Animal Emotions

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This course is currently closed

This course is unfortunately closed – opens again for enrollment in January of 2024!

Get happier animals who thrive with humans!

Back in November of 2015, I told my husband that I wanted to start teaching online. I had been lecturing live on the topic of animal behaviour, learning and welfare for years, and I had learned that a) teaching is what I do best, and b) what I teach isn’t exactly mainstream, and, I suspected, probably unheard-of in many places around the world.

And my husband, Tobias, was very supportive, but also quite doubtful. He said something along the lines of:

“Absolutely, darling! I’ll help you with the technical parts. Although I must warn you, you’re probably not going to sell any courses. Nobody buys online courses.”

And by “nobody buys online courses”, he actually meant that he doesn’t buy online courses. Which is still true, to this day.

Still – famous last words if ever I heard any, and I let him eat them every once in a while… šŸ˜‰

Anyhoo, come April of 2016, I opened the first version of the Animal Emotions course, sold it to a small group of 25 students, and one of the comments I received within the first few weeks of course delivery was:

“Karolina, where have you beeeeeeeen?!”

That was a pivotal moment, when I first realized that the Animal Emotions course was not only interesting and useful, but actually massively transforms people’s lives.

“This course has changed my life… not only because I became a better trainer and leader, mostly because I became a better person. Thank You ā¤ (Emilia Czechowicz) 

Since then, I’ve given this course once a year (except 2021), and thousands of students, from over 45 countries, have taken it.

I keep revising it, and they keep coming back again and again – some students have taken the Animal Emotions course no less than five times!

“There’s only 2 courses I’ve ever signed up for twice, and they are both yours!” (Oliver Ringrose)
How will the Animal emotions course change your life – and that of your animal?

“Animal Emotions” will help you develop a better relationship with animals in your care. The course helps you understand behaviour and how emotional experiences impact personality, brain development and social skills.

You’ll learn how to get happier animals that thrive in the care of humans.

“This course has forever changed how I behave with my animalsā€ (Tina Kolhammar)
Who is this course for?
  • This course is for you if you’re a pet owner interested in learning more about what makes your animal tick. Most of my students are dog- and horse people, but I’ve also had students interested in cats, birds, rodents, rabbits, farm animals, and exotic species.
  • This course is for you if you work professionally with animals. Many of my students are animal trainers, veterinarians or caregivers in zoos or animal shelters. If you’re one of those people who like theoretical discussions about animal behaviour and learning, there’s a nerd section in every module.
“It’s been several years since I learned so much new, useful and relevant stuff in ONE course.” (Bettina Hvidemose)
What are people saying about Animal Emotions?

For many students, the course transforms their life with animals. Here are some voices:

  • “Thank you for this course, it is, without question, far superior to any course I have participated in to date.” (Candice Milliard)
  • “I can honestly say that this course has changed my life. I have even changed my Master’s thesis subject because of it… This course has changed me and my dog’s welfare for the better, and I never even thought that it needed improvement.” (Madicken ƅkerman)
  • “This has been a life-changing course. Its relevance and importance to my work as a dog/animal trainer is immeasurable”. (Karen West)
  • “The Animal Emotions course is a must for everyone interested in the welfare of animals!” (Andrea Wiesner)
  • ā€œThis course was so much more than I expected! … I kind of knew what works in dog training, but now I know why!” (Birgitte Pletscher)
  • “Most definitely the BEST and most relevant online course I have taken. Heartfelt thanks.” (Alison Parker-Jervis).
  • I have taken part in many online courses and none compare to this in terms of presentation, content and, very importantly, interaction. I actually feel that you are engaged and present, and that my fellow students are around as well. This is not easy to achieve but you have nailed it! (Francesca Woodburn)
“This course is a must for all dog trainers within my field – behaviour modificationā€ (Jenny Afvander) 
How is this online course delivered?
  • Once you sign up, you’ll get immediate access to the first module. The other 9 modules will be released weekly from the 27th of January, once admissions have closed.
  • This course makes the most out of the online format by using micro-learning: the content videos are short and actionable (2-10 minutes long).
  • The course modules are prerecorded and you can watch the videos anytime.
  • There are 10 modules (~110 videos) in the course, and the videos have a running time of about 10 hours in total; there’s also numerous links and written resources that tend to lead students down different rabbit holes. Many students return again and again to the videos, links and discussions, revisiting the material, so estimating “how long the course is” is difficult.
  • All videos are subtitled in English ā€“ this makes it easier for the many non-native English speakers among the students.
  • There are some voluntary practical exercises and thought-provoking questions, as well as voluntary self-assessment questions in each module.
  • Many students will take an active part in this course and help shape it! This peer-to-peer learning in the comments’ section is one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of this course!
  • There are written summaries and audio files that you can download and keep.
  • You have access to the course for a full year after purchase.
  • If you have use of Continued Educational Units, we typically give 10 CEUS for this course. Let us know which organization you’re associated with!
  • After you finish, you get a certificate of completion and a banner that you can display on your website.
“I thought that this course would be a nice review of my ethological studies – but it has really broadened my perspective on animals!” (Ann-Sofie Sandell)
Course details.

