Course DescriptionsCourses are listed numerically preceded by an academic discipline prefix. Courses are numbered 100-599. Each course number is followed by the course title, a course description, the number of semester credits that the course satisfies and a notice of any prerequisites required. Under graduate courses numbered 100-299 are lower division (Associate of Science, freshman, sophomore) and 300-499 are upper division (Bachelor of Science, junior, senior). Graduate courses numbered 500-599 are Master’s level.
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Undergraduate - Associate of Science Assistance Dog Education
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ADE 220 - Disability Studies & Experience
The course provides an understanding of varying types, causes, and resulting limitations of the more prevalent forms of physical disabilities. Clinical signs and progressive stages of specific disabilities are reviewed as well as related terminology and special considerations related to service dog placement. It is also designed to weave together strands from psychological, sociological, somatic, and political perspectives, including an exploration of subjective experiences with disabilities. Part of the course involves dialogue with people with disabilities as well as experiential learning through role-playing exercises.
(3 credits) -
ADE 225 – Intro to Assistance Dog Selection, Breeding & Whelping
This course introduces students to the basic principles of selecting service dogs, the issues involved in the breeding process, and the materials and methods for whelping the resulting puppies. It will cover the selection phenotype characteristics like structure, low-to mid-arousal, low predatory drive, desire to please and trainability. The role genetics play in selection will be referenced. (2 credits: 1.5 lec, .5 lab)
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ADE 230 - Intro to Service Dog Roles & Training
Students learn the commands utilized and the methods for teaching the assistance dog commands. Emphasis is put on understanding how a dog learns and techniques to teach each command.
(2.5 credits: 2 lecture, .5 lab) -
ADE 231 - Intro to Service Dog Training Supervised Lab
This course provides the student with basic knowledge and skills related to selecting, training, and utilizing dogs in institutions, schools, libraries, courthouses and other settings.
Pre-requisite(s): ADE 230 Intro to Service Dog Roles & Training, ADE 232 Intro to Facility & Therapy Dog Roles and Training
(2 supervised lab credits) -
ADE 232 Intro to Facility & Therapy Dog Roles and Training
This course provides the student with basic knowledge and skills related to selecting, training, and utilizing dogs in institutions, schools, libraries, courthouses and other settings. (1 credit: .5 lecture, .5 lab)
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ADE 233 Intro to Facility & Therapy Dog Training Supervised Lab
Students practice social therapy dog commands taught by their instructor, with guidance on theirs and the dog’s body language and communication.
Pre-requisite(s): ADE 230 Intro to Service Dog Roles & Training, ADE 232 Intro to Facility & Therapy Dog Roles and Training. (.5 supervised lab credits) -
ADE 235 - Intro to Affiliated Service, Facility & Therapy Dog Roles & Training
Students are instructed in the concepts of recreational activities for service, facility and therapy dog participation; these modified sporting activities like agility, rally, and others are intended to provide fun and exercise to the lives of these specialized dog human partnerships. (1 credit: .5 lecture, .5 lab)
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ADE 236 - Intro to Affiliated Service Dog Training Supervised Lab
Students practice reading with dog skills in a public school classroom, attend field trips incorporating learned social therapy skills. (1 supervised lab credit)
Pre-requisite(s): ADE 232 Intro to Facility & Therapy Dog Roles and Training, ADE 235 Intro to Affiliated Service Dog Roles & Training -
ADE 244 - Intro to Remediating Problem Assistance Dogs
Dogs, whether service, facility, or canine therapy dogs, can suffer from a number of behavioral problems that make them difficult to live or work with. This course will provide instruction on how to assess the most common of dog behavioral problems, and offer approaches to correcting them. The secondary issue will be to discuss which dogs are able to be placed in the above three roles, or which need to be placed in other roles or released. (1.5 credits: 1 lecture, .5 lab)
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ADE 250 - Dog/Pup Parent & Pup Petter Management
Students will learn the necessity for outside pup petters for pup enrichment, and the training needed for these volunteers. The need for volunteer pup parents and the training programs each of these requires. (1.5 credits)
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ADE 255 – Assistance Dog Scent Detection Dog Roles & Training
Dogs have an amazing sense of smell that can be utilized in many working roles. This course introduces students to the many scent detection jobs dogs can do for individuals with disabilities like diabetic alert dog work. Students will learn the fundamentals of scent detection training and will get hands-on experience training a dog to do scent detection. (2 credits: 1.5 lecture, .5 lab)
Co-requisite(s): ADE 256 – Assistance Dog Scent Detection Supervised Lab -
ADE 256 - Assistance Dog Scent Detection Supervised Lab
