This track is designed for pet professionals who are new to the field, for those who would like to brush up on foundation skills and add more positive methods to their training, and for anyone planning to take the CPDT test.
This track will provide intermediate education to pet professionals with practical experience in the industry. Explanations of basic terms and practices will be limited.
This track is for in-depth discussions and demonstrations for pet professionals with extensive practical or educational backgrounds.
This track provides advanced theoretical and empirically grounded education into the basis of training and understanding the context of animal behavior research.
Wednesday, October 15
9:00am - 11:00 am
General Session
Keynote Speaker
Ruth E. Foster Lectureship Sponsored by Premier Pet Products
Robert M. Miller, DVM
1:00pm - 4:15 pm
General Session
The Interrelation of Chronic Stress, Arousal, and Aggression in Dogs
Sarah Kalnajs, CDBC, CPDT
This presentation examines in-depth the relationship between chronic stress, arousal and aggressive behavior problems in dogs. In looking at the more common behavior problems that present in today's companion animals, chronic stress and over-arousal are often contributing factors. In some instances they may actually be the main underlying cause of severe offensive and defensive forms of aggressive behavior.
Arousal and aggression are closely tied behavioral states, so it is essential that the dog professional learn to recognize the signs of increasing arousal and then implement techniques to manage, interrupt, or remove its triggers before it escalates into aggression. This is the key to a successful behavior modification plan.
The Multi-Faceted World of Working with Clients
Donna Duford
Our human clients are as individual as their dogs and we must learn how to work with them in ways that maximize our ability to help them and their companions. In this presentation, Donna will discuss the importance of meeting clients where they are, providing them education and gathering important information from them.
4:15 pm - 5:00 pm
APDT General Membership Meeting
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Puppy Orientation
Barbara Long, CPDT
If this is the first time you have attended an APDT conference, then you are a Conference Puppy. Join us for a short conference orientation; we will discuss all the conference publications, how to choose sessions, special conference activities, continuing education units (CEU's) and how to get help.
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Welcome Reception
Hors d’oeuvre and No Host (cash) Bar
Thursday, October 16
2008 APDT Play Symposium
“Play in Our Dogs’ Lives”
9:00 am
Introduction to the Day of Play Symposium
Mary Lee Nitschke, PhD, CPDT, CAAB
Play is so important for so many reasons. It is often not taken seriously, perhaps because it's associated with youth and is often considered the opposite of 'work.'
9:15 am - 10:00 am
Introduction
Patricia McConnell, PhD, CAAB
Play may be fun, but it is serious stuff. Join us for an introduction to the importance of play and an overview of the current understanding as to its function in the animal kingdom.
10:00 am - 10:45 am
Play and the Development of Social Relationships in Litters of Domestic Dogs
Camille Ward, MS, PhD
Barbara Smuts, PhD
Our data on play in puppies indicate that littermates play with one another to practice cooperative and competitive strategies that help shape their social relationships. Here are some of the questions we will examine: Do puppies prefer to play with some littermates more than others? Do puppies conform to the 50/50 rule of play? Does play style vary by sex? Do sex roles during play reflect behavioral differences observed in adult female and male dogs?
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Appropriate Versus Inappropriate Play between Dogs
Pia Silvani, CPDT
Check back for more information soon.
1:30 pm - 2:15 pm
Appropriate and Inappropriate Play between Humans and Dogs
Patricia McConnell, PhD, CAAB
Check back for more information soon.
2:15 pm - 3:30 pm
Using Play to Treat Aggression Related Behavior Problems
Karen London, PhD, CAAB, CPDT
How can you and why should you make play a major component of treatment plans for some aggressive dogs? As a specialist in the evaluation and treatment of aggression in dogs, it was natural to develop a corresponding interest and expertise in play because they are so closely related. One of the practical aspects of the links between canine play and canine aggression is that play can sometimes be used to treat aggression. I will discuss how and why in this presentation using videos, slides and case studies.
