COURSES / ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR

Animal Psychology

$ 119 SIGN UP NOW!
  • Internationally Accredited by ICOES
  • Fully CPD/CE Certified
  • Instant Free PDF Certificate
  • Recommended by 95% of Students
  • 24/7 Access
  • 19148 Students Enrolled

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Never again will you misread animal signs and signals. Get inside their head to learn what truly makes them tick


Learn to speak fluent animal. Use your eyes to read animals’ body language. How is the fur lying? Is the back arched? Are the ears forward or back? Then use your ears to listen to the different sounds.

By getting into an animal’s mind, you can really get to know them

You will know your animals so well that it’s as if they were talking to you. You’ll get to know what animals would say to you if only they could talk - and how you should respond to them.

Don't stress your pets by trying to guess what they need. If you really want to know how to take care of pets, you’ll need a better understanding of their mind and behavior.

By knowing when they’re scared, angry, happy or hurt, you’re able to respond in the correct way. This soothes them because you’re understanding them. And it’s less frustrating for you. You know exactly how they’re feeling and what you need to do about it.

Understanding your pet’s body language

“My dog/cat/rabbit does the strangest things,” is often heard by pet parents. But they’re only strange or weird if you don’t understand them. Know exactly what is normal behavior and what is not for all types of animals. Understand your dog better. Read your cat and understand your cat better. They’ll thank you for it!

This increased knowledge will make you more confident when meeting animals. You can read them like a book! And react appropriately!

Help animals in the right way

There are so many ways you can benefit from understanding different types of animal behavior.

Such as:

  • knowing when your animal is bored
  • understanding cat behavior and choosing a litter tray your kitty will use
  • reducing separation anxiety when you leave your furball to go to work
  • stopping your dog from jumping up at people by understanding dog behavior
  • training your dog not to bite or chew furniture

Knowledge is a powerful thing. When you know animals and their behavior, you can read their signals and give them what they need.

Study an accredited course to prove you know how to take care of pets

Whether you have pets, fancy owning a pet or work with animals, you need to be able to respond to anything they do, including dealing with unusual situations.

Our flexible online course enables you to confidently handle anything an animal might do and deal with emergencies through your increased knowledge.

Start learning to talk to the animals through our internationally-recognized course now. All animals you meet will adore you for taking the time to get to know them better.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Learn why animals became domesticated, what "wild" instincts they still have and whether they are acting normally or totally out of character.

In plain language, you’ll get the facts about animal behavior. You’ll understand why:

  • Dogs roll in fox poo
  • Your cat is shouting
  • Your dog seems to dislike certain breeds
  • Cats mark their territory
  • Dogs eat grass
  • Animals bury their food

You’ll also find ways to stop behavior such as:

  • Cats refusing to use the litter tray
  • Dogs barking all the time
  • Cats clawing the furniture
  • Rabbits being anxious

Through your deeper knowledge of animals and animal behavior, you'll develop a strong understanding of their needs and desires. You can care for pets better because you can communicate so much better.

  • Everyone who is curious about animal behavior, such as why do dogs roll in fox poo but cats clean themselves all day
  • Pet parents and professionals seeking creative solutions to behavioral issues
  • Anyone who lives with or works with animals and wants to find better ways to communicate with animals
  • Animal lovers setting up or running their own business in the world of animals can gain a competitive edge over their rivals by being able to read pets’ minds
  • Create a closer bond by understanding animal instincts, behavior and reactions - either with your pet or in your career
  • Correctly read the signs your animal is giving so you don’t put yourself in danger or upset your pet by giving the ‘wrong’ answer
  • Studying an accredited course will impress would-be employers and clients as it shows you’re dedicated to animals and their welfare
  • You will know more about animal behavior so you can deal with new situations that arise
  • This easy-to-understand course will broaden your knowledge so you can be the best pet guardian possible
  • Land your dream job with animals by showing you can identify their positive and negative signs
  • This course is suitable for all animal lovers who want to care for their pet better
  • Anyone working with animals can learn why they different species act the way they do and how to react to their actions
  • You can land your dream job with animals by gaining experience and knowledge of animals body language and sounds
  • Studying an accredited course will give professionals a competitive advantage over their rivals
  • Certification will show clients that you are continually improving your skills for the benefit of animals

Holly and Hugo courses are designed for anyone with an interest in learning. No formal qualifications are required. Our courses are suitable if you want to learn new skills, start a new career, or if you’re already working in a particular industry and wish to upgrade your talents and enhance your resume.

