This unit provides Occupational Therapists with an advanced understanding of animal behaviour, welfare and learning principles underpinning ethical assistance animal practice. Students examine contemporary animal behaviour science, welfare assessment frameworks, learning theory, enrichment, behavioural husbandry and psychological wellbeing to support evidence-based decision-making across the lifespan of assistance animal partnerships. Emphasis is placed on understanding normal and abnormal behaviour, recognising indicators of stress and compromised welfare, assessing behavioural and emotional wellbeing, and designing environments and interventions that promote positive welfare outcomes. The unit also explores the wellbeing of professionals working in animal care environments, recognising that sustainable assistance animal practice depends upon healthy animals, healthy professionals and collaborative, One Welfare-informed systems.

Lesson Content

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Module 1 – Foundations of Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Topic 1.1 Introduction to Animal Behaviour Science

Topic 1.2 Animal Welfare Science and Ethics

Topic 1.3 Animal Welfare Assessment Frameworks

Topic 1.4 Understanding Animal Emotions, Cognition and Stress

Topic 1.5 One Welfare and the Human–Animal Relationship

Module 2 – Learning Theory, Behaviour and Humane Training

Topic 2.1 Learning Theory

Topic 2.2 Classical and Operant Conditioning

2.3 Applying Learning Theory in Assistance Animal Training