-day, on-the-ground workshop with dogs is designed to develop a student's dog training and instructor skills for the purpose
of training dogs in what is commonly known as basic obedience and to teach pet owners how to train their dogs in private and group
settings. Humane operant and respondent conditioning techniques will be employed to shape present behaviors and create new ones
using clicker training and Gentle Leader ® head collars when possible. Motivational, non-aversive and non-punishment techniques
will be stressed. Students may elect to bring their own dog, however, the emphasis will be on working with many dogs and dog
breeds. A review of animal learning theory is also included.
Workshops are currently offered in several U.S. cities. This workshop is open to all. Prerequisites: CAS 101 or an undergraduate
level course in animal learning.
CAS 702 - Applied Behavior Modification and Family Counseling Workshop (48 Clock Hours) (4.8
CEU's)
This 6-day on-the-ground seminar/workshop will build upon the theoretical foundation acquired during the CAS 101 and 103 courses and
the practical experience gained in the CAS 701 seminar/workshop. Students will learn how to treat dogs with a variety of abnormal
behavior disorders including fears, phobias, aggression, OCDs, anxiety disorders and other problems that may present in a family
home. Treatment plans will be developed which include an 8-point behavioral plan intended to modify behavior. Family counseling
sessions will occur as well as workshops designed to prepare clinical behavior reports to the family veterinarian. Veterinarians and
animal scientists will also lecture. This workshop is open to all. AIAS Prerequisites: CAS 701 |