What we’ll cover in this course:

  • Why understanding emotions is important when caring for animals.
  • The Core Affect Space model, that helps map and illustrate animals’ emotions, sensations and motivations, long-lasting mood states, and how well-being ties into the mix.
  • CARE – a core emotion involved in caregiving behaviour, which impacts offsprings’ personality development and stress sensitivity. We can also tap into this system through gentle touch.
  • GRIEF – a core emotion involved in social separations. This module of the course highlights the importance of a good nurturing environment.
  • PLAY – a core emotion involved in playful social interactions. One of the most influential systems, and one that’s often ignored – or condescendingly laughed at.
  • LUST – a core emotion involved in mate seeking and sexual behaviour. Brains versus bodies, gender differences and mate choice.
  • SEEKING – a core emotion involved in exploration, foraging and all other emotional systems – and with tremendous effects on learning.
  • FEAR – a core emotion with huge impact on behaviour, mainly through fear learning, sensitization, performance impairment and the risk of defensive aggression.
  • RAGE – a core emotion triggered by frustration, restraint or perceived inescapable dangers – rendering the animal potentially dangerous.
  • We’ll also cover some of the history of the study of emotions, as well as polyvagal theory, guilt, how emotional experiences are affected by predictability and control, as well as how they impact relationships, etc.
  • Most of the examples from this course (>99%) will be from mammals and birds. We simply don’t know that much about emotions in reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates (although they are, by definition, also animals!)
“I have taken many clinics, classes, presentations and read many books on training, Learning Theory and behavior from many experts in the field. You have become my absolute go-to for my own learning but also I recommend you far and wide!” (Gail Buhl)

Find the course outline below. The modules are released with weekly intervals.

First, I have to say that I’ve learned an unimaginable amount of information from your course. I see the animals totally differently now – and I thought I already saw them clearly after my switch to R+!” (Jill Treece)
Bonuses!
  • I will host two live Q&A webinars where I address your questions, in person. If you miss them, don’t worry – they’ll be recorded!
  • Access to a private Facebook Group where we can discuss, share and connect.

When you become a student, you’ll be getting weekly emails while the course is being delivered. I’ll also keep you posted on my other free webinars, masterclasses, silly experiments, online courses and blog posts!

ā€œI don’t think I have taken part in any form of education that has been delivered with as much skill as this.ā€ (Gordon Gill)
Frequently asked questions.
  • “How do I get the most out of the course?”

By engaging in discussions, sharing your own thoughts and reflecting on the questions asked – the content comes alive in the comments’ section!

  • “What is the price?”

The cost of the Animal Emotions course is US$ 247:-.
Local VAT will be added if you are within the EU.

  • ā€œIs it worth it?ā€

Many of my previous students attest that they have found this course transformational – it has forever changed how they interact with animals. Also, as far as I know, this material isn’t taught at this level of depth anywhere else.

  • “Is there a scholarship program?”

Yes, but unfortunately it’s closed now.

  • ā€œWhat if I change my mind?ā€

This course comes with a 30-day Money Back Guarantee. So, don’t look at joining this course like a risk!

