Human-Animal Bond Courses
The courses in this program cover:
- Understanding the human-animal bond;
- Research into the effectiveness of companion and service animals for human health and well-being;
- Identification, training, and understanding how dogs are selected and placed for service;
- Program development for training clients with disabilities in the use and management of a service dog;
- Equetrian skill development and equine management;
- Program dogs and horses for experiential learning; and
- Working with affiliates in therapeutic programs for clients within the community.
The Program's combination of specialized psychology courses and a core liberal arts education provides a special appreciation and understanding of the relationships that occur between humans and their animal partners. Learning is enhanced with practical, hands-on experience from directly working with people with disabilities.
Required Courses
An Introduction to the Human-Animal Bond, HAB 107 (3 credits)
- Domestication
- Attachment Theory
- Critical periods of development
- Biopsychosocial aspects of animal relationships
- Animal rights and welfare
A Survey of Animals in Service, HAB 108 (3 credits) - Guest speakers and field trips from organizations and businesses related to animals, on topics such as:
- Eagle Mount of Helena
- Search and Rescue
- Legal Environment for Clients and Service Animals
- Working ranch with horses/dogs
- Raising Service Dogs in Prison
- Private therapists using horses or dogs
- Learning Theory
- Classical Conditioning
- Operant Conditioning
- Clicker Training
- Animal emotion and intelligence
Choosing a Path
After completing HAB 107, 108, and PSY 307, students request admission to the Human-Animal Bond Program. Students will select a track: Canine or Equine. Click to read about each path.
Capstone Course
After completing your path courses, you will take:
Principles of Animal Behavior, PSY 441 (3 credits)
Advanced training in:
- Physiological mechanisms
- Animal social systems
- Developmental events
- Evolution theory
Research
Students and faculty will be conducting research in areas such as:
- Efficacy of treatments
- Nature of relationships
- Impact on animals
- Genetics and breeding