Applied Herbal Choices for Animals

Applied Herbal Choices for Animals Consultant, Level 4 Accredited Diploma Qualification:

Integrating the study of the innate behaviour of animals (particularly focusing on horses and dogs, but with some feline practical application) to self-select and self-medicate from nature, with knowledge of oils and wild herbs.

Students can include horses, dogs and cats in their training, and other animals if they access to them.

The course was created in 2012 by Applied Zoopharmacognosist and herbalist; Jo Rose, and is co-taught by a number of specialists, whose combined knowledge and skills include applied zoopharmacognosy,  medicinal herbalism, wild foraging, animal behaviour and health, and herbal product making.  Jo qualified in Applied Zoopharmacognosy in 2009 with Caroline Ingraham.  She has qualifications in nutrition and herbalism, with a keen interest in wild foraging, 20 years experience in animal and human therapy, and a level 7 qualification in clinical education.  The course is a level 4 accredited (NCFE) Diploma (equivalent to the first year of a degree in the level of work required).   Please click here for more information on NCFE accreditation.

Behaviour section (if no prior skills / qualifications):
Horses:  Distance learning with practical assessment during the course in ‘Reading the Response of the Horse’ and the ‘Applied Equine Handling Skills’.

Dogs:  We provide a ‘Reading Behaviour and Safe Handling’ practical day with canine holistic rehabilitation therapist and trainer; Alex Butler.

Cats: We provide a distance ‘Understanding Feline Behaviour’ module.

Other animals:  Students may add other animals to this approach, and distance learning modules on cats and rabbits are available.  Please contact us for more information.

Herbal Classifications and the Principles of Self Selection (1 day)
Students are provided with information on common herbal remedies; how they are classified, their properties and how they are taken.  They are introduced to the concept of self selection as they smell and taste some the herbs.  Animal self medication is discussed / demonstrated, plus how we can integrate this knowledge to help the wellbeing of domesticated animals.  Co-taught with Applied Zoopharmacognosist; Sue Guild.  Sue has a passion for showing ridden cobs, and has been placed and won at Hickstead and Horse of the Year Show with her maxi cob, Tommy.  Sue is also a breeder of long haired dachshunds.  Her animals are cared for holistically, supported with herbs and oils to keep them in top condition.

Dried Herbs, Essential oils and macerated oils (2 days)
Students are introduced to a core kit of essential oils, macerated oils, dried plants, clays and hedge herbs, and given background information on each one. There will also be practical application sections.  Co-taught with Sue Guild.

Client care and practical section on sequencing (2 days)
This section covers pure application, incorporating sequencing, and practically covers the full client protocol.  Students have the opportunity to work through full sessions under guidance.  Applied Zoopharmacognosist, Sue Guild, shares her vast experience, knowledge and skills in sequential selection during this section.  Sue has been placed and won in ridden maxi cob classes with her horse Tommy at Hickstead and the Horse of the Year Show.  She also breeds long haired dachshunds.  Sue has a holistic approach to care and wellbeing which includes support through the herbs and essential oils to keep her animals in top condition.

‘I really enjoy co teaching the herbal choices for animals course with Jo Rose, because it covers so much more than the method of Applied Zoopharamacognosy.   The seasonal forages help the students to identify and connect with the plants in their natural form.  The product making days help students to develop a greater understanding of how the plants they have observed growing in the wild can be made into plant extracts for self-selection.  The mentoring days provide additional support to students, focusing on each students individual learning requirements, preparing them for their role as a consultant educating animal caregivers/owners.’  Sue Guild

The sequencing module is supported with a one to one mentoring session as students start case studies with one of our experienced practitioners and mentors to help you get a clear practical understanding of the process under guidance during a Herbal Choices session.

Foraging and making your own products (3 days)
These 3 days are split into 1 day in Spring, 1 day in Summer and 1 day in Autumn.  Each day comprises of a hedgerow forage, with seasonal information, followed by a session of making products, including dried, teas, gels, poultices and compresses which can be stored for later use.  We invite specialists, including Rachael Maxwell (horticulturalist, animal therapist and herbalist) and Sophie Xi-Zeta (applied zoopharmacognosist and traditional herbalist for people and animals) to bring further knowledge and techniques to enhance the herbal aspects of the foraging sections.  The Autumn forage day incorporates preparation for consultancy.

Elaine Stavert is our hydrosol expert, and as part of the Spring forage provides a workshop on how to home make lovely floral waters for animal self selection.  Elaine is also a mentor and advisor for the course.

Mentoring Day: This one to one session with a mentor provides the student with the opportunity to ask questions and build confidence in the practical aspects of the method to enable them to truly understand the role as a consultant and aid in the production of case studies.   

Integration day:  This brings everything together, and provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learnt during an informal assessment.  Students must have completed their homework before attending this day.

2019 Dates… 

The cost for the Certificate in Applied Animal Natural Choices (2019) is broken down as follows…

In advance of the above, there is an enrolment fee of £240 which covers the course materials, admin and tutor support.

In addition: £95 per tutorial day (there are 10 days in total).  Students may pay as they go.

We provide behaviour modules to those with no behaviour prior training in the species they want to work with.  The behaviour module fees are as follows:  Equine is £50, canine is £50, feline is £25, and we offer a free caring for rabbits module.  Plus if you are producing work to cover more than one species, we charge a £60 surcharge to cover extra marking time.

Please also set aside at least £150 for products that you will need to invest in for case studies and to set yourself up on completion.

Please contact us for more information.

Homework: Student practice record, modular homework (including conditions and plant research, evidence of practice), reflective journal, 1 research project (2000 words), case study evidence of 4 full sessions, with 3 follow up sessions for the main species studied and 2 full sessions, with 1 follow up sessions for each additional animal.

Advanced CPD modules: Biochemistry of the detoxification system, immune system, inflammation, and herbs /oils that can help with these functions.  Outside expert modules (e.g. Essential Oils and the 5 elements, ‘Make your own hedgerow herb garden’) Case study day: exploring how this method can help with complex issues, both physical and emotional / behavioural.  Please contact for me information and fees.

‘A compact course to learn about herbal self- selection of animals based on the innate instinct of animals to self medicate. Three days of foraging provide an overview of a variety of common hedgerow and field herbs including different preparation methods and applications. With knowledge about essential oils and hydrosols and technique skills how to use the different herbal products I feel well educated to use this behaviour method to benefit the wellbeing of animals.’

Steffi Binder, Dog Trainer and Behaviourist, PDTE Full Member and Country Representative of Germany

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