The vital role of veterinary professionals

As one of the first trusted sources of advice, veterinary staff are uniquely positioned to spot potential behavioural red flags before they escalate. Early intervention can prevent small issues from developing into serious welfare and safety problems later in life. This course equips you with the knowledge to identify when referral is appropriate and ensures you can guide puppy parents to appropriate help with authority and confidence.
Veterinary professional gently holding a spaniel on the consultation table

About This Course

    1. Referring to trainers and behaviourists - overview

    2. Words matter

    1. The important role of veterinary staff pt.1

    2. The important role of veterinary staff pt.2

    1. Puppy classes - when to refer and who to refer to

    2. Puppy 121s - when to refer and who to refer to

    3. Behaviourists - when to refer and who to refer to

    1. Finding accredited training and behaviour practitioners

    2. What's the difference between a trainer and a behaviourist?

    3. Industry regulation update

    4. ABTC Role Standards

    1. Side effects of bad advice

    2. Example of bad practice #1

    3. Example of bad practice #2

    4. Example of bad practice #3

    5. ABTC examples of bad practice: pet welfare and abuse

    1. References

    2. What did you learn?

    3. Want to learn more?

Course details

  • £15.00
  • 19 lessons
  • Additional downloadable content
  • Plus additional references
  • Online study

    Flexible, at-home study to fit your schedule so you can learn at your own pace

  • Lifetime access

    Once enrolled you will have lifetime access to all course content and additional downloads

  • Science-led

    Fully referenced and developed using scientific and experience-based knowledge from highly accredited professionals within the animal behaviour sector

Authors

Gwen Bailey

Puppy School Founder and Director

Internationally renowned behaviourist, Gwen Bailey BSc(Hons), is Founder and Director of Puppy School. She is a Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Animal Training Instructor with the Animal Behaviour Training Council (ABTC), member and past Chair of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), author of 14 books on dog training and behaviour, including The Perfect Puppy, and is considered one of the leading practitioners in her field.

Nicole Harris

Puppy School Behaviour Team

Nicole has been running Puppy School classes since 2009. She is an Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) registered Clinical Animal behaviourist and Animal Training Instructor and sits on the committee for the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC). She is also a certified member of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC), a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and the Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT). Nicole creates and presents Puppy School’s twice-yearly puppy behaviour courses for tutors and associates.

Claire Luscombe

Puppy School Behaviour Team

Claire has played an important and innovative role in Puppy School since its inception, running classes for over 20 years and now helping to teach and educate our existing tutors and trainees. She is a Regional Manager for Devon, and Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) registered Animal Training Instructor and member no. 01336 of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).

Setting puppy parents up for success

Without professional direction, puppy parents may turn to unqualified trainers or poor online advice. This can result in harmful techniques, damaged trust, and long-term behavioural problems. Through real-world examples, we’ll show the lasting impact of bad advice and how a well-informed referral can prevent these outcomes. By supporting puppy parents with clear, evidence-based guidance, you uphold the highest standards of animal welfare.
Accredited Puppy School trainer coaching a puppy parent and their labrador puppy in class

Protect puppies. Safeguard puppy parents. Strengthen your practice.

Every referral matters. Enrol today to build your confidence in making responsible, welfare-focused recommendations that set puppies up for a safe, happy future.

Upsells

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