ATE 2050C - Small Animal Behavior

School of Veterinary Technology

Credit(s): 2-2
Contact Hours: 32-32
Effective Term Spring 2026 (660)

Requisites

Admission to Veterinary Technology (Associate in Science) (VETTC-AS)

Course Description

This is a lecture/lab course covering canine and feline behavior, learning, and communication. Discussion topics will include dog and cat training, learning and behavior modification, perception, communication, development and social relationships, and genetic influences on behavior. The student will train a dog and a cat, will discuss and apply learning and behavior modification techniques, and will learn about and be able to identify common canine and feline breeds.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will apply learning theory and behavior modification techniques by:
    1. clicker training a dog and cat
    2. presenting their training results through a variety of methods, including an oral presentation.
    3. demonstrating training and behavior modification techniques with a veterinary patient.
  2. The student will understand the influence genetic and breed type have on animal behavior by:
    1. identifying cat breeds.
    2. comparing the genetic and ontogeny influences on cat behavior by breed.
    3. identifying dog breeds.
    4. comparing the genetic and ontogeny influences on dog behavior by breed.
  3. The student will analyze how to manage various environmental factors in accordance with cat and dog perception by:
    1. comparing human and dog/cat sensory systems.
    2. examining situations in veterinary hospitals related to dog and cat perception.
  4. The student will apply the ability to think critically by:
    1. explaining various critical thinking techniques.
    2. displaying critical thinking techniques in their written assignments.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course the student will, with a minimum of 70% accuracy, demonstrate mastery of each of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

DBT 5/15/90, Effective Session 19901 SCN Change 10/16/90 Effective Session 19911 DBT 2/21/95(deleted). Effective Sess 19951 C&I 12/1/98; DBT 12/14/98, Effective Session 19991. C&I 5/25/99, DBT 7/120/99; effective Session 19991. 2004 3-Year Review. 3-Year Review 2010—Acceptable As Is C&I Approval: 10/23/2007, BOT Approval: 12/17/2007, Effective Term: Fall 2008 (400). C&I Approval: 11/20/2015, BOT Approval: 03/15/2016, Effective Term: Summer 2016 (515).
C&I Approval: 07/24/2025, BOT Approval: , Effective Term: Spring 2026 (660)

Related Programs

  1. Veterinary Technology (VETTC-AS) (640) (Active)