Program Description The Canine Behavior Science and Technology program is our flagship program. It is a rigorous/intensive 500–hour (560–hour with specialization track)/1–year completely distance-oriented program of study intended to help dog trainers, animal behavior technologists, or other animal-field professionals upgrade and expand important skills and knowledge well beyond the current industry standard for their careers in training dogs and helping clients resolve challenging problem behaviors. ​ The program addresses all key topics in behavior change project management in great depth, including the principles of behavior; tactics, strategies, and procedures in non-coercive animal training; functional behavioral assessment of problematic behaviors; contingency engineering procedures; professional activities; case management; professional ethics; and species-specific behavior. Students will be able to carry out hands-on training with their dogs and engage in a problem-behavior resolution project. ​ The program begins with a brief introduction to the discipline and then addresses a number of foundational natural science of behavior courses. It gradually encompasses more practical and hands-on work, finishing with species-specific and specialized coursework and professional activities. ​ Students can expect to do a lot of studying and assignment preparation in this program of study. They can also expect to work hands-on with their own dog. The graduate will have a solid fluency with the natural science of behavior at the Masters level and have had the opportunity to engage in hands-on training utilizing both basic and advanced procedures and to work through a behavior change project to resolve a problem behavior (achieved by first training a harmless "problem" behavior). This program has video submission requirements. ​ Graduates will have a thorough and in-depth knowledge and set of skills in behavior and a systematic strategy for applying powerful science-based procedures to change behavior effectively and efficiently in even the most complex of cases. CASI uses a shaping model of education, setting the student up for success and providing support/guidance and multiple opportunities to refine and resubmit assignments as required. This results in greater conditioning and minimal stress for the student. It also means that incorrect answers do not result in failure or low grades but rather an opportunity, with guidance, to condition the correct response.

Sponsor:Companion Animal Sciences Institute
Speaker(s):**James O'Heare

Contact: James O'Heare
 Email: jamesoheare@gmail.com
 Web: http://www.CASInstitute.com/