Animal Behaviour and Training with Canine

Animal behaviour and training is a discipline that applies the principles of learning theory, ethology and comparative psychology to the practical challenge of understanding and working with non-human animals. It draws on evolutionary biology to explain why animals behave as they do, and on experimental psychology to understand how behaviour can be shaped and modified through experience. The clinical canine specialism in this programme at Hartpury University focuses that broad grounding on the specific needs of dogs in therapeutic, clinical and rehabilitation contexts, where an understanding of behavioural science is directly relevant to animal welfare and to the people who depend on their animals.

You will study the management and training of animals across a wide range of species, not only dogs but many other species from Hartpury's collection of more than seventy, giving you genuine breadth of practical experience alongside the clinical specialism. The physiology of animal behaviour, welfare science and the application of training methods to real-world situations are all central to what you will study. A placement year gives you extended professional experience in settings where animal behaviour and training are applied, allowing you to build practical skills and professional connections in the sector.

Work placement opportunities are integrated throughout the programme, so your professional development runs alongside your academic formation.

Graduates of this programme are well prepared for careers across the diverse animal sector. Clinical canine practice, animal rehabilitation, behaviour consultancy and welfare assessment are all routes open to those with this specialism. Working with large charitable organisations, rescue and rehoming charities, veterinary practices and companion animal services are common destinations.

Some graduates establish their own professional enterprises in training or behaviour consultancy. The combination of scientific grounding and practical experience also provides a solid foundation for postgraduate study in animal behaviour, clinical animal behaviour or veterinary physiotherapy.