Students and dogs will practice diabetic alert detection exercises and expand to other disabilities like allergy alert during the lab time. Focus will be on the dog’s appropriate alerting methods. Co-requisite(s): ADE 255 - Assistance Dog Scent Detection Dog Roles & Training (.5 supervised lab credits)
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ADE 260 - Intro to Non-Profit Business Management
Students learn about program incorporation, building boards of directors, gaining tax-exempt status for the donors, minimum HR practices, hiring and personnel management. (2 credits)
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ADE 265 - Intro to Non-Profit Fundraising & Marketing
This course focuses on fundraising processes starting with public relations and marketing methods, identifying and cultivation of donors, donor software, grant identifying and writing, and follow-up. Students learn and practice techniques to build constituencies and to raise funds. (2 credits)
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ADE 270 - Assistance Dog Laws
Explores the legal issues surrounding assistance dog access rights and laws in this country. Particular attention is paid to state and ADA laws. Students are asked to examine the completeness, efficacy, enforce-ability, and consequences of current assistance dog-related law. (1.5 credits)
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ADE 280 – Intro to Assistance Dog Client Training
This course includes a two-week applied mock client training so students are familiar with the experience their clients will go through when obtaining a dog. This course culminates in a two-week mock client training where students practice their skills in running a class placing service, facility and therapy dogs with clients. (2.5 credits: 2 wks at semester beginning/end)
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ADE 282 – Assistance Dog Client Processing, Placement & Follow Up
The course prepares students to create and manage service dog clients from the initial application and interview process through acceptance into client training and matching. Clients are also made aware of the shorter dog life and mention of grief is introduced in these conversations. Throughout the semester they are also involved in the monthly, bi-annual, and annual post-placement follow-up with clients. (1 credit)
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ADE 285 – Assistance Dog Client Training
Students become student-teachers using their skills to run a class placing service, facility and therapy dogs with clients. Throughout the semester they are also involved in the monthly, bi-annual, and annual post-placement follow-up with clients. (2.5 credits)
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LIF 110 - Intro to Human-Dog Psychology & Development
This course provides an overview of basic psychological principles and expands to include the similarities between human and dog psychology. Theories of sports psychology that pertain to the acquisition of motor skills applicable to humans and dogs will be explored in depth and the psychology of learning will supplement the curriculum. With attention on research-based behavioral science, students are provided an opportunity to hone their critical thinking skills in relation to the unique psychological bond between human and dog. Students are introduced to the importance of sound early childhood and puppyhood management and training. Emphasis is placed on biological, affective, psychosocial, cognitive, and motor skill development. (3 credits)
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LIF 150 – Canine Health & Care
This course is an introduction to basic canine health care. Techniques for examining the dogs are stressed, as is preventive medicine. Treatments for minor injuries and other medical conditions are discussed. A list of treatments monthly, annually and beyond are given to the students who should become knowledgeable in their application.
Co-requisite(s): LIF 151 - Canine Health & Care Supervised Lab (2.5 credits: 2 lecture, .5 lab) -
LIF 151 – Canine Health & Care Supervised Lab
Students will be required to attend to minor injuries and other medical conditions as well as learn about required shots and treatments. (.5 supervised lab credits
Co-requisite(s): LIF 150 - Canine Health & Care -
LIF 235 – Career Considerations
Graduating Associate students will explore a range of careers available in dog and industry-related businesses for Associate Degree graduates, and engage in an assessment of their personal strengths and skills in relation to desired career areas. Meetings consist of both individual and group discussions. (.5 credits)
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LIF 262 – Intro to Kennel Technology
This course teaches methods used in managing a dog’s environment. Containment systems, cleanup, sanitation, and issues related to waste disposal requirements, along with general health and safety concerns applicable to the home, business, or kennel environment, including toy safety, are explored. (1 credit: .5 lecture, .5 lab)
Prerequisite: LIF 250A
Corequisite: LIF 250C -
LIF 263 – Kennel Technology Supervised Lab
Co-requisite(s) and/or Pre-requisite(s): LIF 262 - Intro to Kennel Technology
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Undergraduate - Bachelor of Science
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LIF 210 - Introduction to Dog Psychology and Handling
Students transferring in to the Bachelor’s program with the required biological, psychological, and social and behavioral sciences will be provided an expanded understanding of many of those concepts and their correlations to dogs and dog training. This course is not specified for graduates of the Associate of Science degree programs.
