Practical Herbalism for Common Canine Conditions
I am so thrilled to introduce this new online course, focused on practical herbalism, using herbs for minor health issues we dog lovers encounter all the time.
I have a full Course Outline posted in a separate entry – now here is some more information on how the course works and what you can expect from it.
First, the nuts and bolts of how the course works.
1) How does a distance-learning course actually work? Do I need to be online at specific times?
This course is done entirely online, at your own pace. I have set up two classroom areas; one is primarily to hold the materials, the units which contain my Classnotes, and your assignments both practical and written. The other is a Facebook group for discussions and general herb-chat. You will be sent a Registration form once you have purchased the course using the Link above, and I will hold space for you. As soon as the course is officially started, I’ll add you to both the classrooms and you can begin your journey.
2) Aside from the cost of the course, what textbooks will I need?
This course relies totally on my own writings so no texts are required. That said, every herbalist I know is an avid collector or herbals, so you may well want to start at least a small collection. I’ll be providing an extensive list of recommended books and online resources.
3) Your Outline mentions practical exercises. Are there any special supplies I will need to purchase? For the medicine-making module, and as we progress through body systems and herbs for related conditions, you will want to accumulate some herbs! These can be purchased in a myriad number of places, but I will be making recommendations (online sites). You will need basic equipment, and I’ll be posting a complete list – the essentials, some handy extras and even some luxuries.(A potato ricer works well to press out tinctures, but a tincture press is a great thing for anyone who plans to make a lot of medicine).So, you will want some jars, labels, funnels – a notebook – sieves and strainers, a foodscale – measuring spoons and a few others, most of which you already likely own. To make the salves, liniments, tinctures and other herbal medicines, you will need the herbs, plus alcohol, vinegar, various oils, beeswax – a full list will come with the course, but be aware you need some supplies.
4) Will there be a certificate at the end of the programme? For any student who completes the work yes there will be a certificate.
5) How many hours a week should I expect to spend on this course? This is a question I am asked a lot – but the answer is simply “up to you!” because the course is self-paced, you can devote as much or as little time as suits your lifestyle and preferences. I always advise students not to rush but not to miss too much time between assignments – knowledge builds on knowledge and momentum is your friend. But truly, it’s up to you how long you wish to take with the course.
6) You mention an option to audit the course, can you explain a bit about what that means? The Audit option just means you have access to the course materials – the classnotes, extra materials and assignments, as well as classroom discussion, but you don’t do the work/hand it in/get the certificate. It’s a good option for experienced herbalists who just want to look over what I do with dogs, or for someone not quite sure how deeply they want to go with herbs. Because auditors are not much in the way of work for me, it’s just $100.00 to have access to the whole course.
7) Would it be possible to start off auditing and then change to the full program later on?
Yes – but after the course starts and the price is raised, you won’t be able to access the Special Introductory Offer. But of course, switching over is always allowed.
8) What kind of support can I expect from you as a teacher/mentor?
I make myself available in the Facebook group as much as you need, as long as it pertains to the course material. I also mark very thoroughly, and insert comments I think will be helpful as I go. I do my utmost to facilitate learning, really mastering the material – and make it enjoyable as we go. What I cannot do; answer questions over the weekend, or put together herbal protocols for your own animals. I encourage case study discussion in the classroom, and can answer short questions about dosing, safety and more, but a full protocol is still a separate service. I still need to take a full history and monitor your dog’s progress. Outside of that, I am here to help.
9) When will the course be starting?
This is still to be confirmed, but depending on several factors, as early as March 15, or as late as April 1.
10) Will you be offering a payment plan? For the full price course, yes but not for the Introductory Offer, which is essentially half price.
11) What is the cost of the course? The One-time Introductory Offer is the full certificate course for $250.00. After the Start of the course it will be $450.00. Your medicine-making materials (see above) are extra.