  • Holly and Holly and Hugo is a professional company with an international team of experts, including veterinary surgeons, compiling the courses
  • The courses are accredited by ICOES, the International Council for Online Education Standards, assuring our students our commitment to high standards of online education
  • We are also a recognized member of the CPD Certification Service
  • Our CPD accredited courses will count towards your CPD hour records. Through Continuing Professional Development (CPD/CE), individuals show their commitment to gain new skills to contribute to their personal and professional development, improve their job prospects, enhance and evolve in their career
  • At the end of each module there is an exam to pass to make sure you have fully taken in each stage
  • The modules are easy to understand and, therefore, easy to remember
  • You can revisit the material for a refresher if you want to look something up
  • Once the course is completed, all modules saved and exams passed you'll get a pdf certificate
  • You will be also eligible to apply for an ICOES hard copy certificate
  • The courses are designed to be easy to use without the need to download material
  • Should you need any assistance, we have a help centre available in your student area 24/7 or you can contact our awesome Customer Support team during the working hours
Module 1: Domestication - How Pets Came In From The Cold
  • 1.1 How animals first learnt to live with humans
  • 1.2 Characteristics and traits of different pets
  • 1.3 How we transfer our human emotions and expectations to pets
  • 1.4 Making sure you pick the right pet for you and your lifestyle
Module 2: Normal Dog Behaviour - When Your Pet Is Being True To His Nature
  • 2.1 Socialisation and introducing your pet to other family members
  • 2.2 How older dogs change and how you can change with them
  • 2.3 Understanding puppy behavior
  • 2.4 Why animals like licking, digging or jumping and what to do about it
Module 3: If Dogs Could Talk
  • 3.1 How dogs use their body to communicate
  • 3.2 Understanding how they greet humans and other dogs
  • 3.3 How a dog uses his nose to get to know you
  • 3.4 The hidden language in dogs’ urines and faeces, and why they mark their territory
  • 3.5 Translating vocal language
Module 4: Calm The Pack – Fear, Aggression And Anxiety
  • 4.1 Different reasons why animals become aggressive and how to cope
  • 4.2 Ways of stopping animals suffering from anxiety separation
  • 4.3 Learn the signs your animal is scared and ways to calm them
Module 5: How Well Do You Know Me? The Colourful World Of Dogs’ Antics Explained
  • 5.1 Why do dogs love rolling over and rolling in poo!
  • 5.2 How dogs really feel about your stroking and patting,
  • 5.3 Importance of tummy tickles and ear scratching
  • 5.4 The instinct behind circling and chasing their tail
  • 5.5 Why a dog puts its tail between its legs
  • 5.6 Playful antics of muzzle grabbing
  • 5.7 Should you worry if your pet is eating grass
Module 6: Lose Your Mind To Understand Your Dog’s
  • 6.1 What to do when a animal is marking in inappropriate places
  • 6.2 Dealing with urination due to excitement and submission
  • 6.3 Unusual levels of barking - what it means and what to do
  • 6.4 The kind ways to stop pets soiling your home
Module 7: What Is Normal Behaviour For A Cat?
  • 7.1 Eating rituals - how and why they differ from dogs
  • 7.2 Important early lessons for kittens
  • 7.3 Understanding how and adapting to changes in older cats
  • 7.4 Why are cats so knead-y?
  • 7.5 Why do cats bury faeces?
Module 8: A Cat’s The Only Cat Who Knows Where It’s At
  • 8.1 Kitties and litter trays
  • 8.2 Some of the top reasons cats do not use a litter tray
  • 8.3 Understanding cat body language
Module 9: When You’ve Had It With Your Cat – Psychiatric Challenges
  • 9.1 The ins and outs of litter trays - what works and doesn’t
  • 9.2 Why they soil where you don’t want them to
  • 9.3 How to deal with challenges
  • 9.4 What to do if they are jumping up
  • 9.5 Do cats grieve and how to comfort them
Module 10: Cat On A Griddle
  • 10.1 Likely reasons for aggression and how to recognize different kinds
  • 10.2 Tips on desensitizing cats so they keep calm in fearful situations
  • 10.3 Techniques to stop the distressing signs of separation anxiety
  • 10.4 Dealing with the impact of environmental stress
Module 11: Understanding Rabbits
  • 11.1 Reading and reacting to body language
  • 11.2 What are those rabbit noises telling you
  • 11.3 Normal behaviour and what signals a problem
  • 11.4 Reading different gestures and actions
  • 11.5 What to do when a rabbit marks his territory