(3 lower credits: 2 lec, 1 lab summer course)
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LIF 215 - Intro to Canine Concepts
Students transferring in to the Bachelor’s program with the required biological, psychological, and social and behavioral sciences will be provided an expanded understanding of many of those concepts and their correlations to dogs and dog training. This course is not specified for graduates of the Associate of Science degree programs.
(2 credits: 1.5 lecture, .5 lab)
Co-requisite(s): LIF 216 – Intro to Canine Concepts Supervised Lab -
LIF 216 - Intro to Canine Concepts Supervised Lab
Students will apply the information taught in LIF 215 to applied dog handling and training, expanding their knowledge to include the use of several different methods of teaching motor skills to dogs while improving their own motor skill dog training abilities. An emphasis is placed on student self-assessment and peer assessment of the use of appropriate physical movements, voice and body postures while teaching the dogs as well as the ability to observe, assess, and understand dog behavior in the context of service dog skill acquisition. This course is not specified for graduates of the Associate of Science degree programs.
(1 supervised lab credit)
Co-requisite(s): LIF 215 – Intro to Canine Concepts -
LIF 300 - Playgroups and Enrichment:
Active enrichment is critical to animal welfare in a community. Passive enrichment, such as food toys and scents, are only a piece of the full picture of enrichment in a multi-animal setting. Active enrichment, such as playgroups and volunteer programs, require staff who are proficient in both the kinesthetic and practical knowledge required to successfully operate enrichment programs. In this course, students will develop that knowledge in order to oversee and operate various enrichment programs at animal welfare organizations.( 2 credits, 1.5 Lecture, .5 Lab.)
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LIF 301 - Rescue and Shelter Dog Outcomes:
As shelter programs move away from application-based adoption methodologies, shelter workers must be proficient in utilizing conversation- based adoption strategies to facilitate safe and successful placement of dogs from the shelter into homes. This course will prepare students for shelter roles involving safely introducing dogs of unknown backgrounds to potential adopters, discussing dogs' training needs with adopters, and providing guidance to best facilitate a successful match between human and canine. This course will also explore creative and non-traditional outcomes for shelter dogs, including minor working roles. 1.5 credits, (1 Lecture, .5 Lab).
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LIF 305 - History of Dog Breeds & Training
This course studies the history, diversity, instincts, purpose, and problems associated with individual and groups of modern dog breeds. Students will be required to synthesize this material to project futurist changes in dog human relationship and roles. (3 credits)
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LIF 310 - Selection, Breeding & Whelping Strategies
The course will provide the student the primary ingredients for choosing dogs for a successful breeding program. The students will debate and prioritize the various characteristics that make up the “perfect” dog for the chosen work role. They will select the characteristics of a hypothetical breeding pair including DNA analysis and become aware through video and real experiences what the critical elements of a physical breeding entails.
(2 credits: 1.5 lecture, .5 lab)
Co-requisite(s): LIF 311 – Selection, Breeding & Whelping Strategies -
LIF 311 - Selection, Breeding & Whelping Strategies Supervised Lab
Students will monitor an actual breeding and prepare the equipment and supplies for an upcoming “whelping”. Students will also manage the care of the whelp from its birth to detaching the umbilical cord from the placenta, through all the steps from checking its viability, drying it, recording times, weight, and readying its return to the mom. (1 supervised lab credit)
Co-requisite(s): LIF 310 - Selection, Breeding & Whelping Strategies -
LIF 315 - Environmental Management
This course teaches the basics in managing an environment in which dogs and humans coexist for their mutual benefit. Containment systems, cleanup, sanitation and issues related to waste disposal requirements, along withgeneral health and safety concerns applicable to the home, business or kennel environment, including toy safety, are explored. Boarding kennel vs. dog day care and other care-giving approaches are discussed. (1 credit)
Co-requisite(s): LIF 316 – Environmental Management Supervised Lab -
LIF 316 - Environmental Management Supervised Lab
Students will apply the knowledge and understanding gained in LIF 315 to applied experience maintaining kennel environments. (.5 supervised lab credits)
Co-requisite(s): LIF 315 - Environmental Management -
LIF 320 - Business Management
The business sector related to dogs is an expanding one, which has demonstrated significant resilience in the current poor economic climate. This course looks at the variety of businesses and corporate structures that comprise the growth in the dog-related industry over the past couple decades — from start-up entrepreneurial companies to the large corporations. Acquisition of skills necessary for business management are emphasized. The course comprises three elements, all of which are geared to helping the students make assessments concerning how and where they may want to work and make an impact in this expanding field of dog related businesses. 1. Students learn about and research the types of business structures in the dog and dog-related industry and research various types of products on the market 2. Students engage in an assessment of their personal strengths and skills and develop their knowledge of the dog industry. This is done with a view to better understanding how they might develop a start-up business or enter an existing business in a supervisory or management role. 3. Students are involved in formulating an idea that could be developed in a commercial market. This product may relate to training, management, development, or entertainment of dogs, or it may be something dog related.