Just as there's great variety in dog behavior problems, there is great variety in how to use play in a treatment plan for aggression. Some dogs are better candidates than others for using play as treatment for aggression. The best chances for success in using play to treat aggression are with high arousal, high energy young dogs who are very mouthy, already toy oriented, jumpy, in a household with children, and are not in too much trouble with their mouths already.
Once a dog knows how to play appropriately, that set of skills can be applied in lots of ways just like any other skill. Many of my clients view play only as a fun way to unwind and exercise with their dogs, but play is so much more than simply recreational. The tremendous potential of play to influence behavior is underutilized. When I incorporate play into treatment plans, client compliance is better. Many people are more willing and motivated to play with their dogs than to follow through with other types of treatment.
3:45 pm - 4:15 pm
Discussion with presenters on canid play
4:15 pm - 5:00 pm
Role Playing In Play - Video
Ian Dunbar, PhD, MRCVS, CPDT
Check back for more information soon.
Friday, October 17
9:00am - 12:00 pm
Concurrent Sessions
Relationship Based Training (RBT™): 3 Core Concepts & 9 Keys 
Suzanne Clothier
Relationship Based Training (RBT™) consists of 3 Core Concepts and 9 Keys, all of which are focused on the dog/human relationship as central. Deeply holistic in its perspective and philosophy, RBT provides a practical, humane, and soulful way to evaluate and build, repair or strengthen the connection between dog and human.
The Spice of Life: Keeping Clients Coming Back
Lauren Fox, CPDT
Are you a trainer looking for ways to breathe new life into your training program? Think outside the box when looking at your curriculum. What can your clients do with you after they learn the basics? How can you keep clients in classes longer, prevent burnout and expand your business? This seminar examines the benefits and risks for adding new, innovative classes to your curriculum, as well as some ideas for where to start.
Are You Seeing What You Think You Are Seeing? 
Sophia Yin, MS, DVM
Is the dog who greets with head and tail high trying to dominate? Does comforting a fearful dog really make him worse? Is the dog that intervenes between others playing serving as a referee? Like a crime scene where the bloody glove is a red herring, the real answers to animal behavior questions often lie hidden beneath the conspicuous decoy. Find out how to systematically pry open the answers to your behavior questions using the methods practiced by scientists.
What Zookeeping Teaches Us about Training with Positive Reinforcement
Grey Stafford, PhD
Increasingly, zoos are teaching wild and potentially dangerous animals how to safely participate in their own survival, in cooperation with their human caretakers. Ultimately, the growing trend of using only positive reinforcement training to enhance the lives of individual animals may help prevent the extinction of entire species and those same lessons can ensure the success of our household companions, too.
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Concurrent Sessions
Behavior Modification in the Real World
Donna Duford
As the field of dog training is changing to a more science-based foundation, we are challenged with applying science in the every day world of dogs and their people. Training and behavior modification require accuracy, timing and consistency. In the real world, there are unplanned events, uncontrollable variables, and inexperienced technicians (our clients) with variable motivations, poor timing, and complex emotional relationships with their dogs. In this presentation, Donna will explore how to bridge the gap between science and real life and address how to best help clients in our increasingly busy and fast-paced world.
Applying Dog Training to Our Relationships with People
Karen London, PhD, CAAB, CPDT
This talk will address how as dog trainers we have a set of skills that can be employed in many areas of our lives. It is natural to use what we know in our relationships with our partners, our business dealings, our relatives and in parenting.
Career skills are often applicable to activities in other areas of life. As dog trainers, we have a big advantage in transferring our knowledge on influencing behavior to our relationships with people. Anybody who has ever had an in-law, a crazy Uncle Norman (every family has one!), a boss, a child or a spouse/life partner can benefit from using what we know. The principles of dog training apply to teaching new behaviors, changing or influencing behavior, and coping with a myriad of emotions in other people. Our perspective is unique and valuable, and we should make use of what we can do as broadly as possible.
