Canine Body Language: Mastering Canine Communication for Therapy and Facility Animal Handlers 

What does it mean when a dog perks up their ears or holds their tail still? Are certain cues warning signs, or do they change with context? Research shows that, despite our best intentions, many people struggle to accurately interpret canine body language. 

For handlers working with therapy or facility animals, the ability to read and respond to canine body language is crucial. Without this skill, you can’t fully advocate for your dog, and the effectiveness and safety of your animal-assisted interventions may be compromised. 

 

This self-paced, 4-module Canine Body Language Course provides essential tools to enhance your partnership and ensure a safe, effective environment. 

 

In this course, you will learn to:

  

  • Identify Stress Zones: Recognize three key stress zones to assess your dog’s emotional state. 

  • Read Key Signals: Learn to observe your dog’s head, core, and hindquarters to gauge comfort and reactions. 

  • Distinguish Behaviors: Differentiate between in-context and out-of-context behaviors for a clearer understanding of your dog’s responses. 

  • Improve Comfort: Discover practical steps to enhance your dog’s comfort in various settings. 

  • Understand Handler Responsibility: Develop awareness of how your actions impact your dog’s well-being, creating a safer environment for everyone. 

The course concludes with an assessment, earning you a certificate of completion to add to your professional records. 

 

This course earns 3 CEU  for Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialists 

Course Price: $180
AAAIP Member Pricing: Digital Member: $120 | All-Access Member: $90 | Organization Member: $90


 

 

To purchase this course:

1) Log in here first OR if you don’t have a free AAAIP user profile, click here to create your account.
2) Once you’re logged in, you can go directly to the AAAIP Learning Management System to purchase and access all AAAIP courses. Click the “purchase” tab at the top of the page to get to the full course catalog.



View additional AAAIP courses designed to prepare you for the Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist Certification exam: