Advanced Certificate in Canine Fear, Anxiety & Aggression
This veterinary approved and externally accredited online course is written and designed by an experienced, qualified animal behaviourist with a busy behaviour referral practice. It has been designed for pet professionals working with dogs, fulfilling Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements. However, it is also suitable for dog owners who want a deeper understanding of canine behaviour.
Written with the benefit of real-world clinical behaviour experience and informed by current behavioural science.
There is a final assessment designed to help you bring together and apply the knowledge you have acquired throughout your studies. This is not a marked piece of work, but to gain your certificate you will need to provide some feedback and make notes in the form provided.
Learning outcomes:
- Gain an understanding of the canine brain, exploring how genetics, breeding and environment shape dog behaviour and temperament.
- Explore how dogs learn, including key learning theories and how to apply them when working with fearful or reactive dogs.
- Develop a solid understanding of canine body language, learning how to read stress signals and accurately assess a dog's emotional state.
- Learn about canine behavioural development, including the importance of socialisation and other critical developmental stages in a dog's life.
- Understand how fear, anxiety and frustration can escalate into aggression, and learn to recognise the early warning signs of reactive behaviour in dogs.
- Acquire practical skills to safely manage and respond to canine reactivity, including safe handling practices and strategies for preventing behavioural problems in the workplace.
- Discover the role of canine mental enrichment and how to harness a dog's natural senses to reduce stress and support their overall well-being.
This course includes:
- 8 modules
- Bitesize lessons
- Access on all devices
- Lifetime access
- Webinars & videos
- Download guides & templates
- References, resources & research
- Quizzes & assessments
- Accredited certificate of completion
- CPD transcript
- Tutorial & technical support
- Factsheets, questionnaires & templates
- Free case studies e-book
Who this course is for:
- Veterinary nurses
- Vets
- Animal behaviourists
- Kennel workers
- Dog trainers
- Dog wardens / community officers
- Rescue centre workers
- Pet professionals
- Dedicated dog owners
Before you enrol:
This course includes videos with English subtitles. We design our courses to work with the way you learn — not against it. Whether you are neurodivergent, have a sensory or physical difference, or simply prefer flexible ways to study, the features below are here to support you.
- Reading Ruler: Highlights one line at a time to help maintain focus. Toggle it on/off from the toolbar at the top of each lesson.
- Table of Contents: Longer topics display a Contents button in the toolbar for quick navigation between sections.
- Dark Mode: Reduces eye strain in low-light environments. Toggle it from the sidebar panel (top-right icons).
- Reading Time: Each topic shows an estimated reading time in the toolbar so you can plan your study sessions.
- Auto-Generated Subtitles: Available on all of our videos (approximately 95% accurate). Enable them using the CC button in the video player.
- Video Transcripts: Text versions of video content with timestamps, allowing you to follow along or revisit specific sections.
- Adjustable Playback: Video quality adjusts automatically based on your connection. Use the gear icon for manual control, or adjust playback speed to suit your pace.
- Feature Boxes: Key information is presented in visually distinct boxes, helping break down content and improve focus for neurodivergent learners or those with reading difficulties.
- Colour Contrast: Our course materials use high-contrast colour schemes to aid readability, particularly for learners with colour blindness or visual impairments.
- Downloadable Resources: Slides and supporting materials accompany webinars, enabling you to take notes and refer back at your own pace.
This course and the Advanced Certificate in Feline Fear, Anxiety & Aggression share some content. However, although many of the module titles are the same, the course is written with an emphasis on the particular species you are studying.
About the instructor:
Course curriculum:
-
Module 1: Introduction - What causes an individual to be anxious, fearful and reactive?