In this talk, I will cover some of the ways to make our dog training skills useful and productive in other areas of our lives. Topics will include managing problems with relatives; getting people's attention; coping with challenging dealings involving insurance companies, phone companies, the bank, etc.; and applying reinforcement strategies to the rest of our interpersonal interactions. The talk will cover many areas of life outside of dog training but considerable emphasis will be on how to apply the skill set of dog trainers to parenting human children.
Don't Play Poker Against Your Dog: What the Average Pooch is Telling us About Canine Cognition Part 1
Soraya Juarbe-Diaz, DVM, ACVB
The term cognition loosely applies to processes such as memory, attention, perception, problem solving, mental imagery and emotion. This presentation will be a review of the most recent research findings in canine cognition, focusing on how this pertains to dog training and owner education.
This will be a two 90-minute sessions program. Attendance at the first session is not a prerequisite for the second session. A fuller understanding, however, will be gained by attending both sessions.
1:30 pm – 5:00 pm
FIELD STUDIES LOUISVILLE ZOO
Grey Stafford, PhD
Check back for more information soon. 
Pre-Registration Required
Hands-on Workshop
Reward!! But do it Properly, Controlling the Drive
Allan Bauman, CPDT
In order for a reward to be effective, the dog must have some motivational drive towards it. What behavior is your dog offering during the presentation and receipt of these rewards (drives)? Inappropriate rewarding can result in poor control of your dog's drives. Attendees will be able to see learning theory in action…the challenges, pitfalls and successes. This workshop is being brought back by popular demand from the 2006 APDT Conference in Kansas City. Pre-Registration Required
3:15 pm - 5:00 pm
Concurrent Sessions
RAT: The Relationship Assessment Tool 
Suzanne Clothier
RAT™ (Relationship Assessment Tool) was developed for trainers interested in Suzanne Clothier's Relationship Based Training. Intuitive, powerful, and informative, this assessment tool provides a unique approach to understanding the dynamics of any dog/human relationship, its strengths, weaknesses, and how to best choose the techniques for creating a stronger relationship.
RAT™ is a unique relationship-based assessment tool designed to help trainers evaluate any dog/handler partnership. RAT™ is useful in any setting, ranging from casual observation to class participation to in-depth evaluations.
Because it defines the respective contribution of both dog and handler to the overall relationship dynamics, RAT™ helps trainers evaluate the strengths and weaknesses, as well as helping to determine what techniques or tools will be needed in order to build, repair or strengthen the relationship.
Developed for use by trainers familiar with Suzanne Clothier's RBT™ (Relationship Based Training), RAT™ has become the preferred assessment tool of Guiding Eyes for the Blind in their Puppy Program. The trainers who have been using RAT™ report that this tool has dramatically improved their ability to rapidly and accurately assess dog/human relationships and to develop a training plan well suited to that particular relationship's needs.
RAT™ also creates an informative, efficient language for trainers to communicate with each other regarding the dog/handler team. This has been put to the test at Guiding Eyes for the Blind as well as at other multi-trainer organizations. Whether seeking advice from fellow trainers, co-training, or working with other professionals, this unique assessment tool offers a way to communicate accurately and in meaningful detail.
RAT™ is effective, practical and designed to help trainers unravel the complexities of the dog/human relationship. An overview of RAT™ will be presented via PowerPoint and video clips.
But the Dog Whisperer Said 
Sophia Yin, MS, DVM
Whether treating separation anxiety, fear, aggression, or general unruly behavior in dogs, most trainers believe the solution to better behavior involves teaching the owner to be a good leader. But does learning to be the leader mean that owners must dominate their dogs? Several decades ago, social dominance theory and ideas about wolf behavior in the wild, guided dog training methods. These methods focused on punishing bad behaviors with choke chains, pinch collars and electronic collars because wolves in the wild appeared to gain higher rank through force. Since then, the understanding of dog behavior in relation to wolf behavior has become clearer and the science of learning has provided a better understanding of why animals behave as they do and how their behaviors can be modified. However, outdated ideas on dog behavior are still presented on popular television shows and in other media, thus, leading to a resurgence of outdated methods. In this presentation, I use video, case studies and synopses of the scientific literature to: 1) highlight the misconceptions on which traditional force-based methods are partly based, 2) define dominance and show how scientists study dominance hierarchies, 3) explain why dog behavior should not be based on wolf behavior or animal dominance models, 4) clarify the difference between leadership and dominance, 5) show how leadership can be achieved (even with aggressive dogs) using non-confrontational methods.
Don't Play Poker Against Your Dog: What the Average Pooch is Telling us About Canine Cognition Part 2
Soraya Juarbe-Diaz, DVM, ACVB
The term cognition loosely applies to processes such as memory, attention, perception, problem solving, mental imagery and emotion. This presentation will be a review of the most recent research findings in canine cognition, focusing on how this pertains to dog training and owner education.
This will be a two 90-minute session program. Attendance at the first session is not a prerequisite for the second session. A fuller understanding, however, will be gained by attending both sessions.
Saturday, October 18
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Concurrent Sessions
Finding the Gem in Every Individual: Carat™ - A Novel Temperament Assessment Tool
Suzanne Clothier
Existing temperament scoring systems lump together different traits into broad categories. This novel approach sees the individual dog as a unique combination of many factors working together to influence, exacerbate, mitigate and enhance each other. CARAT™ defines multiple, well defined traits which, when looked at as a profile, provide an accurate picture of any individual dog of any age or breed.
Understanding how these factors create the individual dog is key to creating effective, humane training plans, as well as selecting dogs for a specific purpose, handler or environment.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind has been a testing site for CARAT™ since February 2007. CARAT™ research focuses on identifying ideal guide dog profiles, determining which traits are innate and persistent from puppy hood on to adulthood despite environment vs. those strongly environmentally influenced. Also planned are hereditability analysis of the CARAT™ traits and validation of CARAT™ for inter-rater reliability and predictive capability. CARAT™ evaluations are concurrently being done on a small scale outside Guiding Eyes, with privately bred dogs as well as shelter/rescue dogs.
This tool has the potential to more accurately define temperament in a clear, exacting profile that can aid professionals in any field of dog work to make better assessments of dogs, and thus subsequently their placement or behavior modification. Video clips and PowerPoint provide an overview of this exciting new approach to thinking about, observing and assessing temperament.
Successful Class Training
Pia Silvani, CPDT
Many of us started our careers simply because we like dogs. Who could find a better career? When we got started, we had piles of dog books on our nightstand, focusing on training techniques and attending seminars in hopes of becoming an expert in the field. We couldn't get enough! While this is an intricate part of being successful, how many of you spent an equal amount of time learning about our true clients - the humans? How many of you dove into the great psychology books and books on becoming a good coach?
As our industry matures with an increase in competition, it is important for us to take a good look at what we are doing in our classrooms to ensure that our clients' (the people) needs and expectations are being met. We have to keep them motivated so they continue to come back. We need to get to the heart of what our clients want, not what we think they should be teaching their dogs.
Your suggestions and curriculum should fit into the clients' daily lives so they do not feel the pressure of being told they have "homework" or extra work added on to their already busy schedules.
Do you call your clients by their first name or use the universal term "Buddy's dad" or "Pinkie's mom?" Recalling their names gives you more credibility than you know! It shows you took the time to learn about them and care!
This is all part of keeping your clients. Treat them as you would their dogs. I call this the CPR of dog training - "Coach, Patience, Reward." You keep their hearts wanting more. This approach is very effective and helps you avoid burnout since the client sees success and, in turn, you do as well.
Games to Energize Your Classes and Clients
Sue Pearson, MA, CPDT
Judy Warth
Training classes become motivating and fun when games are added to the curriculum. Attendees will learn about new games and activities they can use to reinforce basic obedience skills and energize their classes. And, capitalizing on the collective experience in the room, attendees will also have the opportunity to work together in small groups in order to identify and select additional games and activities to share and demonstrate. These games/activities and directions for playing them will then be written up and emailed to participants following the conference.