RECEIVE YOUR CERTIFICATE IN 4 SIMPLE STEPS

Step 1

Register

Follow the easy peasy enrollment process

Step 2

Study

Absorb and remember course content with our easy-to-follow, structured information and helpful illustrations. And yes - you can study anywhere, anytime, from any device

Step 3

Evaluations

Reinforce your learning with quizzes at the end of each module

Step 4

Certification

Once you’ve successfully completed your course and passed the exams, you’ll receive your certification. Congratulations on your amazing achievement!

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR

Dr Pippa Elliott, BVMS MRCVS

Dr Pippa Elliott, BVMS MRCVS, is a veterinarian with 27 years' experience in companion animal practice.

As a child, Pippa was pony-mad and can't remember a time when she didn't want to be a vet. She started volunteering at her local clinic at the age of 14, and it was a dream come true when she was accepted for vet school. She graduated from the University of Glasgow, UK. Her knowledge and dedication has helped transform the lives of thousands of students and pets from around the world.

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR

Dr Pippa Elliott, BVMS MRCVS

Dr Pippa Elliott, BVMS MRCVS, is a veterinarian with 27 years' experience in companion animal practice.

As a child, Pippa was pony-mad and can't remember a time when she didn't want to be a vet. She started volunteering at her local clinic at the age of 14, and it was a dream come true when she was accepted for vet school. She graduated from the University of Glasgow, UK. Her knowledge and dedication has helped transform the lives of thousands of students and pets from around the world.

Module 1: Domestication - How Pets Came In From The Cold
  • 1.1 How animals first learnt to live with humans
  • 1.2 Characteristics and traits of different pets
  • 1.3 How we transfer our human emotions and expectations to pets
  • 1.4 Making sure you pick the right pet for you and your lifestyle
Module 2: Normal Dog Behaviour - When Your Pet Is Being True To His Nature
  • 2.1 Socialisation and introducing your pet to other family members
  • 2.2 How older dogs change and how you can change with them
  • 2.3 Understanding puppy behavior
  • 2.4 Why animals like licking, digging or jumping and what to do about it
Module 3: If Dogs Could Talk
  • 3.1 How dogs use their body to communicate
  • 3.2 Understanding how they greet humans and other dogs
  • 3.3 How a dog uses his nose to get to know you
  • 3.4 The hidden language in dogs’ urines and faeces, and why they mark their territory
  • 3.5 Translating vocal language
Module 4: Calm The Pack – Fear, Aggression And Anxiety
  • 4.1 Different reasons why animals become aggressive and how to cope
  • 4.2 Ways of stopping animals suffering from anxiety separation
  • 4.3 Learn the signs your animal is scared and ways to calm them
Module 5: How Well Do You Know Me? The Colourful World Of Dogs’ Antics Explained
  • 5.1 Why do dogs love rolling over and rolling in poo!
  • 5.2 How dogs really feel about your stroking and patting,
  • 5.3 Importance of tummy tickles and ear scratching
  • 5.4 The instinct behind circling and chasing their tail
  • 5.5 Why a dog puts its tail between its legs
  • 5.6 Playful antics of muzzle grabbing
  • 5.7 Should you worry if your pet is eating grass
Module 6: Lose Your Mind To Understand Your Dog’s
  • 6.1 What to do when a animal is marking in inappropriate places
  • 6.2 Dealing with urination due to excitement and submission
  • 6.3 Unusual levels of barking - what it means and what to do
  • 6.4 The kind ways to stop pets soiling your home
Module 7: What Is Normal Behaviour For A Cat?
  • 7.1 Eating rituals - how and why they differ from dogs
  • 7.2 Important early lessons for kittens
  • 7.3 Understanding how and adapting to changes in older cats
  • 7.4 Why are cats so knead-y?
  • 7.5 Why do cats bury faeces?
Module 8: A Cat’s The Only Cat Who Knows Where It’s At
  • 8.1 Kitties and litter trays
  • 8.2 Some of the top reasons cats do not use a litter tray
  • 8.3 Understanding cat body language
Module 9: When You’ve Had It With Your Cat – Psychiatric Challenges
  • 9.1 The ins and outs of litter trays - what works and doesn’t
  • 9.2 Why they soil where you don’t want them to
  • 9.3 How to deal with challenges
  • 9.4 What to do if they are jumping up
  • 9.5 Do cats grieve and how to comfort them
Module 10: Cat On A Griddle
  • 10.1 Likely reasons for aggression and how to recognize different kinds
  • 10.2 Tips on desensitizing cats so they keep calm in fearful situations
  • 10.3 Techniques to stop the distressing signs of separation anxiety
  • 10.4 Dealing with the impact of environmental stress
Module 11: Understanding Rabbits
  • 11.1 Reading and reacting to body language
  • 11.2 What are those rabbit noises telling you
  • 11.3 Normal behaviour and what signals a problem
  • 11.4 Reading different gestures and actions
  • 11.5 What to do when a rabbit marks his territory

