Who is this feline behaviour course for?
- Anyone who wants to change careers, become a feline behaviour consultant and start their own business;
- Professional who wants to add feline behaviour consulting to their existing services;
- Employee who wants to be able to better help clients in their clinic, shelter or shop;
- Anyone who wants to expand their knowledge of feline behaviour without getting involved professionally;
- Anyone who has taken the Cat Educator courses and would like to attend the ultimate training.
The training lasts from 14 to 16 days and is offered semi full-time or part-time. It will allow you to acquire all the basics necessary to practice the exciting profession of feline behaviour consultant. From cat behaviour analysis to customer management to developing practical solutions, ICF training helps you build a complete toolkit to help cats and their adopters.
Today, Cat Educator has more than a decade of field experience. Over the years, we have distinguished ourselves by our scientific rigour and credibility. The preparation of this high-level course, at the cutting edge of science, required all the Cat Educator’s expertise. You will learn and improve your knowledge of feline behaviour. By far the most advanced of all the courses ever offered by Cat Educator, it is addressed to all. No prerequisites are required, as the training covers all subjects in detail. Note, however, that this training requires a considerable
investment of effort and study time.
In Canada, Cat Educator will now recruit its consultants from among the graduates of the course.
How does the training work?
Semi full-time training (IMPORTANT CHANGES)
The full-time training takes place in two stages: the first four courses are given on weekends, and the next ten are given on weekdays, at a rate of 3 days a week.
Note that this formula replaces the full-time formula of the first sessions, following a survey of our students. It allows more time to assimilate the subject and study between weeks, and flexibility for people who have to take time off work.
Note that the old full-time formula, which was for nearly 14 consecutive days, will no longer be offered, being far too intense and demanding for students.
Part-time training (IMPORTANT CHANGES)
Part-time training has the same number of hours as full-time training but is only held on weekends. The content taught is the same.
Please note that the format has been slightly modified from previous sessions to offer courses every weekend. Two-thirds of the weekends offer a course only on Saturdays, leaving Sundays to breathe for those who have to return to work on Mondays. But there are still four weekends during which classes are on Saturdays and Sundays.
Live web conference – NEW!!
Distance training now available through live web conferences, whether full or part-time.
- You must have a stable internet connection. You do not need an ultra-fast internet connection, but since you’ll be taking nearly 100 hours of classes, make sure your internet plan is suitable for that many hours of video conferencing. Ask your internet service provider to find out what your limit is and if 100 hours of video conferencing in one month (full time) or over three months (part-time) fits your package
- The web conference solution used is ZOOM conferencing. This platform is simple to use and requires no prior computer knowledge. It can be used on a computer, a cellular device or a tablet
- HOW IT WORKS – You will receive an invitation via email with a hyperlink. Click the link and it will open the conference page if you’re on your computer, or the application if you’re on your tablet or phone. You have a view of the classroom and hear everything that is said as if you were there. You can ask your questions via your microphone. A Cat Educator moderator is also available at all times to answer your questions via chat.
- You must follow the conference live. Although this is recorded in case of technical glitches from our equipment, we do not make the recordings available if the technical problem is on your side or if you cannot attend live. We may make a rare exception in case of force majeure.
- You must be comfortable taking so many hours of classes in front of a computer. Note that you can take the training both in-person and via web conference, i.e. you attend a few days of courses and follow the rest remotely
- Prices and conditions are the same as if you are present.
For registration, go to the end of this page
Course content
The course consists of eighteen basic modules and two optional modules. The eighteen basic modules cover ethology, behavioural analysis, customer relationships and behavioural problem-solving. The two optional modules include the concepts of self-employment, business management, organization, social media communication, advertising and many related elements inherent in the profession of feline behavioural consultant.