Prehab - Preventative Health Measures for the Canine Athlete
Douglas Knueven, DVM, CAC, CVA, CVCH
We are all familiar with rehab - techniques to rehabilitate an injured athlete - but what can we do to prevent injuries in the first place? We will discuss the top five injuries that canine athletes are prone to. The participant will be given simple, holistic steps to prevent these problems.
We will look in detail at the common problems our canine athletes face. Participants will learn about supplements that can reinforce injury-prone tissues. They will learn how to use acupressure points to enhance their dog's performance. The importance of the spine in physical activity will be discussed along with steps to maintain spinal health. Participants will also learn how simple massage strokes can easily be incorporated into their pets' health routine to improve muscular function. Finally, a pre-trial warm up and stretches will be covered. This is a comprehensive and practical program that can benefit every performance dog.
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Concurrent Sessions
Unwanted Chase Behavior Impulse for Reactive Dogs Part 1
Clarissa von Reinhardt
The unwanted hunting (prey-chase) behavior of pet dogs is a problem for many dog owners. Common advice includes anything from shock collars to keeping the dog in complete isolation. In the end, the question is, is it possible to influence instinctual behavior? From the ethical point of view, do we have the right to punish our dog for natural behavior? What are the alternatives?
From Cue through Brain to Behavior: The Neurobiology of "Sit"
Jennifer Sobie, PhD, CPDT, DVM
Neuroscience has advanced to the degree that reliable information is available on a variety of neurotransmitter systems within the brain. Although it would be premature-and even somewhat superfluous to behavior change-to attempt to explain the etiology and maintenance of behavior in terms of neural mechanisms, some tentative inferences may be drawn from temporal correlations of neural activity and stimulus and/or response events experienced by the behaving organism, particularly regarding reinforcement. Neural events do not by themselves offer explanation, but they may provide small bits of information relative to interpretation of observable behavioral events in much the same way that variations in operant paradigms can elucidate potentially ambiguous data. Aimed at a general audience, this presentation will walk trainers through the basic neurology of learning and memory, focusing on the neural events involved in learning and responding to a cue such as “sit.”
Aggression Management through Positive Reinforcement
Grey Stafford, PhD
Aggression is normal; it's just not that desirable for most of us. The traditional trainer approach to "controlling" aggression is to out dominate the transgressor using punishment or the threat of punishment. To support this misguided theory, proponents usually point to wild pack behavior displayed by wolves as the rationale for using force to maintain social order by becoming "pack leader." However, there are many such social species, much larger and potentially more lethal than canines that naturally form hierarchies. Considering, for example, that an elephant matriarch may weigh more than four tons, should we really be trying to out-dominate them all?
Positive reinforcement-only trainers do not deny the existence of social hierarchies exhibited by dogs and other species. We simply recognize that, as humans, we (and our clients) are never going to be as fast, strong, large, or lethal as whales, lions, elephants, or every dog. Controlling aggression once it is underway is always a losing proposition for any trainer. Lasting behavioral damage to the group has already occurred and the potential for serious injury or death remains. Therefore, we must find a way of training all animals that transcends any underlying social order (or past learning) to ensure the success and well being of every member of the group or household, including us.
Thus, aggression management through prevention should be the goal of each training session or pet-owner interaction, even in situations where the potential for hostile behavior is low. This time tested approach across a wide range of species rests on a single foundation: the exclusive use of positive reinforcement in all aspects of animal training. It involves three key concepts: desensitization, the least reinforcing scenario (LRS), and alternate response training. Together, these tools not only help to minimize the development and display of aggressive behaviors in young animals, they also form the basis for rehabilitating older animals with severe aggressive histories.
Teaching an APDT Rally-O Class
Janet Velenovsky, CDPT, CDBC-TAC
Rally Obedience is an enjoyable and challenging sport that's growing in popularity. In Rally O, dog and handler navigate a timed course designed by the judge. Once the judge says "You may begin," teams proceed at their own pace through a course of "stations." Each of these stations has a sign providing instructions regarding the next skill that is to be performed. APDT Rally Obedience accepts dogs and handlers of all makes and sizes, including those with disabilities.