100% AUTHENTIC STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

It was a great way to expand on my knowledge and learn some new techniques to share with my colleagues. Jazz Leat - New Zealand

It's helped me learn about my Emotional Support Dog/the love of my life, how to read some things and how to respond to some of his behavior. I've enjoyed learning about how to train my dog and others. I've gotten some insight on how my little one thinks and am continuing with more courses! Thanks Holly and Hugo! Wendi Ward - United States

This course covered a wide range of areas giving a good introduction to vet nursing. Would be a helpful course to show a vet practice you were serious about further study. Gillian Curtis - New Zealand

Was easy to understand the modules’ explanations, it makes it easier to learn. Videos and pictures are good quality as well. I am so interested now to do the Animal Psychology and the Dog First Aid course as well. Piroska Nyilas Toth - Ireland

Holly and Hugo are great! I really appreciate the training I received from you! Because of you I was able to build a better bond with my puppy and am now considering a career in pet training. Jeffrey Gray-gilliam - United States

I enjoyed learning about the physiology and how to care for the fur babies. I can't wait to start the CPR course and the wildlife and rehabilitation! Stephanie Torres - United States

It was just interesting to know more about cats, which I love, and educate myself about dogs and rabbits. I enjoyed all of the course. I was glad it was easy to understand and had exams at the end of each module. Surprised there was a module about rabbits but maybe they are pets in UK more than Australia. Natasha  Hayes - Australia

Animal Psychology has been something I’ve wanted to study and learn about so given the opportunity to do it at home when I like was fabulous! Holly and Hugo also a lot of support and had clear instructions as well. Annese Wolff - New Zealand

I got to learn more about animals psychology, and it gave me more confidence in the knowledge I already had. I liked the neat layout and the well-written lessons. Farrah Porter - United States

The courses gave me a good understanding of why certain animals behave how they do which is very useful since I help run an animal shelter I liked the length that I had to complete the courses and the available options to do so with my busy schedule. I've recommended Holly and Hugo courses to many friends. Jennifer Kanzenbach - United States

The format is very good - if I cannot complete the course, it brings me back to where I left off previously. The information is very thorough and I have been able to put some of it into practice already. I enjoyed developing further knowledge of how to interact with animals and learning what to do if they are in distress has been very helpful in my work with local rescues. I liked the self-paced aspect the most and I was able to complete it when I had time to commit to the lessons. Natasha Orslene - United States

I now have a better understanding of animals' behavior and how to manage it. I am hoping that this accreditation will help me get a position taking care of animals. It was very informative and easy to navigate. Also, you are very attentive to alert us and check in with us when there is a delay or an issue with the courses. I don't know any of you, but your emails have made me feel like you are friends. What an awesome educational experience! Debbie Taylor - United States

I have learned skills for life and feel confident in speaking and helping other people. I'm getting close to my preferred career goal and the courses have helped with my day to day running of my husband's reptile shop. Very easy to navigate and well laid out. Love the personal touch of tips and web chats. Makes you feel that you're passionate not just trying to make money. Which is very refreshing and inviting. Jenni Gray - United Kingdom

Thank you for an amazing course. Your course deepened my existing knowledge and gave me plenty of new knowledge as well. I am very busy and having an online course that had a deadline, but that I could do after work hours was appealing. Kim Pringuer - Australia

It was what I was looking for. I'm not tech savvy, so this was perfect for me! I learned more about how they think to help me when I am called to help in the next wildfire. I live in California. Nancy Mazzoni - United States

It was a great way to expand on my knowledge and learn some new techniques to share with my colleagues.

