Hartpury University’s BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Training (Clinical) and BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Training with Canine (Clinical) degrees have been acknowledged by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) Programme Recognition Committee.
As a result, students who graduate from these programmes will have officially fulfilled the knowledge and understanding requirements required to be an ABTC Practitioner.
The ABTC sets and maintains standard of knowledge and practical skills needed to be an animal trainer, training instructor, behaviour technician, or behaviour therapist, and maintains the National Register of appropriately assessed practitioners. Hartpury University is one of only three providers to have acquired recognition at degree level.
Students have an opportunity to gain ABTC recognition during each year of their degree as follows:
- Year one: Achieving 60 credits will allow students to meet the needs for ABTC Level 3 Animal Trainer (AT).
- Year two: In addition to the 60 credits in year one, plus an additional 30 credit module in year two, will allow students to meet the needs for ABTC Level 4 Animal Trainer Instructor (ATI). These individuals typically teach owners and handlers how to train their animal to carry out required behaviours (such as dog training classes). Completion of the second year will mean students have covered the theory needed to satisfy requirements for ABTC Level 5 Animal Behaviour Technician (ABT), a role which sees the practitioner working with owner/handler and animal to prevent problem behaviours and to provide behavioural first aid.
- Year three: Completion of the third year will mean students have attained the theoretical knowledge to meet the needs for ABTC Level 6 Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB). These individuals work with owner/handler and animal to address unwanted behaviours, including all types of undesirable, inappropriate, problematic or dangerous behaviours, on veterinary referral.
Dr Wanda McCormick, Head of Animal and Agriculture at Hartpury University said: “We’re delighted that these degrees have been recognised by the ABTC as fulfilling the content requirements needed to prepare students wishing to become a ABTC Practitioner.
“The ABTC represents the training and behaviour sector to the public and government, at a time when animal welfare is very much in focus. Being accredited as an ABTC Practitioner can help graduates make a real difference on the lives of animals and humans alike, using the skills and knowledge they’ve acquired to offer science-led, compassionate and non-punitive solutions.”
An individual who has met the ABTC knowledge and understanding (academic) requirements, and who wishes to be ABTC registered will need to undertake an assessment of the performance criteria via an ABTC Practitioner Organisation following graduation.
All practitioners on the ABTC Registers are required to maintain up to date CPD to ensure that their practice remains current.
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