(3 credits) -
LIF 330 - Canine Nutrition
The digestive anatomy of dogs and humans is reviewed, along with a study of the health requirements of the dog. Commercial dog foods are assessed to see if standards are met. A design for feeding programs for dogs of various ages and in various working or pet roles is discussed. (3credits)
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LIF 335 - Career Considerations*
Graduating Bachelor students will explore a range of careers available to Bachelor Degree graduates in dog and industry-related businesses and engage in an assessment of their personal strengths and skills in relation to desired career areas. Meetings consist of both individual and group discussions. (.5 credits)
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LIF 340 - Remediating Problem Dogs
Dogs can suffer from a number of behavioral problems that make them difficult to live or work with. This course will provide instruction on how to assess the most common of dog behavioral problems such as separation anxiety, dog to dog aggression and leash reactivity, and offer approaches to correcting them. These approaches may involve adjustments in the human/dog relationship, the living environment, training protocols and the possibility of rehoming. (1.5 credits; 1 credit lecture, .5 lab)
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LIF 345 - History of Dog Laws
Students study the development of laws related to dogs, including the rationale behind the laws. Debates analyzing the appropriateness of specific laws and their applications are an integral part of the coursework. (3 credits)
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LIF 350 - Dogs in Art, Cultural and Religion
Students examine the representation of dogs across multiple art forms and sources of mediums, including; visual, literary, and performing arts in order to gain a greater understanding of the dog from differing cultural views and values. Thematic categories will be utilized to further emphasize and evaluate how various forms of art have depicted the ever evolving place of dogs across cultures, religions, and historical contexts. (2 credits)
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LIF 360 - Canine Anatomy
The canine’s anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, and immunology are presented in conjunction with body mechanics. Normal canine anatomy and physiology is taught through lectures, class activities and hands on dissections. All major organs and systems are examined to facilitate a working knowledge of how a healthy canine should look and behave. This knowledge allows students to effectively and efficiently recognize abnormal anatomy and potential illnesses in their dogs. (1.5 credits, 1 lec, .5 lab)
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LIF 361 – Canine Health
The canine’s immunology will be studied along with applied techniques for examining eyes, ears, mouth, teeth, heart, respiratory system, skin, and neuromuscular systems; preventive medicine will also be stressed. Treatments for minor injuries and other minor medical conditions are analyzed. (2 credits: 1.5 lecture, .5 lab)
Co-requisite(s): LIF 362 – Canine Health Supervised Lab -
LIF 362 - Canine Health Supervised Lab
Lab exercises will consist of students taking part in dog exams, diagnosis, and treatment, monitoring that all the vaccinations and oral treatments are given and giving shots as needed. The applied exercises help develop the students’ observational and analytical skills. (1 supervised lab credit)
Co-requisite(s): LIF 361 - Canine Health -
LIF 380 – Early Puppyhood Education
Students will be introduced to puppy critical periods, their sensory development, and key concepts for providing the best environmental and enrichment activities for their future potential as assistance dogs. Appropriate age-related training of commands and behavior shaping will be emphasized together with recent research in puppy education. 1.5 credits, (1 Lecture, .5 Lab.)
