This program has been approved for 10 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize RACE Approval. (20-981836)

Behavior problems are common in veterinary patients. How to treat them can be a mystery. Many of these cases can be diagnosed and managed in general practice. In this series, you will learn how to recognize common behavior problems in canine and feline patients, collect and analyze a patient's behavioral history, diagnose, and treat behavior problems in a general practice setting.

To earn a certificate of completion the participant must complete all learning modules and score 80% or better on the end-of-course test. Completion of the course will take a minimum of 551 minutes. Participants must complete the participation requirements by April 30, 2026 to be eligible for a certificate.

To learn more about the requirements for earning a Self Study CE certificate, please refer to Self Study CE Certificate Requirements.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of the course, the participant should be able to

• Outline feline and canine social behaviors and their impact on communication.
• Gather and interpret a complete behavioral history.
• Explore the impact of pain in behavioral responses.
• Explore the impact of underlying medical conditions on behavioral responses in both cats and dogs.
• Explore learning theory and its application in the treatment of behavior problems.
• Explore how to form collaborative relationships with other behavioral professionals to provide support for clients and patients with behavior problems.
• Outline the difference between situational and maintenance medications. When to choose and why.
• Develop a medication treatment plan for common behaviors encountered in general practice.
• Develop individual treatment plans for patients that are fearful and anxious at the veterinary hospital.
• Develop a medication protocol for patients fearful at the veterinary hospital.
• Develop a medical and behavioral differential list for canine aggression cases.
• Develop a treatment plan including medications for canine aggression cases.
• Develop and medical and behavioral differential list for feline aggression cases.
• Develop a treatment plan including medications for feline aggression cases.
• Develop a medical and behavioral differential list for fear and anxiety cases.
• Develop a treatment plan including medications for fear and anxiety cases.
• Develop a medical and behavioral differential list for house soiling in cats.
• Develop a treatment plan including medications for the treatment of house soiling in cats.
• Explore communication options with clients regarding their pet's behavior.
• Develop educational resources for clients including puppy and kitten kindergarten classes.

Level and Prerequisites: This basic VIN CE self study course is open for enrollment to veterinarians interested in veterinary behavior.
This course is open to VIN members only.

Course Agenda:

Module 1: Getting Started in Behavior: Observations and Histories.
Total Time: 54 minutes
Video: 54 minutes
Description: This module focuses on exploring the fundamental principles related to the development of normal and abnormal behaviors in companion animals.

Module 2: Is this Behavioral or Medical? Creating Your Differential List.
Total Time: 42 minutes
Video: 42 minutes
Description: This module covers creating a medical and behavioral differential list for common behavior problems encountered in companion animal species.

Module 3: Developing a Behavioral Treatment Plan.
Total Time: 54 minutes
Video: 54 minutes
Description: This module helps participants develop a treatment and behavior modification plan including management and medications.

Module 4: Behavioral Psychopharmacology.
Total Time: 49 minutes
Video: 49 minutes
Description: This module explores medications used in the treatment of behavior problems in dogs and cats.

Module 5: Aggression in the Veterinary Hospital.
Total Time: 55 minutes
Video: 55 minutes
Description: This module covers the development of fear-conditioning in dogs and cats.

Module 6: Canine Aggression.
Total Time: 62 minutes
Video: 62 minutes
Description: This module covers the factors that affect behavior including aggression in canine patients.

Module 7: Feline Aggression.
Total Time: 52 minutes
Video: 52 minutes
Description: This module covers the factors that affect behavior including aggression in feline patients.

Module 8: Fear, Phobias, and Anxieties Disorders in Dogs and Cats
Total Time: 59 minutes
Video: 59 minutes
Description: This module outline the difference between canine and feline fear, anxiety, and phobias.

Module 9: House Soiling in Cats
Total Time: 47 minutes
Video: 47 minutes
Description: This module outlines the difference between Inappropriate Elimination (Toileting) and marking in cats.

Module 10: Prevention and Early Intervention for Behavior
Total Time: 57 minutes
Video: 57 minutes
Description: This module covers the fundamental principles related to the development of behaviors in companion animals and the importance of early intervention.

Module 11: End of Course Test
Total Time: 20 minutes
Successful completion (scoring 80% or better) on the end-of-course test is required to earn a certificate of completion for the course.

Module 12: Course Evaluation

To learn more about the requirements for earning a Self Study CE certificate, please refer to Self Study CE Certificate Requirements.