The training consists of:
- Lectures;
- Practical case studies (group);
- Practical case studies (individual);
- Reading material and homework (about 10 hours in addition to class hours);
- A final review consisting of individual case studies (last day);
Course content details:
- Module 1: Introduction to ethology
- Module 2: The senses
- Module 3: The history of cat domestication
- Module 4: Cat normal behaviours
- Module 5: Complex emotions
- Module 6: Communication
- Module 7: Social organization
- Module 8: Introduction to feline problem solving
- Module 9: The mechanics of learning
- Module 10: Food and food stimulation
- Module 11: Resting places and cat trees
- Module 12: Toys and stimulation through play
- Module 13: Methodology in consultation
- Module 14: The boundaries of pathology
- Module 15: Inappropriate eliminations
- Module 16: Troublesome meowing
- Module 17: The destruction of property by nibbling
- Module 18: Cat-to-cat attacks
- Module 19: Attacks on humans
- Module 20: Small problems
- Module 21: Alternative therapies
- Module 22: Ethics
What is included in the behaviour consultant training?
THE TRAINING INCLUDES
First-rate training:
The subject is taught by professionals, each with their own specialty, multimedia support and detailed course notes to support it. One or two Cat Educators assist teachers during workshops, exercises and practical case studies.
Course notes:
Course notes are in-depth reference documents associated with each module. In total, nearly 200 pages in digital format are provided with the training. We also offer a package allowing you to get the notes already printed and bound.
Exercise book:
Exercises, case studies and assignments are to be completed for several modules. Practical cases are listed in an exercise book with pictures of the cats, a description of the problem and a map of the dwellings. These tools will help you better direct your analysis (example attached).
Course schedule:
The schedule is already determined at the time of your registration and will not change unless there is a case of force majeure. In such a case, the plan will be discussed with students so that no one is inconvenienced. Note that it is highly recommended to be present every day of training, but it is not an obligation to obtain your diploma.
Diploma:
The ICF training diploma guarantees a high level of skills and indicates that you can work as a feline behaviour consultant according to the standards and rigour of Cat Educator. A special mention on the diploma is awarded to students who have demonstrated extraordinary skills throughout the course.
On merit:
Graduation is not automatic or guaranteed. You must demonstrate, through homework, exercises and exams that you have
the necessary skills to practice this trade. Part of our reputation is to ensure that our graduates are good consultants.
The training is therefore rigorous, objective and reliable.
Don’t be afraid! We assure you of our full support until graduation. If you need to retake some exams or courses in another session to deepen your understanding of a subject, you can do so for free for the first attempt. From the second attempt, an additional $300 fee will be charged for each retake.
Note that your diploma will have a validity date of three years following the graduation date, which can be postponed by continuing ongoing training with Cat Educator. Your diploma will still be valid, but if an animal professional contacts us to validate an ICF training, Cat Educator will have to mention if you are up to date in your continuing education.
Opportunity to join the Educhateur team:
The ICF course aims to train consultants who will be self-employed and not to be part of the Cat Educator team. However, be aware that Cat Educator exclusively recruits its consultants directly from the graduates of the ICF training (typically 1 to 3 people per session as needed). So to be part of the team, you have to have taken this training. Subsequently, Cat Educator will hire new consultants through a regular interview process. Note that while the grade in the ICF course is important, we evaluate several other criteria for hiring our consultants, such as personality and other professional or academic skills that can be used by the organization.
For registration, go to the end of this page
Getting the feline behaviour consultant diploma
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GRADUATE?
- Attending at least 85% of the lectures;
- Completing all the exercises, homework and reading material. Some of these activities are done at home;
- Doing case studies in groups and individually;
- Passing the final exam;
IMPORTANT – WARNING ON SCIENTIFIC RIGOUR AND MEDICAL FACET:
Cat Educator is referred by several veterinary clinics around the world, mainly because its consultants always respect the boundary between animal behaviour and veterinary medicine. To this end, ICF training prepares its students to distinguish between the medical and behavioural problems of cats. In this way, graduates will understand the limits of their expertise and will be able to apply the behavioural science method in their practice. Anyone who does not wish to comply with this scientific rigour or wants to give medical advice without being a veterinarian may not graduate.
