discover Pet Care classes in melbourne

Frequently Asked Questions

• What age groups are accommodated across pet care courses?

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  Pet care courses are offered for diverse age groups. Children aged 4-12 can participate in programs like Virtual Barn Experience and Backyard Chooks workshops. Programs for ages 7-12 include 'Baa, Cluck, Neigh' and Tricks for Treats. Secondary students in years 9-12 can attend Animal Career Discovery Day. Courses for ages 14+ include We Bought a Farmlet and Equine Excellence. Adult-only courses require participants aged 16 and above, including Pet First Aid, Beginners Guide to Dog Grooming, and various behavior seminars.

• Are there online learning options available?

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  Yes. Online modules include Rabbits and Guinea Pigs, Cat and Dog Body Language, Keep Cats Thriving Inside, GET CLUCKING, Arousal and Aggression in Cats, and Helping Shy Cats Bloom. Additionally, webinar-based courses are offered such as the Feline Harmony Project (4-part series), RSPCA Horse Welfare Evenings via Zoom, and Virtual Barn Experience. Some courses use blended delivery combining pre-learning online modules with in-person practical workshops, such as Pet First Aid.

• What hands-on practical courses are available?

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  Practical, hands-on courses include Zoo Experience with TV Zoologist Chris Humfrey (maximum 15 students per day), Beginners Guide to Dog Grooming, Pet First Aid (combines 1-hour online theory with practical workshop), Caring for Rabbits and Guinea Pigs, We Bought a Farmlet, Equine Excellence, Backyard Chooks for Families, and Backyard Guinea Pigs for Families. These courses provide direct experience with animal handling, grooming techniques, first aid application, and husbandry practices.

• Do any courses focus on dog behavior issues?

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  Multiple courses address dog behavior. Reactive to Responsive (available in regular and Wangaratta locations) teaches fear-free methods for dogs who pull, lunge, or bark excessively. The Bark Stops Here covers identification and management of barking causes. Good Dog Masterclass: Keeping Your Dog Busy When You're Short On Time addresses mental enrichment and prevention of destructive behaviors. Cat and Dog Body Language helps recognize fear, anxiety, and aggression. Barking Management Seminar is designed for animal industry professionals. Managing Aggression Between Dogs provides tools for modifying aggressive behaviors.

• What courses are available for cat owners and professionals?

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  Cat-specific courses include Keep Cats Thriving Inside for creating enriching indoor environments, Why It's Important to Vaccinate Your Cat, Cat and Dog Body Language (joint course), Feline Harmony Project (4-part webinar series addressing behavior challenges), Arousal and Aggression in Cats, and Helping Shy Cats Bloom. The Feline Harmony Project is presented by certified cat trainer Naomi Thomson and behavior consultant Jade Currie, with live Q&A sessions included in each webinar.

• Are there courses for horse and livestock owners?

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  Equine and livestock courses include Equine Excellence (for ages 14+) covering safe handling, hoof care, nutrition, parasite protection, and first aid. RSPCA Horse Welfare Evenings via Zoom address laminitis management and springtime care. We Bought a Farmlet (ages 14+) covers sheep, goats, cattle, alpacas, and pigs in small acreage systems. Additional resources include webinar recordings on Hand Rearing Young Livestock, Biosecurity for Small Landholders (Agriculture Victoria & RSPCA), Keeping Your Cattle Healthy, and summertime pasture management for horses.