- Description
- Students explore the history, physiology, behaviour, health and welfare, care, and husbandry of a variety of companion animal species.
- Prerequisite
- None
- Supporting courses
- HSS1100: Nature & Wellness
Outcomes The student will:
1 explain the origins of different companion animal species and the historical roles of these species in society
1.1 define domestication
1.2 describe the history, purpose and process of domestication for:
1.2.1 dogs
1.2.2 cats
1.2.3 other companion animals
1.3 describe the early “jobs” of domesticated companion animals, considering:
1.3.1 dogs—protection, herding, hunting, pest control, companionship
1.3.2 cats—rodent control, hunting, companionship
1.3.3 other companion animals—hunting, companionship
1.4 explain the human–companion animal bond, including the contributions of companion animals to humans and society, such as:
1.4.1 guide dogs
1.4.2 service dogs; e.g., hearing dogs, assistance dogs, autism dogs, seizure-response dogs
1.4.3 police/military dogs
1.4.4 animals that provide therapeutic benefit to humans in a variety of settings
2 analyze the breeds and specialized characteristics of dogs and cats
2.1 define the meaning of animal breed
2.2 categorize dogs into the seven Canadian Kennel Club groups of dogs, including:
2.2.1 sporting group
2.2.2 hound group
2.2.3 working group
2.2.4 terrier group
2.2.5 toy group
2.2.6 non-sporting group
2.2.7 herding group
2.3 describe the historical jobs of dogs and the general physical and behavioural characteristics required by dogs to perform these roles for each of the seven Canadian Kennel Club categories
2.4 categorize cats into the most commonly registered cat breeds in North America by identifying general physical and behavioural characteristics of the breeds
3 explain the physiology of companion animals, including species/breed differences that have arisen due to the development of the breed to perform a specific job
3.1 describe the physiology of dogs, including:
3.1.1 skeletal structure
3.1.2 olfactory system
3.1.3 coat types
3.1.4 digestive system
3.1.5 reproduction
3.1.6 behaviour
3.2 describe the physiology of cats, including:
3.2.1 skeletal structure
3.2.2 coat types
3.2.3 digestive system
3.2.4 reproduction
3.2.5 behaviour
3.3 describe the physiology of birds (both Passeriformes and Psittaciformes), including:
3.3.1 digestive system
3.3.2 respiratory system
3.3.3 feathers
3.3.4 reproduction
3.3.5 behaviour
3.4 describe the physiology of rodents, rabbits and ferrets, including:
3.4.1 skeletal structure
3.4.2 digestive system
3.4.3 reproduction
3.4.4 behaviour
3.5 describe the physiology of reptiles and amphibians, including:
3.5.1 skin
3.5.2 digestive system
3.5.3 reproduction
3.5.4 behaviour
4 evaluate principles of companion animal care, husbandry and handling
4.1 justify the skills and knowledge needed for responsible pet ownership, including:
4.1.1 selecting and purchasing a companion animal
4.1.2 comparing reputable rescue organizations, breeders and pet stores as sources for obtaining a companion animal
4.1.3 topics to research before selecting and purchasing
4.1.4 spaying and neutering
4.1.5 use of controversial optional surgical procedures (ear cropping, tail docking, declawing)
4.2 describe municipal, provincial and federal laws regulating companion animal care and ownership/ guardianship
4.3 identify similarities and differences in the physical and psychological needs of different species (dogs, cats, birds, rodents, ferrets, rabbits, reptiles and amphibians) and of breeds within those species (e.g., Newfoundland versus Chihuahuas), including:
4.3.1 safe housing
4.3.2 safety in the home—“pet proofing” a house
4.3.3 grooming
4.3.4 psychological requirements
4.3.5 exercise
4.4 explain the nutritional requirements of companion animals, including:
4.4.1 water
4.4.2 food
4.4.3 toxicological hazards
4.4.4 weight management—why this is important
4.5 describe important companion animal behaviours, using case studies and personal experiences, including signs of stress, fear and aggression for:
4.5.1 dogs
4.5.2 cats
4.5.3 birds
4.5.4 rodents, rabbits and ferrets
4.5.5 reptiles and amphibians
5 demonstrate basic competencies
5.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
5.1.1 communicate
5.1.2 manage information
5.1.3 use numbers
5.1.4 think and solve problems
5.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
5.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
5.2.2 be responsible
5.2.3 be adaptable
5.2.4 learn continuously
5.2.5 work safely
5.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
5.3.1 work with others
5.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
6 identify possible life roles related to the skills and content of this cluster
6.1 recognize and then analyze the opportunities and barriers in the immediate environment
6.2 identify potential resources to minimize barriers and maximize opportunities
Program of Studies 2010. Source document, © Alberta Education.