Various therapeutic products and beliefs are sometimes included in the practice of individual consultants in animal behaviour: alternative medicines, homeopathy, etc. A portion of the ICF training directly addresses the delicate subject of alternative therapies. The basics, limitations and risks associated with integrating them into a consulting practice are explained.
We want to warn you that this training may force you to re-examine your beliefs and cognitive biases. However, if you intend to base your practice on alternative therapies or you know you are completely inflexible in your ideas, the success of this course may be difficult given the scientific rigour and objectivity required.
For registration, go to the end of this page
DATES OF TRAINING ICF (Feline Behaviour consultant)
Part-time session, Spring 2020
- March 28 and 29 (full weekend)
- April 4 and 5 (full weekend)
- April 18 (Saturday only)
- April 25 (Saturday only)
- May 2 et 3 (full weekend)
- May 16 (Saturday only)
- May 23 (Saturday only)
- May 30 et 31 (full weekend)
- June 6 (Saturday only)
- June 20 (Saturday only – Exam)
Part-time session, Fall 2020
- September 12 and 13 (full weekend)
- September 26 and 27 (full weekend)
- October 3 (Saturday only)
- October 10 (Saturday only)
- October 17 (Saturday only)
- October 24 et 25 (full weekend)
- November 7 (Saturday only)
- November 14 and 15 (full weekend)
- November 21 (Saturday only)
- November 28 (Saturday only)
Semi full-time session, Fall 2020
(note that there is no semi full-time session in the spring)
- September 12 and 13 (full weekend)
- September 26 and 27 (full weekend)
- October 7-8-9 (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
- October 14-15-16 (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
- October 21-22-23 (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
- October 30 (Friday – finan exam)
For registration, go to the end of this page
IMPORTANT INFORMATION on training
Limited seats: first come, first served!
You can also take the training via live web conference, from the comfort of your home!
Where is the training provided?
For in-room classes, the course is held in the Cat Educator’s training room at 2008, Tripoli Street, Laval. Easy access by public transport (bus stop 33 is a short walk away).
How much does training cost?
- 3 450 $ plus taxes
- $3,575 plus taxes including the optional management modules described below (special rate)
Part-time session, Spring 2020
When should payments be made?
On registration: $450 plus taxes – $517.39 (non-refundable deposit)
March 28, 2020: $1,500 plus taxes – $1724.63
April 28, 2020: $1,500 plus taxes – $1724.63
If you choose to follow the optional management modules, the following payments are required:
On registration: $450 plus taxes – $517.39 (non-refundable deposit)
March 28, 2020: $1562.50 plus taxes – $1796.48
April 28, 2020: $1562.50 plus taxes – $1796.48
Fall 2020 sessions (Part-time and semi full-time session):
When should payments be made?
On registration: $450 plus taxes – $517.39 (non-refundable deposit)
September 12, 2020: $1,500 plus taxes – $1724.63
October 12, 2020: $1,500 plus taxes – $1724.63
If you choose to follow the optional management modules, the following payments are required:
On registration: $450 plus taxes – $517.39 (non-refundable deposit)
September 12, 2020: $1562.50 plus taxes – $1796.48
October 12, 2020: $1562.50 plus taxes – $1796.48
No refund is possible when training has started, but a credit for subsequent sessions will be offered under certain conditions.
How much does the printed and bound notebook cost?
$150 plus taxes. It is free in digital format.
NEW: Accommodation package!
For those living far from Laval and wanting to take the training in person, we offer to find accommodation for you at the Holiday Inn in Laval(https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/fr/fr/laval/ymqlv/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-HI-_-CA-_-YMQLV), which is a 5-minute drive from the training center. This service is free of charge: we will only charge you what the Holiday Inn will charge us for your room. Prices range from $135 to $170 (plus taxes) per night, depending on the date.
You can also find accommodation yourself by visiting Airbnb for the Laval area: a vast number of accommodations are available at very affordable prices.
If you would like us to book a room at the Holiday Inn Laval, mention it when you sign up.
