Welcome to step 2.1 of your journey!
We are happy to have you with us for a second step of discovering our approach and method!
Understanding before intervening
You are now entering an essential step of your journey. Before even thinking about intervention, tools or techniques, you must first understand the animal partner: their well-being, communication, real needs and the criteria that allow for fair and responsible selection.
A good practitioner never works only with their intentions. They work with observation, consistency and a deep understanding of the human-animal partnership.
In this step, we will cover:
• animal well-being and the conditions necessary for respectful practice
• animal communication and observation of often-ignored signals
• selection of the animal partner and the criteria that allow for rigorous choice
• the foundations that distinguish a present animal from a true intervention partner
We will conclude this step with a comprehension coaching session to validate your perspective, observations and ability to analyze accurately.
Because here, training a practitioner is not about providing recipes. It is about developing a conscious, safe and professional practice.
Duration: 21 hours
Welcome to this new step!
Welcome to the Level 1 adventure!
A quick word to introduce you to the upcoming steps of your Level 1 adventure!
Welcome to step 2.1!
A quick word to introduce you to what lies behind step 2.1!
VA-01 – Ethology, animal communication and zootherapy
Welcome to this first step of the animal component
Before even intervening with an animal partner, it is essential to learn to observe, understand and interpret their communication. A good practitioner does not work only with their intentions, but with a real understanding of the signals, behaviors and needs of the animal.
In this module, we will explore the basics of animal communication, the different means used by animal partners to express themselves as well as the essential concepts of ethology applied to zootherapy.
This step will allow you to develop a more accurate, more conscious and more respectful view of animal reality in order to build safe, consistent interventions adapted to the human-animal partnership.
Duration: 5 hours
VA-02 – Ethology, well-being and zootherapy
Animal well-being is at the heart of a professional, safe and ethical practice in animal-assisted intervention.
In this module, we will deepen the essential concepts related to the physical, emotional and behavioral needs of animal partners in order to better understand their reality, their limits and their real capacity to participate in interventions.
We will also address ethical issues, differences between species, the importance of continuous observation as well as the professional responsibility related to respecting animal well-being, both at home and in intervention contexts.
This step will allow you to develop a more conscious and professional reflection in order to learn to recognize, analyze and respect the overall state of your animal partner at all times.
Duration: 3.25 hours
VA-3 Selection of animal partners
Choosing an animal partner is not just about loving animals. This step is essential in order to develop a safe, consistent human-animal team adapted to intervention work.
In this module, we will explore the different species used in animal-assisted intervention, their particularities, their strengths as well as their limits according to work contexts.
WE HAVE INTENTIONALLY REMOVED THE SECTION ON SMALL ANIMALS. THEY ARE KNOWN TO EXPERIENCE A LOT OF STRESS IN INTERVENTION AND WE HAVE DECIDED TO RESPECT THEIR WELL-BEING.
We will also address selection criteria, desired personality traits, observable behaviors, the human-animal relationship as well as the foundations of a respectful and safe approach with animal partners.
This step will allow you to better understand how to evaluate an animal in a real intervention context and how to develop a trusting relationship that promotes well-being, safety and quality of interactions.
Duration: 8.5 hours
VA-10SÉE – Module 2 – Selection of the dog partner
The choice of a dog partner represents a decisive step in developing a professional practice that is safe, consistent and respectful of animal well-being.
In this module, we will address the different factors to consider in selecting a dog intended for work in animal-assisted intervention. You will be led to reflect on both the dog’s characteristics and your own reality as a practitioner, your professional goals, your work environment and your lifestyle.
We will explore in particular the particularities of certain breeds and lines, the advantages and limits of different dog profiles, as well as the important distinctions between choosing a puppy, an adolescent dog or an adult dog.
We will also address the concepts of “bank dog,” the criteria for selecting a breeder or adoption environment, essential observation elements, desired personality traits as well as common mistakes that can compromise the future development of the human-animal team.
This step aims to guide you toward a thoughtful and realistic choice in order to promote the development of a lasting, safe partnership adapted to the reality of the field.
Duration: 3.25 hours
Coaching – Step 2.1
Come become aware and appreciate that you are progressing in your journey as a zootherapy practitioner
Duration: 1 hour
**The pricing for Step 2.1 does not include this coaching. It will need to be booked and paid for separately.**
Conclusion step 2.1
Congratulations! You are completing your step 2.1 and you are now ready for what comes next. We are pleased to introduce you to step 2.2!