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LIF 393 - Dog Rescue & Shelter Program Operations
First-year Bachelor students will advance their knowledge by applying their understanding of canine learning and motor skills acquisition to understanding the operations of dog rescue and shelter programs, including intake methodology. They will also be expected to anticipate issues of the problems these dogs have and compare those with the reality of their experiences when training in the shelter. (2 credits: 1.5 lecture, .5 lab)
Pre-requisite(s): LIF 391- Assistance Dogs OR LIF 491- Obedience Training OR Graduate in good standing from Bergin Collesge of Canine Studies’ Associate of Science degree program Co-requisite(s): LIF 394 – Dog Rescue & Shelter Program Operations Supervised Lab -
LIF 391 - Assistance Dogs
Students analyze and differentiate objectives amongst the wide spectrum of assistance dog roles, learn the commands associated with each and the psychomotor skills applicable to each. Fundamentals of canine learning and motor skills acquisition as they relate to assistance dog training. Information will be presented from a variety of academic disciplines such as biology, ethology and psychology to help create a more complete and integrated level of student knowledge. (2 credits: 1.5 lecture, .5 lab)
Co-requisite(s): LIF 395 – Assistance Dogs Supervised Lab -
LIF 394 - Dog Rescue & Shelter Program Operations Supervised Lab
The Laboratory portion of this course provides first-year year Bachelor students with opportunities to learn the guidelines of a shelter’s training program. Applied knowledge in the operations of the rescue or shelter program will also be involved. (1 supervised lab credit)
Pre-requisite(s): LIF 391- Assistance Dogs OR LIF 491- Obedience Training OR Graduate in good standing from Bergin College of Canine Studies’ Associate of Science degree program Co-requisite(s): LIF 393 – Dog Rescue & Shelter Program Operations -
LIF 396 - Affiliated Sporting and Working Dog Training
Students will apply their understanding of canine learning and motor skills acquisition from the Assistance Dog Training course to the acquisition of learning and motor skills in the areas of sports and working dog roles. They will also appraise current trends in human canine sporting and working roles and their impact on the resulting partnerships to advance their knowledge base. (1 credit: 5 lecture, .5 lab)
Pre-requisite(s): LIF 391- Assistance Dogs OR LIF 491- Obedience Training OR Graduate in good standing from Bergin College of Canine Studies’ Associate of Science degree program Co-requisite(s): LIF 393 – Dog Rescue & Shelter Program Operations -
LIF 395 - Assistance Dogs Supervised Lab
The laboratory portion of this course provides students with the opportunity to develop the motor skills necessary to teach assistance dog tasks to their assigned dog(s) as well as to facilitate their ability to teach these skills to others. (1 supervised lab credit)
Co-requisite(s): LIF 391 - Assistance Dogs -
LIF 431 - Humans and Canines – Personalities, Emotionality and Language
This course provides a look at human and canine personalities and social cues. Facial, body language, body mechanics and vocalizations are examined. (3.0 credits)
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LIF 440 - Research and the Dog
This course provides an introduction to quantitative, qualitative, clinical, historical, and philosophical research that has been done on the dog. Identification of obvious research needing to be done, questions not yet answered, and issues remaining to be resolved are explored. Students are required to undertake projects to help define and clarify shortfalls in dog research, theorizing why this research remains undone. (3 credits)
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LIF 450 - Genetics vs. Environment
The influences of genetic and environmental causes of physical and behavioral issues and their solutions will be contrasted and compared. Students will be required to analyze phenotypical and genotypical responses as part of the selection process. The course includes the study of genetic markers and their relation to dog pedigrees. (3 credits)
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LIF 460 - Cynomorphic Perspective
A psychological and philosophical review that answers, as best we can, the following questions: 1) What do dogs know, think, and believe? 2) How is canine consciousness similar and different from human consciousness? 3) What is the role of nature and nurture in shaping canine cognitive capacity? 4) Is a dog capable of moral agency? 5) What does it mean to hold a dog morally responsible? (3 credits)
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LIF 488 - Human Animal Support Services
With more comprehensive animal welfare programs taking shape across the country, some of the industry's focus is moving outside of the physical shelter and into the communities that these shelters serve. Programs like lost pet reunification, pet support services, supported self-rehoming, field services and public safety, community partnerships, foster-centric programming, remote customer service, case management, and volunteer integration are critical to the overall welfare of animals in a community. In this course, students will learn to identify a community's needs, how to respond and engage with the community appropriately and effectively, and how to measure quantifiable success in these programs 1 credit)
