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FRIDAY, 31 OCTOBER
9.00AM-10.30AM and 11:00AM-12.30PM: Roger Abrantes
The evolution of Canine social behaviour
This classic lecture is the comprehensive introduction into the world of canine communication. All aspects of canine communication are shown by means of slides or film. Aggression, fear, dominance, submission, friendliness, with all their multitude of expressions, are shown and explained in wolves, jackals, foxes, cape hunting dogs, dingos, coyotes and dogs. This lecture is also a comparative study of canine and human behaviour and is based on Roger Abrantes' book of the same title.
1.30PM-3.00PM: Jennifer Messer
Temperament Testing for Puppies
What is temperament, and can we truly test it in puppies? What are the commonly used puppy temperament tests trying to measure, and how useful are they in predicting adult dog behaviour? Have these tests proven themselves to be reliable and valid? This seminar presents a critical evaluation of puppy temperament testing to help trainers decide what practical role this tool should play in their assessment and advice related to puppies.
3.30PM-5.00PM: Pamela Dennison
Juvenile delinquent dogs
The easiest way to solve standard behavior problems is to teach incompatible and alternate behaviors or change the meaning of a cue. Juvenile Delinquent Dogs historically have jumping, nipping, bullying, pulling issues as well as being, well…juvenile delinquents. Many of these unwanted behaviors are oftentimes misinterpreted as aggression, dominance, or just plain being stubborn or stupid. They aren’t aggressive or reactive, just at this stage of their lives, have more important agendas than complying with your wishes. Most juvenile delinquent dogs lack the knowledge of basic training skills. If left too long, these unchecked obnoxious behaviors may develop into more serious issues, depending on the dog themselves, how old they are and how the owners deal with the unwanted behaviors.
SATURDAY 1 NOVEMBER
9.00AM-10.30AM: Pamela Dennison
Camp R.E.W.A.R.D. For Aggressive and Reactive Dogs
Realizing Excellence With Attention, Redirection & Desensitization
This session will discuss the ways that humans cause aggression in dogs, since that is the one we can most easily control. Inappropriate reactions to our dog’s behavior, scheduled induced aggression, poor timing, physical stress, pain, observational learning, causes, solutions, counterconditioning, the hormones of stress and more will all be discussed.
11.00AM-12.30PM: Pamela Dennison
Camp R.E.W.A.R.D. For Aggressive and Reactive Dogs
Realizing Excellence With Attention, Redirection & Desensitization
For dog owners and trainers of any level, this session will explain the ins and outs of teaching handlers to manage, train and start the desensitization process with their aggressive dog in a positive, pro-active and effective manner. Foundation behaviors and enrichment programs will also be discussed and demonstrated.
1.30PM-3.00PM: Roger Abrantes
Cats and Dogs - Living in harmony
Cats and dogs can be the best and worst of friends! However, they can live harmoniously together in the same household. This session will include discussion on the interaction between cats and dogs, how to introduce a new puppy or older dog to the resident cat, possible problems that may occur and how to avoid them.
3.30PM-5.00PM (Stream 1): Pamela Dennison
Setting up your own aggressive dog classes
The need for aggressive dog classes is on the rise. It is a good testament to our society that more and more people are willing to help their dogs instead of euthanizing them. Many trainers are not willing or knowledgeable enough to run these types of classes. The risk for a bite incident or further stress to the dog may be high if the class is handled inappropriately. Specific protocols and criteria on prerequisites for joining a class and management of a class will be addressed and demonstrated. How to judge which dogs are and are not appropriate for a group class will be discussed.
3.30PM-5.00PM (Stream 2): Jennifer Messer
Striving for Puppy Wellness
Since the mid 90s vaccines have become more effective in younger puppies. Do we still have to choose between early socialization and infectious disease prevention when striving for wellness in pups? This seminar will provide trainers with a practical understanding of puppy vaccination – what diseases are commonly vaccinated against, which diseases are of most concern in the puppy class environment, how does the puppy’s immune system respond to vaccination, and what is the rationale behind puppy vaccine schedules. The disease risks associated with putting a puppy in class before being fully vaccinated will be examined alongside the behavioural risks of waiting until the pup has had “all his shots”.
3.30PM-5.00PM (Stream 3): Roger Abrantes
The Silent Language
This means of communication is also called non-verbal communication or the unspoken human language. Many misunderstandings arise when we listen to someone, but we do not look at them. We have many body and facial expressions that emphasise, soften or contradict what our words say. Body language is universal, but there are differences, which can become embarrassing if we do not know them. Learn how to know what people want to tell you before they open their mouth.
SUNDAY 2 NOVEMBER
9.00AM-10.30AM and 11.00AM-12.30PM: Jenifer Messer
Successful Puppy Classes
The most important goal of Kinderpuppy Class is to help puppies develop into happy, safe, and enjoyable companions. Obedience training is only one part of a comprehensive puppy class curriculum: socialization, bite-inhibition training, and behaviour problem prevention are essential. This seminar explores the key components to a well-rounded Kinderpuppy curriculum, and how these essential elements can be implemented in a Kinderpuppy course. Video clips from a variety of puppy classes will be used for illustration.
1.30PM-3.00PM: Roger Abrantes
Problem behaviour in Dogs
This presentation covers the treatment of problem behaviour in dogs, from common problems like walking the dog and home alone problems to more complicated issues, such as aggressive and fearful behaviour. The presentation targets professionals such as veterinarians, behaviour counselors and trainers, but is also useful for the dog owner who is interested in understanding how problems develop or how to avoid them.
3.15PM-4.45PM: Pamela Dennison
Putting Fun into Pet Dog Classes
One of the hardest things to do is to keep a student interested beyond your initial basic session. There are many ways you can make the “same old, same old” into something more fresh and relevant. We as trainers know how important basic skills are, but they don’t have to be boring. This session will teach you how to better present them in such a way as to get owners not only compliant, but practicing! In addition, new skills taught in the form of free shaping will have your students clamoring for more! |
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