Rather, it’s an opportunity. You can access more than half the content – at no cost! Yes, I have enough confidence in the qualities of this course to encourage you to test it, access 6 out of 10 modules – and not pay anything if you feel it’s not right for you.

***

The next opportunity to join the Animal Emotions course will be in January of 2024.

“This course has turned my thinking around. I’ll be making some fundamental changes in my behavior medicine course for vet students thanks to it.” (Noa Harell)

26 Replies to “Animal Emotions”

  1. Hi Karolina. If I don’t have time currently to complete the course, would I be able to complete in my own time in a few months?

    1. Hi Helen, yes, you have course access for 12 months so even if you might be busy now you can always catch up later. The next opportunity to join will be in January of 2024! šŸ™‚

  2. Hi Karolina
    I’m very busy with some other study and working until the end of this financial year, so won’t have time to dedicate to this course during the first half of this year. I’ll have more time in the second half of the calendar year and I hope this will be sufficient time to complete it. I’ve joined anyway as it looks wonderful.
    Cheers Dianne

    1. Fabulous, Dianne! No worries, you won’t be alone – usually plenty of people plodding through the course all throughout the year..! šŸ™‚

  3. Hi Karoline,
    First I want to thank you for sharing the 4 short videos on Emotions in the past couple weeks. They were very informative.
    I would love to take the course as I honestly think it would benefit me greatly but simply can’t afford to pay for it. I am retired and only a volunteer for the Humane Society of the US. I love what I do, caring for the mostly dogs and cats at the shelter. Our animals are from hoarding, neglect/abuse, dog fighting, S Korean meat market dogs, puppy mills, etc. We shelter, feed, take care of medical needs, nurture, love, and enrich their lives in every way we can. So, I think your class would be a tremendous help to me but I simply and very sadly just can’t afford it.

      1. Yes, I did apply today at 19:29. Hope I did it correctly. I’m not very good on the computer plus due to a 12+” snow storm, we kept losing power off and on all day/night.
        Thank you so much for reaching out to me. I really appreciate that.

  4. I’m not a member of Facebook so I’ll not be able to participate in the private Facebook group. Will I therefore be missing out important parts of the course?

    1. No, not important parts – most of the discussion tends to take place at the course site. It’s where students (and I) share links related to animal emotions. It’s a bonus, but not vital to the course. HOpe this helps! šŸ™‚

  5. My name is Jenine and I live in Adelaide, South Australia. I am a retiree and have been a volunteer instructor at a local dog club for 10 years. Four years ago I was introduced to force free training and I immediately converted from the conventional techniques I was using, to force free training techniques. After having completed a year of theory in force free methods I am now a volunteer assistant trainer at that dog club. I have one dog of my own but I assist many handlers in my area with their dogs. There are so many people in the community who want to relate to their animals but don’t know how. Your course would provide me with so many new skills that I can pass on to my community and to my fellow instructors and assistants who work as volunteers teaching dog guardians how to better communicate with their animals. I see this as a winning situation for humans and animals and a way for animals to get what they need to lead fulfilling lives while in our care.

  6. Thanks for the free courses. I am happy somebody told me about it. You have a lovely way to explain difficult things. For me the English is sometimes difficult but because you speak not so fast I can follow the most.
    We grant this knowledge to every animal that comes into contact with the human world.
    Hopefully I can follow more of you in future. Sorry that I can not afford it without help. I

    1. You’re welcome! Did you discover the subtitles? (click CC at the bottom of the videos..) šŸ™‚

  7. I enjoy your emails and responses. I’ve loved your classes in the past. You have helped me interact with my dogs on a much closer level. I am not able to take your new course, but I know many will be blessed by it. Thank you for all of your hard work. Have you gotten a dog yet?

  8. I’d love to do this course but am grieving and busy arranging my mums funeral at present which will be in 3 weeks. Is it relevant to cat or rabbit owners though ?

    1. Oh Sharon I’m so sorry about your loss!

      I would say that it is relevant, though. I’ve had many cat people, and a few rabbit ones, on the course! šŸ™‚

      The course is closing, though..!

  9. I can’t wait to dig in this course. I just finished Resolving Challenging Behaviour -course and I enjoyed that very much.
    Thank you for making these courses! šŸ™‚

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