Understand dogs through science, behaviour and genuine observation
Dogs communicate constantly—through posture, movement, emotion, play, avoidance and many other subtle signals. This comprehensive online course gives you the knowledge to understand those signals, look beyond outdated assumptions and respond to dogs with greater insight and compassion.
Based on modern ethology and behavioural science, Dogs: Base Knowledge brings together four days of recorded teaching in 24 structured lessons. You can study at your own pace and revisit the material as you progress.
Who is this course for?
- Dog owners who want to understand their dog more deeply
- Trainers, behaviour professionals, carers and shelter workers
- Students and professionals who want a strong foundation in canine ethology
- Anyone who wants to replace myths and outdated dominance-based ideas with current, science-informed knowledge
What you will learn
Module 1 — Foundations of canine ethology
- What ethology is and the terminology used in the field
- Domestication, the wolf and the dog
- Pack concepts, debunked rules and modern alternatives
- Relationships between dogs, adults and children
- Development and maturation throughout a dog’s life
Module 2 — Body language, emotion and communication
- How posture and emotion influence behaviour
- The different ways dogs communicate
- Aggression, fear, conflict behaviour and play
- How behaviour can be observed and assessed
Module 3 — Breed, origins and individual differences
- The relevance of breed
- FCI breed groups
- The development from wolf to dog
Module 4 — Learning and behaviour change
- How behaviour develops through conditioning
- How dogs learn
- Training aids and behaviour-change techniques
Module 5 — Physical wellbeing and behaviour
- Physical causes that may contribute to behavioural problems
- Nutrition and supplements
- An additional e-book
What is included?
- 24 online lessons based on four days of recorded instruction
- Written learning material, diagrams and practical video fragments
- The opportunity to study at your own pace
- A certificate after successful completion of the course
- An additional e-book
Language
The written course material is in English. Most lesson videos are presented in Dutch and include English subtitles, allowing you to follow the teaching while retaining the original demonstrations and explanations.
Your instructor
The course was developed and is taught by Inge Pauwels, one of Belgium’s leading experts in canine behaviour and welfare. Since 2003, she has worked with dogs, their families and professionals, combining behavioural science, practical experience and a compassionate view of the human–animal relationship.
Move beyond assumptions. Learn to observe, understand and support dogs with knowledge grounded in modern science.