Important skills for Rally O are loose-leash walking/heelwork; basic obedience skills like sit, down, and stay; and attention between dog and handler. It is essential that the handler read and understand the rules and master the moves of each sign completely.
So, how do you get started teaching Rally O classes in your facility? What's the best way to structure classes and make practice meaningful? How much do you need to know to get started? C'mon in, and let's talk!
1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Workshops
Workshop
Clicker Training for Horses
Pia Silvani, CPDT
Check back for more information soon. Pre-Registration Required
Hands-on Workshop
Children's Workshop
Allan Bauman, CPDT
Check back for more information soon. Pre-Registration Required
3:15 pm - 5:00 pm
Concurrent Sessions
Unwanted Chase Behavior Impulse Control for Reactive Dogs Part 2
Clarissa von Reinhardt
The unwanted hunting (prey-chase) behavior of pet dogs is a problem for many dog owners. Common advice includes anything from shock collars to keeping the dog in complete isolation. In the end, the question is, is it possible to influence instinctual behavior? From the ethical point of view: do we have the right to punish our dog for natural behavior? What are the alternatives?
Dynamics of Dog-Dog Friendships: Case Studies from Videotaped Interactions
Barbara Smuts, PhD
Camille Ward, PhD
In many social mammals, including dogs, individuals often show distinct preferences for particular members of their own species. Such preferences, often termed 'friendships,' are defined in terms of specific behaviors (e.g., which conspecifics an individual approaches with friendly signals, who she grooms, and/or who she repeatedly plays with). In this presentation, we explore dynamic aspects of friendship among domestic dogs, based on case studies of several pairs whose interactions we videotaped over several years. We will make frequent use of video footage to illustrate the concepts and conclusions we discuss. In general, we will focus on how friendships initially form and how they change over time. We will address several specific questions: Can particular behaviors shown during early interactions reliably predict which dogs will form long-term friendships? Do dog friends tend to have relatively egalitarian relationships or can they develop stable friendships while maintaining clear status differences? How do dogs use 'role reversals' (taking turns being 'top dog' during play) and 'self-handicapping' (voluntary adoption of vulnerable roles during play, such as belly-up) to develop and maintain friendships? What communicative signals do dogs use to negotiate conflicts with friends? Do dogs show 'possessive' behavior toward their dog friends (i.e., behaviors we might describe as jealousy if observed in humans)? We will describe the types of interactions we observed across different dog friendships, but we will also illustrate interactions that seem unique to particular pairs.
Sex Lies and Video Tapes
Sarah Whitehead, BA (Hons), MSc
Science has come full circle, and human psychology is lending us approaches which can be effectively applied to canine behavior and rehab training. An understanding of emotional intelligence, positive psychology and the principles of learning styles are exciting, innovative ways to approach problems with both dogs and people in mind.
A fundamental change to the way that behavior therapy is approached is occurring. This has been in response to the quasi-diagnostic labeling of behavioral problems that has been globally accepted in the last few years. Behavioral problems are very often only problematic for us, as humans. Dogs bark, growl, bite, relieve themselves and chew things. Indeed, they may perform all kinds of behaviors which we find inappropriate, but this does not make them clinically 'abnormal.' An alternative approach attempts to steer clear of any form of 'diagnosis' but instead focuses on looking at the drives and needs of the individual in a far more specific and sensitive way.
This presentation will explore how understanding a dog's emotional state, mood and learning style affects its behavior and just how we can alter these factors to achieve better communication and, ultimately, contentment. Extensive use of video footage will explore some now controversial areas of canine behavior and will question whether previous interpretations of motivation and body language are really as sound as they initially appeared to be. You'll never use the 'd' word again!