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LIF 489 - Managing Group Dog Training Classe:
Group dog training classes are a consistently popular training option for dog owners, and require that an instructor not only be competent in training the dog behaviors themselves, but also in training the owners. Leading and instructing a group of novice dog owners requires both kinesthetic skills and strong oratory skills. Students will develop both of those skills throughout this course. This course will require students to lead group dog training classes as part of their studies (1.5 credits: .5 lecture, 1 lab)
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LIF 491 - Obedience Training
Students will apply their understanding of canine learning and motor skills acquisition to learn to work with pet dogs and their families. From puppy and pet dog training through competitive venues, students will get a thorough education in how to teach obedience skills to dogs as well as how to teach people to work with their own dogs. Students will be preparing to teach obedience classes to the general public. (2 credits: 1.5 lecture, .5 lab)
Co-requisite(s): LIF 495 - Obedience Training Supervised Lab -
LIF 492 – Recreational Scent Detection Training
In this course students will apply their understanding of canine learning and motor skills acquisit In this course students will apply their understanding of canine learning and motor skills acquisition to the training of dogs for scent detection. Students will refine their training and observation skills so they can learn to: 1) read the subtle body language changes of dogs working odor and 2) use body language cues to direct a searching dog without interfering with the dog’s work. Students will compare and contrast differing “alerting” requirements relative to the scent jobs involved. Information form a variety of academic disciplines such as biology, ethology and psychology helps create a more complete and integrated level of student understanding. (2 credits: 1.5 lecture, .5 lab)
Pre-requisite(s): LIF 491- Obedience Training Co-requisite(s): LIF 496 – Recreational Scent Detection Training Supervised Lab -
LIF 493 - Advanced Concepts in Dog Rescue & Shelter Programs
Second-year Bachelor students will apply their understanding of canine learning and motor skills acquisition to analyze better ways to train these problem dogs and to support the needs of shelter dogs by designing and implementing their own kennel organization and training plans for dogs at a local animal shelter. (2 credits: 1.5 lecture, .5 lab)
Pre-requisite(s): LIF 391- Assistance Dogs OR LIF 491- Obedience Training OR LIF 393- Dog Rescue & Shelter Program Operations Co-requisite(s): LIF 494 – Advanced Concepts in Dog Rescue & Shelter Programs Supervised Lab -
LIF 494 - Advanced Concepts in Dog Rescue & Shelter Programs Supervised Lab
The laboratory portion of this course provides students with opportunities to expand their former learning by getting hands-on experience training dogs with more serious problem behaviors, as well as teaching shelter staff and volunteers how to follow through with these methods. This experience will reinforce their abilities to teach canine motor skills as well as increase their ability to teach other people to work successfully with problem dogs. An emphasis is placed on student assessment of the training needs of the dogs as well as the ability to teach others to use appropriate physical movements, voice and body postures to teach the dogs. (1 supervised lab credit)
Pre-requisite(s): LIF 391- Assistance Dogs OR LIF 491- Obedience Training OR LIF 393- Dog Rescue & Shelter Program Operations Co-requisite(s): LIF 493 – Advanced Concepts in Dog Rescue & Shelter Programs -
LIF 495 - Obedience Training Supervised Lab
The Laboratory portion of this course provides students with opportunities to expand their abilities to teach obedience motor skills to dogs and to dog owners. An emphasis is placed on the student’s ability to self-assess as well as to assess and coach others in the appropriate physical movements, voice and body postures needed for obedience training.
(1 supervised lab credit)
Co-requisite(s): LIF 491 - Obedience Training -
LIF 496 – Recreational Scent Detection Training Supervised Lab
In this course students will apply their understanding of canine learning and motor skills acquisition to the training of dogs for scent detection. Students will refine their training and observation skills so they can learn to: 1) read the subtle body language changes of dogs working odor and 2) use body language cues to direct a searching dog without interfering with the dog’s work. Students will compare and contrast differing “alerting” requirements relative to the scent jobs involved. Information form a variety of academic disciplines such as biology, ethology and psychology helps create a more complete and integrated level of student understanding.
(1 supervised lab credit)
Co-requisite(s): LIF 492 – Scent Detection Training -
LIF 497 – Vocational Scent Detection Training
In this course students will apply their understanding of canine learning and motor skills acquisition to the training of dogs for scent detection for vocational purposes. Students will study traits in dogs that make them successful candidates for a vocational scent role, as well as compare and contrast traits necessary for different types of vocational scent roles. br> 2 credits, (1.5 Lecture, .5 Lab.)
