associate of science BUSINESS AND COMPANION DOG STUDIES program

The mission of the Associate of Science degree in Business and Companion Dog Studies program is to educate its students in the considerable and varied human-canine activities that contribute to the enjoyment or employment each provides the other. The degree program focuses on the psychology of learning, motor skill development, genetics and environmental factors, canine developmental stages, dog health care and on a multitude of human-canine recreation and work roles: hunting, various roles involving scent detection, agility, flyball, operating obedience classes, dog training programs, dog daycare, dog walking and other activities that upon graduation become the basis for self or business employment. Entry-level job placement opportunities include: careers as professional dog trainers, kennel managers, groomers, board and care operators, dog sitters, dog product salespersons and vet assistants.

Degree Requirements

Sixty (60) credits of coursework as stipulated below:

(a) 36 credits of lecture, lab, apprenticeship hours in stipulated Business and Companion Dog degree program coursework (see below) with a grade point average of 2.00 (“C”) or better; (b) 18 credits of general education and elective course work. [See General Ed requirements.] and 6 credits of elective course work.

Program Objectives

1. To develop a depth of knowledge in canine history, breeds, developmental stages, psychology, physiology, health care and learning methodologies appropriate to the initial study of the canine;

2. To help stimulate a willingness to question, to explore, to expand current thinking;

3. To develop the student’s ability to think strategically about how marketing can be used to assess a competitive situation and create desired outcomes. Through this learning, the student is poised to become a desirable entry-level employee and/or successful business owner in areas such as boarding kennel, dog daycare facility, dog training business, dog walking service, pet sitting service, retail business specializing in animal-related products, veterinary clinics, animal shelters and many others;

4. To learn meaningful ways to relate to all types of people, to identify appropriate target audiences for the most productive and efficient responses. Skills gained include reading body language, recognizing different personality types, and “reading” an audience to maintain interest and ensure the message is correctly received;

5. To prepare students to address health issues in their dogs both on an individual and herd basis in a training program, kennel, animal shelter or other group living situation. Gives basic training in first aid, recognition of clinical signs of disease, emergency situations and knowledge as to when animals need to be attended by a veterinarian.

Please note: Students are assigned dogs that they learn to train and are required to take a dog home at night and on weekends.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Students completing this AS degree will demonstrate:

• A depth of knowledge in canine history, breeds, developmental stages, psychology, sociology, physiology, health care and learning methodologies appropriate to an initial study of the canine;
• A willingness to question, to explore, to expand current thinking;
• An ability to utilize research from the scientific community related to the dog;
• Knowledge about specific breeds of dogs and the varying working and recreation roles that they serve;
• A broad understanding of the complex relationship between humans and dogs and the similarities and differences between the two which encourage or preclude the advancement of the dog’s role in modern society;
• An ability to prepare dogs to partner with people for work and play.

GENERAL EDUCATION (G.E.)

The University is committed to the belief that general education is a purposeful part of a student’s education. It provides a broad awareness of issues and concepts, enhancing problem-solving abilities, and promoting appreciation for art, mathematics, science, history and communication abilities. Students seeking an Associate of Science degree at the Bergin University of Canine Studies are required to complete 24 semester credits with a grade point average of 2.00 (“C”) or better at a U.S. Department of Education accredited institution.

Students are required to provide an academic transcript of record confirming applicable General Education has been completed at a school with U.S. Department of Education recognition for accreditation. The student must be able to demonstrate that eighteen (18) credits to be transferred are for courses that meet the G.E. requirements in each of the specific areas noted below. Six (6) are required in college-level elective credits.

General Education Requirements

1. Communication Arts (basic writing and speaking skills like rhetoric, composition and speech) -- 3 semester credits;
2. Mathematics (basic statistics or mathematical analysis like algebra, trigonometry, geometry, calculus and other advanced mathematics courses) -- 3 semester credits;
3. Arts and Humanities (appreciation of cultural and artistic achievement like literature, philosophy, logic, foreign language, art and music appreciation) -- 3 semester credits;
4. Social and Behavioral Sciences (basic understanding of sociology and human psychology like history, economics, political science, geography, sociology, anthropology and general psychology) -- 6 semester credits;
5. Science (physical or biological sciences like biology, chemistry, physics, geology and astronomy) -- 3 semester credits.

Transferring G.E. Credits to the University

In its quest to advance the most effective, efficient educational opportunities for its students, and since credits earned in Bergin University courses will probably not be transferable to any other college or university, the University provides for the fulfillment of its required general education coursework to be earned at a college or postsecondary institution more accessible and advantageous to the student.

The 18 G.E. credits must be earned at and transferred to the University from an accredited college or postsecondary institution. Official transcripts must be provided by the approved college or institution.

The 6 elective credits may be acquired in one of three ways: through prior university coursework, earned at and transferred from an approved college or institution, or awarded as prior learning credits.

Associate of Science in Business and Companion Dog Studies Core Curriculum

The following courses are required for the Associate of Science in Business and Companion Dog Studies degree program. See Course Descriptions in University Catalog for more information.

LIF 110 Introduction to Human-Dog Psychology 2 credits

LIF 120 Introduction to Child-Puppy Development 1 credit

LIF 130A&B Building Team Dynamics 1 credit

LIF 150A&B Canine Health 3 credits

LIF 155 Human Benefits of Dog Ownership 2 credits

LIF 160 The Human-Canine Body Mechanism 1 credit

LIF 165 Human-Canine Aging & Grieving 1.5 credits

LIF 170A&B Breeding, Birthing and Whelping 1 credit

LIF 200 History of Emerging Human-Dog Culture 1.5 credits

LIF 220 History of Dog Training 2 credits

LIF 230 Modern Human-Canine Partnerships 2.5 credits [1 lecture, 1.5 lab]

LIF 240A&B The Obedient Dog 4 credits [1 lecture, 3 lab]

LIF 250 The Business of Dogs 1.5 credits

LIF 260 Dog Law 1.5 credits

LIF 270 Public Relations with a Dog 1 credit

LIF 275 Marketing the Dog 1 credit

LIF 280 Sales and Fundraising 1 credit

LIF 285 Finding Your Income Niche 1 credit

LIF 290A&B Motor Skill Learning II 5 credits [1 lecture, 4 lab]

LIF 292A&B Environmental Mgmt. II 1.5 credits [.5 lecture, 1 lab]