- Welcome
- An introduction to the topic: Definitions & signs of anxiety & fear
- Genetics and Environmental Influences on Behaviour
- Temperament & Instinct
- Parental/Maternal Influences and Social learning
- Socialisation, Habituation and One-Event Learning
- Significant Developmental Periods
- Suggested Tasks
- References & Related Research
- Canine Behaviour: Module 1 Self-Assessment Quiz
-
Module 2: Anatomy and Physiology
- Introduction to Module 2
- The Autonomic Nervous System & the Physiological Effects of Stress
- Hormones & Neurotransmitters
- The Amygdala
- Stress: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
- Pain and how it affects behaviour
- Suggested Tasks
- References & Related Research
- Canine Behaviour: Module 2 Self-Assessment Quiz
-
Module 3: Body-language & communication methods
- Introduction to Module 3
- Methods of Communication
- Understanding and Interpreting Canine Body Language (Webinar)
- Misunderstandings & Preventing Problems Updated
- Recognising and Responding to Body-language in the Workplace
- Suggested Tasks
- References & Related Research
- Canine Behaviour: Module 3 Self-Assessment Quiz
-
Module 4: The link between fear, frustration and aggression
- Introduction to Module 4
- Frustration and how it Affects Behaviour
- Fear
- Phobia
- Aggression & Reactivity
- Behavioural Analysis
- Suggested Tasks
- References & Related Research
- Canine Behaviour: Module 4 Self-Assessment Quiz
-
Module 5: The cause and effect of common behaviour problems
- Introduction to Module 5
- Learning Theory: An Introduction to Learning & Classical Conditioning
- Systematic Desensitisation (DS)
- Learning Theory: Instrumental (Operant) Conditioning & Reinforcement
- Punishment, Extinction & Differential Reinforcement (DR)
- Clicker Training & Antecedents
- Muzzle Training (Webinar)
- Dealing with Canine Behaviour Problems: Resource Guarding (Resource Holding Potential)
- Dealing with Canine Behaviour Problems: Fears & Phobias (Fireworks and Storms) (Webinar)
- Suggested Tasks
- References & Related Research
- Canine Behaviour: Module 5 Self-Assessment Quiz
Student reviews:
- Students gained real confidence in handling their own reactive dogs and understanding behaviour at a deeper level.
- Reviewers valued how the course bridged theory with practical application, giving them concrete tools to use in their work.
- Students appreciated the flexible, bite-sized module structure that allowed them to learn at their own pace around other commitments.
- Learners praised the mix of videos, webinars, case studies and additional resources that made complex concepts accessible and engaging.
Based on 85 published student reviews across all star ratings for this course.
Great course
I have really enjoyed this course on a personal ( own reactive dog) and a professional level (veterinary nurse).
There is a nice mix of reading, videos and questions to keep you interested.
Really Useful Stuff!
I found this course incredibly valuable, particularly in how it bridges theory with real-world application. The modules on learning theory, emotional state, and behaviour analysis were especially helpful, as they provided a clear framework for understanding why dogs behave the way they do, rather than just how to “fix” things.
The content was well structured and easy to follow, with a pace that allowed time to properly absorb each topic. I appreciated how the course built progressively, reinforcing key concepts like thresholds, desensitisation, and counterconditioning. It made complex subjects feel accessible without oversimplifying them.
What stood out most was the emphasis on looking at the whole picture — including physiology, environment, and handler influence — rather than focusing solely on behaviour in isolation. This has already changed how I approach both training and problem-solving.
I run a dog care and training business, working with a range of dogs including those with behavioural challenges, and this course has given me more confidence in analysing cases and structuring effective behaviour modification plans. It has also helped me better explain behaviour to clients in a way that makes sense to them.
I would absolutely recommend this course to anyone working with dogs, or even owners who want a deeper understanding of their dog’s behaviour. It provides a solid foundation while encouraging further learning, which is essential in this field.
A great in depth informative course.
I found this course very informative and easy to follow with great extra research.
Well written, easy to follow and upon completion i have a lot of new knowledge gained.
This course was excellent. Gave me a clear understanding of canine fear, anxiety and aggression. It taught practical techniques I can use in my dog walking business.
Highly recommended
Absolutely love these courses, very detailed. I’ve completed a number of them & will continue my studies. Highly recommended.
Clear and informative
The information was very clear and there was a good balance between webinars, information, images and assignments. I learned a lot and would definitely recommend it to others.
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