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LIF 498 – Vocational Scent Detection Training Supervised Lab
. In this course students will apply their understanding of canine learning and motor skills acquisition to the training of dogs for vocational purposes. Students will apply their understanding of vocational training of scent detection to evaluate and begin training of dogs who may be candidates for vocational scent roles. br> 1 supervised lab credit.
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Graduate - Masters
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LIF 505 - The Emotional Lives of Dogs and Other Animals
Students will study the evolution of animal emotions in a wide variety of animals but will focus on domestic dogs. Students will read and discuss a good deal of general material about animal emotions and will learn about. The students will be challenged to show how scientific data regarding evolutionary biology and ethology meshes with common sense and intuition. Current and historical views will be explored and discussed in depth. 3 credits
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LIF 510A - Introduction to Scholarly Inquiry and Research Methodology
This course focuses on the construction of a research instrument or capstone culminating project and by investigating its measurement properties (validity and reliability) This measurement will be linked to qualitative measures and quantitative observations and will be discussed in a variety of contexts including: interviewing, standardized testing or performance assessment. Students will examine the development of knowledge frameworks, and what shapes them; the purpose of such frameworks as they impact decision-making; reviewing issues and research in statistical methodologies and qualitative methodologies. dogs and assistance dogs (service, hearing, guide, social/therapy) and other ways dogs help or are involved with people. 1 credit
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LIF 510B – Introduction to Scholarly Inquiry and Research Methodology
LIF 510B, building on LIF 510A, will introduce and require student evaluation of the basic techniques and tools for manipulation of quantitative data, data management and analysis using spreadsheets and statistical packages, and graphical presentation of data. The course will focus on techniques commonly used in behavioral and sociological studies. 1 credit
Prerequisite: LIF 510A -
LIF 510C – Introduction to Scholarly Inquiry and Research Methodology
In Segment C, students will refine the research question(s) and hypotheses of the research they will undertake for their capstone thesis/project and use the knowledge from Segments A and B to identify appropriate research methodologies and statistical analyses for study and evaluation of their selected topic. They will gain greater familiarity with database searching, literature review design, and scholarly publishing.. 1 credit
Prerequisite: LIF 510B -
LIF 515 - Human-Canine Cognition and Communication Compared
A comparison of canine and human cognition and communication will begin with evolutionary considerations to set a context. Since the basis of all cognitive operations is sensory input, the relative operations of human and canine senses will be discussed. The nature and structure of intelligence will be dealt with and its interactions with temperament will be considered. Canine communication patterns, will be presented and analyzed, and the issue of whether one can accurately refer to “canine language” as being on a continuum with human language is an important focus of this course. The basic neurophysiology underlying learning and memory will be presented along with considerations of the nature of learning in dogs, and applications of that information within the training context. Cognition and problem solving, including similarities and differences between dogs and humans in matters of mental representation will be studied. The course will close with a consideration of the problem of canine consciousness and its relationship to human consciousness. 3 credits
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LIF 520 - Ethical, Moral and Legal Perspectives of Canine Training, Use and Ownership
This course focuses on the ethical, moral, and legal issues related to dogs. What types of training are permissible? What is a fair and reasonable training methodology? Who believes what? What behaviors or tasks can be reasonably expected of a dog? Who owns the dog? What can be done to retrieve a dog sold to an abusive person or one who does not use the dog for his intended purpose? Should a dog be forced or encouraged to work? How can it be determined if the work is unsuitable? Are there laws that protect the owner, the seller, and the dog? Students will hear prevailing views from a variety of sources. 3 credits
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LIF 535 - Evolution and Innovations of Dog-Human Partnerships
The course will trace history’s best guess of the earliest dog-human partnerships and continue through subsequent eras and locales throughout the world and into the modern day. It will examine the dog’s roles and functions in these various cultures and historical periods and also consider the various attitudes and perceptions that people have had toward dogs. This historical review should broaden and deepen the student’s understanding as to how dogs fit into human societies and allow them to explore and potentially identify new and innovative roles in which the dog might improve the lives of humankind. The students will be expected to identify what can be learned, what can be applied, and which beliefs are necessary to discard in order to maximize human use of canine capabilities. 3 credits
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LIF 540A – Application of Psychology to Theories of Canine and Human Learning
An exploration of theories of both human and canine learning, including the concept of mimicking and memory related to teaching both dogs and humans. This course provides students with a week mock client training experience. A dog will be provided, and during this week session, students are required to take the dog home each night as part of their homework. 3 credits
LIF 540B – Application of Psychology to Theories of Canine and Human Learning
An exploration of theories of both human and canine learning, this course will investigate multiple views, ranging from classical to operant to modern beliefs related to the brain and its mechanisms for thought and memory. This dynamic course will challenge students to look beyond their current beliefs to explore and test old and new theories. A dog will be provided for the hands on coursework.
