The Refining Dog Care online learning platform - a modular learning resource for those working with dogs in research.

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The project will provide an Online Modular Learning Platform (OMLP), tailored to staff roles, to improve the welfare of dogs, and consequently the validity and reliability of data from their use in research and testing. The welfare of animals in breeding and research establishments is mediated by humans. Staff require appropriate training and empowerment to develop positive attitudes, knowledge, motivations, competencies and confidence to Refine the lifecycle of animals. Welfare is fundamentally linked to quality of scientific outputs; given the necessity of animal use as models we have a moral obligation to ensure that their welfare is optimised and their use results in valid and reliable scientific outcomes. There are few evidence-based species-specific learning resources available for those working with dogs. It is apparent that the successful translation of scientific animal welfare research is dependent upon human behaviour change (HBC) interventions. The process of HBC refers to translating knowledge into actions so that targeted change is effected - a process which has not yet been exploited in the laboratory animal sciences. Research published by the PI and Co-I (eg Hall, 2014; Hall et al., 2015; Scullion Hall et al., 2017) on the measurement of welfare in the dog, alleviating distress in regulated procedure, and enhancing positive welfare through husbandry and training practices, has resulted in changes to practice in several UK dog facilities; a result of delivering on-site theoretical and practical training for competent handling and care of dogs. It is well-established that the EU, especially the UK, has the highest standards of care for animals in scientific research. Approximately 20K dogs are used in the EU per year, lower than elsewhere (eg USA ~65K) where animal welfare legislation is less stringent (USA) or non-existent (eg China). Therefore the need for overseas training is considerable, particularly as many UK dog facilities are multinational and operate within varying legislative frameworks. The need to harmonise practices within, as well as between, companies has been a prominent theme in our industry workshops. In 2004, Prescott et al. concluded there was a paucity of implemented evidence-based practice for dogs, though advances have since been made. However, there is currently no external training for those working with dogs which provides high-quality evidence-based learning. The Refining Dog Care OMLP will provide training courses to scientists, veterinarians, technicians and care staff working with dogs, using principles of HBC to embed change and create lasting impact. The OMLP takes its format from the EU's common education and training (CET) framework for training all staff working with animals for scientific purposes, with each course containing modules meeting or exceeding learning outcomes set out in the CET. Content is tailored to staff roles. Online delivery means that we are able to reach a global audience with harmonised EU-standard learning. We will also provide an innovative online learning system for practical modules. Our OMLP overcomes issues of in-person theoretical training being impractical and cost-prohibitive. The principles of HBC, underpinned by evidenced-based theories of change, will be embedded into the design of the resources, to impact end-users, stimulating practical and sustained animal welfare improvements. We shall evaluate change to knowledge, attitudes and importantly to practice to ensure we achieve our goals. One of the cornerstones of the OMLP is that it will be available to both new learners and to existing staff as CPD ensuring organisation-wide knowledge, accredited by industry bodies in line with FELASA guidance. By creating this platform in collaboration with our partners, we will develop an unparalleled resource for training staff working with dogs in scientific research and embedding change.