UCR - University Centre Reaseheath
University Centre Reaseheath

Canine Behaviour

Why study Canine Behaviour?

Over a third of UK households are home to dogs. But these trusted animals are much more than well-loved pets. Dogs play a vital role in enhancing our wellbeing and helping people with disabilities, as well as being indispensable to the law enforcement and medical professions. Many people simply couldn’t live or work effectively without them.  

As a Canine Behaviour undergraduate at UCR, you will learn to train dogs for a variety of purposes and activities including initial foundation behaviour, and discipline specific work.

People in Action - UCR-2059

Industry Focused

Our industry standard animal-centre facilities include a kennel blocks and indoor and outdoor training arenas in which you’ll be working with dogs of different breeds, sizes and training experiences. 

You will also enjoy a highly interactive learning environment as a canine undergraduate, and benefit from some hands-on experience with canine partners! 

You’ll be learning directly from experienced canine professionals including specialists in fields such as training, behaviour, and physiotherapy, as well as guest lecturers in other fields such as scent detection and assistance dog work.

Career Ready

Whether you want to become a dog trainer, behaviourist, groomer, walker or kennel manager, or perhaps you are passionate about rehabilitating rescue dogs or providing specialised training for assistance dogs, our canine courses will help prepare you for these rewarding roles.  

At UCR, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive, supportive environment to help you develop a deeper understanding of dogs, and their owners. We ensure you receive plenty of valuable practical skills that will serve you well in your future career. 

You will also gain the skills to develop your own canine business and canine focused research in your chosen area. 

Canine Behaviour Courses

Access to Higher Education

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Land Based Studies)

1 Year

Full-Time

Canine Behaviour

BSc (Hons) Canine Clinical Behaviour (Top-Up)

1 Year

Full-Time

Canine Behaviour

Foundation Degree Canine Behaviour and Training

2 Years

Full-Time

Student Success

Niamh MacLoughlin | FdSc Canine Behaviour and Training

“I couldn’t be any happier with my decision to study FdSc Canine Behaviour and Training at UCR. It’s great fun, I am gaining lots of practical experience and the small class sizes means we get plenty of support.

“Training my medical assistance dog Blu made me realise that I want to pursue that route as my career full-time. It is really rewarding teaching dogs how to help people the same way that Blu helps me. I already have a job lined up for when I graduate, and my course is giving me all the skills I will need to succeed in the role.

“Alongside my studies, I have joined the student Canine Society, I am the Captain of the Jujitsu club, and I am a Student Ambassador too, all of which allow me to meet people with similar interests, try new things and increase my confidence.

“I love that there is a fantastic support network at University Centre Reaseheath and the tutors, students and support teams are always there to help you; it really is like one big family at UCR!”

Niamh MacLoughlin - FdSc Canine Behaviour 2023