About the course

Understanding the complex relationship between brain, body and behaviour allows us to better care for our companions. We will examine some important ways in which physical and behavioural health are connected and how we can use this knowledge to influence learning and behaviour, and most importantly, improve welfare and quality of life. Runtime: 2 hours 33 minutes of recorded content, plus activities and case study Learning Objectives: - Understand the definition and biological origin of behaviours (i.e. the brain) - Understand the relationship between the gut and the brain and be able to describe how gut health can influence behaviour - Be able to define stress and describe the physiological stress response - Identify common sources of stress and impact of chronic stress on health - Be able to describe the significant role of pain in behaviour (issues) - Describe how we can promote positive behaviour change using an approach that considers both health-, environmental- and behavioural interventions.

Lavinia Tan

Dr. Lavinia Tan is a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant (CDBC) with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and a CANZ Accredited Animal Behaviour Consultant (CANZ-ABC). She is also a Full Member of the APDT-NZ. Lavinia holds a BSc with First Class Honours in Psychology and Zoology, as well as a PhD in Psychology, specialising in experimental behaviour analysis and comparative cognition. With almost 20 years of experience in learning and behaviour, scientific research, education, and animal care and training, Lavinia’s unique range and depth of expertise allows her to translate complex science into practical, ethical and sustainable strategies that create meaningful, lasting change. Lavinia founded Adaptive Behaviour to support families in private training and group classes as they work through challenges like reactivity, fear, aggression alongside everyday needs with life skills, socialisation and cooperative care. Her approach centers on improving the relationships and lives of dogs and their caregivers by empowering them with the knowledge and the skills to navigate life successfully together. Lavinia is passionate about raising standards in canine welfare and advancing evidence-based practice within the behaviour and training community. A core principle guides her work: when teaching is grounded in sound science and delivered with genuine care, empathy and respect, both dogs and their people thrive.

Curriculum

6 Chapters · 19 Lessons

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Support

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      Course Description & Learning Objectives

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      Course Description (printable version)

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      Module 1.1: Understanding Behaviour

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      Module 1.2: The Nervous System: How behaviour and learning happens

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      Module 1.3: Activity: Where Does Behaviour Sit on the Axis?

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      Module 2.1: Physiology of a Stress Response

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      Module 2.2: Stress and Pain

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      Module 2.3: Activity: Stress is Unique to the Individual

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      Module 3.1: 5 Domains and Health and Nutrition Interventions

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      Module 3.2: Polyvagal theory

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      Module 3.3: Environment + Behavioural Interactions

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      Module 3.4: Behavioural Interventions & Conclusions

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      Applying the 5 Domains Model: A final case study

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      Example Case Study

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      Brain, Body, and Behaviour: Case Study

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      Accessing Research Articles

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      References

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      Congratulations! Course Completion & CEU info

Understanding the biology of behaviour

 Examine the biological processes that support learning, adaptation, and behaviour change, from neuroplasticity to synaptic development.

Explore connected systems

Explore how the brain, body, and behaviour influence one another, including the roles of the gut-brain axis, pain, stress, and inflammation.

Practical applications & case study

Apply the course concepts through a Five Domains case study, considering biological, environmental, and behavioural factors influencing the animal.

From the Small-Paws Community

Insights from across the Small-Paws community, from veterinary professionals and trainers to animal care staff, volunteers, and caregivers, all bringing this learning into everyday practice.

”
Lavinia has such a great approach to training - we have had a phone chat and home visit from her for our 6 month old puppy and he loved her and we have found her tips/training style very effective. She is also very approachable and great at touching base to check how it's all going.
Briar.

Adaptive Behaviour Student

”
I have always valued the depth, care, and thoughtfulness Lavinia brings to her work with dogs and their caregivers. She has an unbelievable depth of understanding about behaviour, but what really stands out is the way she applies that knowledge and is able to communicate it in a way that makes sense. She is the kind of behaviour professional whose judgement I trust, and whose work I would happily recommend.
Erin Jones

Merit Dog Project

Thoughtful, evidence-informed learning for people who care for animals

CEUs: 2.5 IAABC, KPA   Pending CCPDT

$40.00

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