Canine Body Language for Pet Professionals – Online Course

Canine Body Language for Pet Professionals

This online course covers all aspects of canine body language signals and calming behaviors, as well as real-world applications with other dogs and with humans. The course consists of 4 hours of video (as well as text) lectures utilizing both photos and videos.  This is a fully contained, self-paced online course

Topics include basic body language signals and calming behaviors, as well as the concepts of choice and consent and space bubbles.  You will learn to interpret the subtle signals of anxiety and fear and how to differentiate between relaxed and stressed body language cues.  Appropriate and inappropriate dog-dog greetings and play behavior will be addressed as well. In addition, you will learn the basics of what to do in the event of a dog fight.  Additionally, healthy and appropriate dog-human interactions will be covered, along with methods to facilitate safe relationships between children and dogs.  

Each chapter includes downloadable handouts and a short quiz.  A final quiz will unlock your downloadable certificate of completion.

Intended Audience

  • Dog Trainers and Behavior Consultants
  • Veterinarians
  • Veterinary Technicians
  • Shelter/Rescue Staff and Volunteers
  • Dog Day Care Staff
  • Dog Groomers
  • Dog Walkers
  • Pet Sitters
  • Dog Owners

After taking this course, participants will be able to:

  • recognize and interpret the subtle signals of canine body language;
  • differentiate between relaxed and stressed body language cues;
  • understand the use of calming behaviors;
  • recognize appropriate and inappropriate dog-dog greetings and play sessions;
  • apply techniques in the event of a dog fight;
  • explain the importance of personal space and consent when working with dogs;
  • employ and facilitate proper greetings between people and dogs; and 
  • facilitate safe and appropriate relationships between children and dogs.  

This course includes:

  • 4 hours of video tutorials
  • Over 300 photos and videos of real dogs
  • 25 handouts
  • Discussion boards
  • Certificate of Completion
  • CEUs for CCPDT and IAABC
  • Access to all course materials for 1 year

Continuing Education Credit (CEUs):

  • IAABC – 4 CEUs
  • CCPDT – 4 CEUs for CPDT-KA and CPDT-KSA

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Chapter 1: Body signals
  • Chapter 2: Body Posture, Miscellaneous Signals & Special Conditions
  • Chapter 3: Calming Behaviors
  • Chapter 4: Body Language Overview
  • Chapter 5: Dog-Dog Interactions
  • Chapter 6: Dog-Human Interactions
Canine Body Language Online Course
Canine Body Language Online Course