Level 4 
Advanced behaviour and problem solving
Calming Signals Approach 
Diploma

Start date: 28th of August

Registration deadline: 14th of August

Please read the information below carefully before you sign up, so you are informed about the content of this course.

• approx. 23 hours of theory by Dr. Amber Batson
• submit 6 consultation reports

This course has a very high level of self studies!

Main teacher: Lisbeth Borg de Waard
Teachers:
- Dr. Amber Batson (theory lectures + Q&A's).
- Julia Robertson (summary previous theory lessons + 1 live Q&A).
- Mentors (graduated level 4 students with extensive work experience with consultation work).

Course work:

• 5 consultation reports (1 each month)
• Watch all theory by Amber and some by Turid
• Final assignment: 1 (the 6th) consultation report + essay exam where you need to answer extensively questions from the theory. Example: explain the dogs ethogram", "Explain cortisol levels for various activities", "Explain the sympathetic nervous system" etc.
  The final consultation report will be evaluated and graded by Lisbeth and Turid Rugaas.

These are the topics for Amber's theory lessons:

- introduction to behaviour principles
- exercise in the dogs and its effects on behaviour
- troublesome teens
- aggression in dogs
- stress in dogs
- neutering
- disease and behaviour
- medicines and behaviour

The course platform with pre-recorded lectures will open the 28th of August when we have our first zoom meeting.

Please note that the first zoom meeting Thursday the 28th of August will be an information meeting only, where you will be divided into groups and I will go through all practical information about the course and how to do your practical consultations and reports.

Here is the outline of the course (everything will be explained in detail when we meet the 28th of August):

Structured Report Evaluation Process

Step 1: Group Evaluation of Reports

• Students work in small groups to evaluate consultation reports.
• Groups use a fixed template with clear criteria for assessing content and quality.
• The group discusses and agrees on feedback to present to the mentor.

Step 2: Presentation to the Mentor

• Time Allocation:
• Group presents their evaluation of the report.
• Mentor provides feedback to the group and report author.
• Mentor Feedback Focuses On:
• Areas for improvement for the report author.
• (If needed) suggestions to help the group improve evaluation skills or processes.

Step 3: Documentation and Follow-Up

• All feedback, from both the group and the mentor, is recorded in the evaluation template.

Step 4: Meeting Schedule and Time Commitment

• You have 5 weeks to complete each report and group evaluation before meeting with the mentor.
• All zoom meetings with the mentors last approximately 2 hours and are on these dates:
  
  Please make sure to add these dates to your calendar, as they are mandatory:
  
  At 7PM to approx 9PM Central European Time:
  
  28th of August
  25th September (report 1)
  23rd October (report 2)
  20th November (report 3)
  18th December (report 4)
  15th January 2026 (report 5)
  
  
• Your last report (report 6 will be evaluated as a final assignment together with a theory exam for all the content by Dr. Amber Batson. The deadline for your final report is the 12th of February and final written theory assignments the 27th of February 2026.

Key Highlights

• Collaborative Learning: Work closely with peers and mentors for guidance.
• Clear Feedback: Receive actionable steps for growth and skill improvement.
• Progress Tracking: Use templates to monitor development throughout the course.
• Practical Focus: Hands-on consultations and evaluations prepare students for real-world scenarios.

Please note that this course requires a lot of self-study and independent group work.

Please read this carefully: 

Written and confirmed cancellations will be accepted no later than 4 weeks prior to the start of the course. 

Cancellation later than 4 weeks prior to the start of the course will be be charged 50 % of the course fee.

No refund for cancellation made less than 4 weeks prior to the first day of the course. Full payment will be charged. 

The school fee includes all teachings, Q&A, support and entry to the student online classroom platform.

Please familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations in this link.

Payment options:

One time Full payment with PayPal: 1300 €/1360 USD with no extra charge (of which 50 €/60USD is non-refundable deposit) 

Full payment due the 25th of August: 50 €/60 USD upon registration and remaining 1250 €/1300 USD 

Please note there is an extra charge of 15€/$ per part payment.

2 part payment:
    50 €/$ upon registration (non-refundable deposit)
    640€/665$ due 25th August
    645€/665$ due 25th September

3 part payment:
     50 €/50 USD upon registration (non-refundable deposit)
     432 €/449$ due 25th August
     432 €/448$ due 25th September
     431 €/448$ due 25th October

4 part payment:
     50 €/50 USD upon registration (non-refundable deposit)
     328 €/340$ due 25th August
     328 €/340$ due 25th September
     327 €/340$ due 26th October
     327 €/340$ due 26th November

5 part payment:
     50 €/50 USD upon registration (non-refundable deposit)
     265 €/275$ due 25th August
     265 €/275$ due 25th September
     265 €/275$ due 25th October
     265 €/275$ due 25th November
     265€/275$ due 25th December

     
Please note that the part payment will automatically be charged from the same card you used when registration at the above date of payment. It is your responsibility to have sufficient funding on your account.
If we do not recieve the payment you will not be able to continue the course.     

Your payment will be safely handled by Stripe.

Click here to read the rules and regulations

The above is also available on our website.