Service Dog & Canine Studies Management
The Service Dog & Canine Studies Management Diploma offers a unique 18-month program, including four semesters on campus and an 8-week work semester. You will gain hands-on experience by housing, training, and caring for service dogs in training during their five semesters of on-campus learning. You will develop skills in basic learning theory that can be applied to multiple avenues of animal training.
The program provides both practical and theory-based education in skills that can be applied widely in the canine care field. You will develop effective and ethical training techniques, critical thinking, and empathetic communication skills valuable in any dog-related profession, with a focus in service dog training for a variety of disabilities.
Medicine Hat College partners with Canadian service dog organizations to provide service dogs in training for students to raise and train on campus and in the community. Working in groups, you will guide the young dogs through puppyhood and adolescence, after which the dogs return to partner organizations for further training and placement with clients. This unique experience offers invaluable insights into the service dog industry while developing skills applicable to various canine care roles.
This program is ideal for those who enjoy working with animals and helping people. Join this growing industry and contribute to the world of service dogs.
High School Route
- ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2
- Science 30 or Biology 20
- One 30-level, 5 credit subject with 50% or better
Mature Student Route (21 years of age or older)
- ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2
- Any 30-level science is recommended
Year One
Year One - Semester 1
- CNST 110 - Canine Physiology & Care
- CNST 111 - Puppy Development, Early Foundations & Training
- CNST 112 - Introduction to Canine Learning Theory & the Human/Dog Connection
- COMM 140 - Communication in the Workplace
- MGMT 161 - Management Theory
Year One - Semester 2
- CNST 114 - Obedience Training for Public Access
- CNST 120 - Introduction to Dog Selection, Assessment & Breeding
- CNST 121 - Introduction to Assistance Dog Laws
- COMM 252 - Advanced Business Communications
- MTKG 171 - Marketing
Year One - Semester 3
- ACCT 200 - Introduction to Accounting
- CNST 113 - Kennel Technologies
- CNST 215 - Introduction to Canine Career Pathways
- CNST 216 - Service Dogs Roles & Task Training
- MGMT 263 - Organizational Behaviour
Year Two
Year Two - Semester 4
- CNST 217 - Client Processing & Dog Matching
- CNST 218 - Introduction to Disability for Service Dog Providers
- CNST 219 - Common Behaviour Problems, Creating Training Plans & Peer Training
- MGMT 270 - The Entrepreneurial Experience
- MKTG 315 - Science of Persuasion
Year Two - Semester 5
- CNST 222 - Service Dog & Canine Studies Management - Work Term
Program Outcomes
- CANINE KNOWLEDGE: Identify canine ethology, developmental stages, psychology, physiology, body language, factors of canine wellness, basic veterinary care, the specifics of breeding, raising, and selecting behaviourally and anatomically sound service dogs.
- REGULATORY: Outline the legal and ethical requirements and regulations involved in the placement of service dogs with individuals with a variety of medical disabilities.
- TRAINING: Apply learning theory, individualized dog training, handling & husbandry best practices, and be able to communicate and demonstrate these training techniques to others.
- ETHICS: Apply ethical training and humane husbandry methods to produce canines that have a positive impact on clients.
The Human-Canine Interface
Communicate clearly and concisely in written, spoken, and visual forms that meets the needs of service dog clients and the needs of the canine business through:
Written communication
- Assess canines and clients through detailed observations and note-taking.
- Compose business plans, marketing plans, and fundraising letters.
Oral communication
- Explain dog behaviour, training techniques and their rationale.
- Identify and coach improper handling techniques.
- Demonstrate competence in public speaking to various stakeholder groups.
- Visual communication
- Model complex training techniques using demonstrations and common language to large groups of people who do not have any formal dog training skills
- Listening and observation
- Observe, diagnose, and respond to human and canine body language
Business Operations
- ACCOUNTING: Build and manage a budget and accounting plans to maintain the canine business, equipment, facilities, and human resources.
- MARKETING: Construct powerful marketing messages to promote a canine business in a positive manner through various media channels.
- FUNDRAISING: Employ proven practices in fundraising necessary to make canine businesses profitable and sustainable.
- CAREER: Assess personal suitability to a number of employment-related opportunities in the service dog field, including canine care and training positions, service dog placement specialists, and fundraisers.
Work Term opportunities are coordinated by Medicine Hat College through a competitive selection process, where students must apply for positions and undergo interviews before being offered a work term opportunity. Opportunities are arranged by the Student Placement Officer with consideration for student preferences.
Students could expect work term opportunities outside of Medicine Hat. Students may anticipate additional costs associated with these opportunities, e.g., travel, accommodation, etc. At this time, work terms occur only in Canada.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 54 credits in the Canine Studies program and/or receive permission from the Program Coordinator to be eligible to commence their work term.
Additional Information
Many of the courses in this program require a level of familiarity and competency with Microsoft Office suite of computer software. You are advised to enroll in an introductory computer class which includes instruction in commercial business software such as Microsoft Office before beginning this program if your computer skills are limited.
Credential:
Diploma
Duration:
2 years
Intake:
Fall
Campus:
Medicine Hat
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