SAI Global have developed a number of one day training courses covering each of the main taxa groups sold in pet shops and garden centres.
The one day training courses have been carefully developed with the help of industry experts and aim to equip attendees with an indepth array of knowledge which will enable them to advise customers on all key aspects of animal care from correct set-ups, husbandry, nutrition, behaviour, through to customer service skills, current legislation and best practice.
Not Just the Basics!
Time is precious in the retail business so the one day courses are intensive. Some courses are complete with pre-course notes to provide delegates with a basic understanding before the day. Where possible, the courses are also designed to be species specific, covering the different needs of individual species and their specific requirements to ensure good health and welfare. Areas covered are as follows:
The natural habitat and behaviour
The five freedoms;
Creating a suitable environment
Supplying a suitable diet
Allowing normal behaviour
Understanding the need for socialisation (or not)
Monitoring health & welfare
Law & documentation, e.g. CITES
Equipment options and set-ups
Handling techniques
Customer service techniques; the right questions to ask, species suitability, retaining customers.
Demonstrating Attendance
All delegates receive an SAI Global Training Certificate, signed by the lecturer on the day. We also aim to provide course notes, reference material and other information which may be relevant to the course and content covered.
Courses running in 2011:
Reptiles, Amphibians & Invertebrates
Delivered by Mark Amey, Ameyzoo
Next course: 8th April 2011 / 10th March 2011 (Scotland)
Course content is delivered through species specific sessions and covers: Tarantulas, Scorpions, Giant Millepedes, Land snails, Mantis’s, Tree frogs, Toads, Dendrobates, Axolotls, Leopard Geckos, Bearded Dragons, Tortoises, Turtles, Cornsnakes, Boas & Pythons. Subjects covered include; accommodation, nutrition and feeding techniques, behaviour, sexing, maintaining health, common diseases, safe handling and legal requirements.
Poultry & Waterfowl
Delivered by Victoria Roberts, Honorary Veterinary Surgeon for the Poultry Club
Next course: 18th May 2011
This one day intensive course is based on Victoria’s latest book ‘Teach Yourself - Raise Happy Chickens and Other Poultry’. Tailored with pet retailers in mind, the course covers every aspect of poultry keeping for beginners, looking at the main poultry groups kept today. The course covers breeds, handling, housing, daily routines, feeding, health, welfare, behaviour, breeding and current legislation with regards to poultry keeping.
Reef Aquarium
Delivered by Tim Hayes, Midland Reef
Next course: 2nd March 2011
Not only covering fish, this one day course is an intensive days training on all aspects of marine systems, covering care in the aquatic shop, nutrition, maintaining healthy stock, species selection, Equipping the customer, health and welfare, water quality, legislation and conservation.
The course is based on the Sustainable Aquarium Industry Association, Code of Best Practices.