Jazz Leat - New Zealand

It's helped me learn about my Emotional Support Dog/the love of my life, how to read some things and how to respond to some of his behavior. I've enjoyed learning about how to train my dog and others. I've gotten some insight on how my little one thinks and am continuing with more courses! Thanks Holly and Hugo! Wendi Ward - United States

This course covered a wide range of areas giving a good introduction to vet nursing. Would be a helpful course to show a vet practice you were serious about further study. Gillian Curtis - New Zealand

Was easy to understand the modules’ explanations, it makes it easier to learn. Videos and pictures are good quality as well. I am so interested now to do the Animal Psychology and the Dog First Aid course as well. Piroska Nyilas Toth - Ireland

Holly and Hugo are great! I really appreciate the training I received from you! Because of you I was able to build a better bond with my puppy and am now considering a career in pet training. Jeffrey Gray-gilliam - United States

I enjoyed learning about the physiology and how to care for the fur babies. I can't wait to start the CPR course and the wildlife and rehabilitation! Stephanie Torres - United States

It was just interesting to know more about cats, which I love, and educate myself about dogs and rabbits. I enjoyed all of the course. I was glad it was easy to understand and had exams at the end of each module. Surprised there was a module about rabbits but maybe they are pets in UK more than Australia. Natasha  Hayes - Australia

Animal Psychology has been something I’ve wanted to study and learn about so given the opportunity to do it at home when I like was fabulous! Holly and Hugo also a lot of support and had clear instructions as well. Annese Wolff - New Zealand

I got to learn more about animals psychology, and it gave me more confidence in the knowledge I already had. I liked the neat layout and the well-written lessons. Farrah Porter - United States

The courses gave me a good understanding of why certain animals behave how they do which is very useful since I help run an animal shelter I liked the length that I had to complete the courses and the available options to do so with my busy schedule. I've recommended Holly and Hugo courses to many friends. Jennifer Kanzenbach - United States

The format is very good - if I cannot complete the course, it brings me back to where I left off previously. The information is very thorough and I have been able to put some of it into practice already. I enjoyed developing further knowledge of how to interact with animals and learning what to do if they are in distress has been very helpful in my work with local rescues. I liked the self-paced aspect the most and I was able to complete it when I had time to commit to the lessons. Natasha Orslene - United States

I now have a better understanding of animals' behavior and how to manage it. I am hoping that this accreditation will help me get a position taking care of animals. It was very informative and easy to navigate. Also, you are very attentive to alert us and check in with us when there is a delay or an issue with the courses. I don't know any of you, but your emails have made me feel like you are friends. What an awesome educational experience! Debbie Taylor - United States

I have learned skills for life and feel confident in speaking and helping other people. I'm getting close to my preferred career goal and the courses have helped with my day to day running of my husband's reptile shop. Very easy to navigate and well laid out. Love the personal touch of tips and web chats. Makes you feel that you're passionate not just trying to make money. Which is very refreshing and inviting. Jenni Gray - United Kingdom

Thank you for an amazing course. Your course deepened my existing knowledge and gave me plenty of new knowledge as well. I am very busy and having an online course that had a deadline, but that I could do after work hours was appealing. Kim Pringuer - Australia

It was what I was looking for. I'm not tech savvy, so this was perfect for me! I learned more about how they think to help me when I am called to help in the next wildfire. I live in California. Nancy Mazzoni - United States

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$ 119 SIGN UP NOW!
  • Internationally Accredited by ICOES
  • Fully CPD/CE Certified
  • Instant Free PDF Certificate
  • Recommended by 95% of Students
  • 24/7 Access
  • 19148 Students Enrolled
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