1 credit: .5 lecture .5 lab
Prerequisite: LIF 540ALIF 540C – Application of Psychology to Theories of Canine and Human Learning
The students will compare and contrast the olfactory system of dogs and humans culminating in an ability to expand the utilization of the dog in a wider range of scent detection roles for humans. This dynamic course will challenge students to look beyond their current beliefs to explore and test old and new theories. A dog or pup will be provided for the laboratory coursework. Students do not take dogs home.
1 credit: .5 lec, .5 lab
Prerequisite: LIF 540BLIF 540D – Application of Psychology to Theories of Canine and Human Learning
An exploration of theories of both human and canine learning, this course will investigate multiple types of sports and working events canines and humans engage in. A dog will be provided for the laboratory coursework. Students do not take dogs home. 1 credit: .5 lec, .5 lab
Prerequisite: LIF 540CLIF 567 – Genetics
A comprehensive examination of genetics, encompassing the three main fields – Mendelian, molecular, and quantitative genetics. This course focuses on the use and application of genetic theories to real life scenarios, enabling the students to utilize modern scientific knowledge and techniques in their daily work with dogs. 3 credits
LIF 570A – Advances in Canine Health and Well-Being
This course focuses on the newest theories and practices in canine health; including what is on the horizon. Group environments, physical and psychological issues and solutions will be discussed together with the most advanced medical procedures and practices encouraging canine health and longevity. 1 credit
LIF 570B – Advances in Canine Health and Well-Being
This course continues focusing on the newest theories and practices in canine health; including what is on the horizon. Group environments, physical and psychological issues and solutions will be discussed together with the most advanced medical procedures and practices encouraging canine health and longevity. In addition to the materials in LIF 570A, this segment focuses on advances in canine reproduction and how information about health, nutrition and diagnostics relates to reproduction issues. 1 credit
Prerequisite: LIF 570ALIF 570C – Advances in Canine Health and Well-Being
This course continues its focus on the newest theories and practices in canine health, and includes what is on the horizon. Segment C of the course ties the concepts from the first two segments together by providing students with a deeper understanding of canine anatomy and physiology. Students will be taught through lectures and hands on learning (dissection). Knowledge of canine anatomy will enable students to understand how a dog’s body works and what can/cannot be expected of it. Knowledge of normal anatomy will enable students to better understand when something goes wrong and a disease/injury/abnormality is present. 1 credit
Prerequisite: LIF 570BLIF 575- Opportunity, Analysis and Innovation in Business
Students will review and categorize dog industry business administration requirements and opportunities, compare canine and human management models, and propose innovations for a young and growing industry.
3 creditsLIF 580- Canine Behavioral Problems: Symptoms and Treatments
Dogs, whether assistance or working dogs or simply companion dogs, can suffer from a number of behavioral problems that make them difficult to live or work with. This course will Instruction will be provided on how to assess the most common of dog behavioral problems, including aggression (fearful and dominance related towards dogs and humans) and fear-based difficulties (phobias, social fears, and separation anxiety), and some of the less-common but still disruptive issues, such as obsessive-compulsive and repetitive behavioral problems and approaches to correcting them offered. Students will be required debate leading experts analysis of solutions and formulate their own plans to address the problems. It will also provide information on how to recognize age- related complications, such as diminished sensory capacity. 3 credits
LIF 592A - Canine Life Sciences Capstone
Students receive an overall course presentation preparing them to collect research and materials from their courses and integrate them into a formal paper or project demonstrating knowledge in areas of study. 1 credit
LIF 592B - Canine Life Sciences Capstone
Students collect research and materials from their courses and integrate them into a formal paper or project demonstrating knowledge in all areas of study. Paper: Integrate and expand on research and concepts from the required courses, diagramming their interconnectedness. Projects: Take the knowledge and theory learned and apply to a real-world setting providing a thorough explanation as to the interconnections in the application.
2 credits
Prerequisite: LIF 592A
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