For registration, go to the end of this page
OPTIONAL ICF TRAINING
Business management course for animal behaviour workers
Duration: 2 days
Dates: Weekend of December 5 and 6, 2020
Cost: Regular rate: $295 plus taxes
Rates for ICF students:
- $175 plus taxes, if paid at the same time as ICF training
- $200 plus taxes if paid later.
Full description of the course
For registration, go to the end of this page
FAQ
How does a typical day look like?
Classes run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with one hour for lunch. Depending on the content, there is usually a lecture portion followed by case studies or practical exercises. Weather permitting, we may go outside to complete some exercises. Depending on the context, we could also practice with real cats.
Will I really be able to practice as a feline behaviour worker once I graduate?
Let’s be clear: there are no standards, no recognized courses or professional orders that prevent you from practicing this profession right now without having taken a single hour of training. On the other hand, the chances of you breaking into the field and managing to develop a good reputation without proper training are slim. Besides, if you practice as a self-taught person, you risk harming the physical and psychological health of cats by causing serious behavioural problems yourself. ICF training will give you the knowledge you need to do the job and prevent you from making mistakes. Once you have your diploma in hand, you will have the confidence and expertise to get started and offer your services as a professional worker in feline behaviour.
What is the difference between this training and the other courses offered by Cat Educator?
The two or three-day FélinTensif and FélinXperience camps provide an overview of several topics related to feline behaviour, but do not allow for a decent proficiency or don’t go deep enough into important aspects of the profession. The 14-day ICF training enables you to dissect the themes and, above all, to put them into practice in a much more personalized and rigorous setting.
Why Cat Educator training more than another?
We encourage you to take as many different training courses as possible. There are few training courses in Quebec to become a feline behaviour worker, but each offers a different approach that is worth knowing. Cat Educator’s training focuses on the analysis and understanding of behaviours from a problem-solving perspective. Although we approach notions of ethology, this complex science is not discussed in detail. We also want to convey the rigour for which we are renowned. Cat Educator is recognized in the professional animal industry. Any graduate of the ICF training will benefit from this.
With this training, can you apply to be part of the Cat Educator team?
Certainly! In fact, Cat Educator will almost exclusively recruit among graduates of the ICF training for eastern Canada. We plan to hire one to three people per graduating class based on needs and regions. The grade is not the main criterion sought when hiring educators. Personality, compatibility with team members and other professional and personal qualities are also taken into account.
After the course, will I be launched on the market alone?
Absolutely not! If necessary, Cat Educator offers support to its graduates in the form of personalized advice. It also provides a continuing education service that will be used to extend the diploma validity date (see Diploma section). You will never be treated as competitors once on the market and will always be able to count on the collaboration of the Cat Educator organization. We could even call on your services or recommend customers if we can’t fulfill a request.
Do you offer this training online?
Cat Educator’s ICF training is offered via remote web conference.
Do I need to have or bring a cat during training?
No. We don’t want to stress cats unnecessarily! We use videos and case studies to practice the concepts discussed.
Is it the Cat Educator himself who teaches the courses?
You can meet Daniel, but he will only teach a module or two. However, he will be present to assist the other teachers. A specialist in the subject matter popularizes each module.
CANCELLATION POLICY
If you cancel more than two months before the start of the session, you will be entitled to a refund of 80% of the amount paid.
If you cancel between two and one months before the start of the session, you will be entitled to a refund of 60% of the amount paid.
If you cancel less than one month before the start of the session, you will be entitled to a refund of 50% of the amount paid.
If you are unable to follow the session or drop out for the first four weeks, you can request the postponement of your registration to the next session (only one postponement possible).
Please note that no refunds will be given once the session has started.
INSCRIPTION
We prefer the credit card payment method for its simplicity and speed. However, we understand that some prefer not to use this method of payment. To these people, we offer the possibility of paying by cheque. Your seat will be considered reserved when your cheque is cashed. This implies that you mail your cheque as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding!
Part-time session, Spring 2020
Part-time session, Spring 2020 + Business management course
Part-time session, Fall 2020
Part-time session, Fall 2020 + Business management course
Semi full-time session, Fall 2020
Semi full-time session, Fall 2020 + Business management course
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