Practical Ethics for Trainers
Jim Barry, MA, CPDT, CDBC
Do you ever feel that you are caught in the middle? Between a dog with major behavior problems and an owner who wants instant results? Between a client and a breeder who is giving what you think is inappropriate advice? Between your own views about the treatment of dogs and the cultural norms of your community? If so, then this session is for you. For all of us who work with families and dogs, these clashes of values - ethical dilemmas - are inevitable. Just as we need skills and experience to work with dogs, we need to become adept at handling ethical challenges as well. The approach outlined in this presentation will help you to become as skilled at ethical decision making as you are at working with families and dogs.
Sunday, October 19
9:00am - 10:30 am
Concurrent Sessions
The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Sarah Whitehead, BA (Hons), MSc
Running puppy classes is both a joy and a challenge. It's the ultimate variable schedule of reinforcement and will soon have you addicted, and frustrated! This presentation is designed as a sanity saver - featuring everything I wish I'd known when I first started running puppy classes fifteen years ago.
The Joy of Dog Training - Work that's Fun Gets Done!
Sue Pearson, MA, CPDT
Judy Warth
This interactive session is designed to help new and seasoned trainers reflect on the little things that we do to make classes fun for owners and for us. We will share and brainstorm ideas to keep our classes interactive, playful and engaging for trainers, dogs and families.
Conditioned Reinforcement: The Whys, Hows and Whens
Jennifer Sobie, PhD, CPDT, DVM
Although the introduction nearly twenty years ago of the use of a marker, bridging or conditioned reinforcer stimulus (Sr+), began a revolution in the basic conceptualization and methodology of dog training, the function and effectiveness of this stimulus has been the focus of debate and research in recent years. Questions range from those that ask after the best use of the stimulus to those that question whether a conditioned reinforcement stimulus is actually functional at all. Speculation about its use includes such issues as whether the stimulus should be "pre-charged," whether one modality or sound type works better than another and how often the stimulus must be followed by primary reinforcement.
This presentation will provide attendees with three tools to help them understand and make effective use of the Sr+ stimulus. First, it will give an overview of foundation information such as definitions and effects of reinforcement schedules, the basic neurobiology of both conditioned and primary reinforcement, and the designs, practical relevance and limitations of studies evaluating conditioned reinforcement effects. Second, it will offer a review of relevant literature and present the latest data regarding the issue. Lastly, it will offer critical commentary regarding research outcomes and their relevance to the use of conditioned reinforcement in applied settings and provide examples of how to best use the information research has provided us to improve the performance of our dogs.
10:45 am - 12:00 pm
Concurrent Sessions
Puppies with Guns
Sarah Kalnajs, CDBC, CPDT
This important topic addresses the issues of aggression in puppies using video case studies to illustrate the potential for serious harm that can develop as these dogs mature.
It is critical for trainers that offer puppy classes or in-home services to learn how to recognize early signs of aggression seen at this age and the importance of early behavioral intervention, before the behavior was worsened through rehearsal and practice. All too often aggression in puppies is perceived as harmless and dismissed with the belief that they'll "grow out of it."
Detailed video case studies will examine four puppies under 16 weeks of age who are exhibiting a combination of worrisome issues including severe fear, resource guarding, offensive aggression and overconfidence. Two of these cases will be followed to the age of seven months to illustrate the progression of aggression from puppies with toy guns to adolescents with real guns loaded with bullets!
Leaving Track All over Town
Lauren Fox, CPDT
Clients often say, "My dog listens in class, but not in the real world." Our Outdoor Adventure course proofs behaviors learned in previous obedience classes, and tests them in real life situations. This seminar outlines how to incorporate practical application into your own curriculum and details benefits, drawbacks and important considerations.
Alternative Medicine - 10 Tips for Trainers
Douglas Knueven, DVM, CAC, CVA, CVCH
This program will highlight of some important alternative therapies and then give precise actions that can be taken to keep your pet healthy or help when there is a problem. You will learn about important nutritional supplements, acupressure points and herbal remedies all presented in a straightforward manner.
Closing Session
Talk Dog, Think Dog - The Canine Experience
Victoria Stilwell
Take a fascinating journey into the world of dogs, the complexities of communication and how we can apply our observations to foster closer bonds with our canine companions.
