Online Course – Starts 5/3/23 – Animal Behavior Consulting: Principles & Practice – IAABC (fee applies)
2023-05-03 | Virtual
The IAABC Animal Behavior Consulting Principles & Practice Course is a unique twelve-week, a multi-module course providing a comprehensive overview of the many facets of animal behavior consulting for all species. The course is appropriate for experienced behavior consultants and practitioners as well as those newer to the field with a strong interest in animal behavior. The course features weekly online meetings with a Course Mentor discussing each learning module.
Course Begins: May 3, 2023
Duration: 12 weeks
Instructor: Erin Jones, PhD, CPDT-KA, IAABC-ADT, CDBC
Course Highlights

27 renowned experts in the field
a comprehensive overview of Animal Behavior Consulting for all species
the only course to cover all facets of Animal Behavior Consulting
weekly online Mentor Meetings for ongoing support and further learning

Presenters include:
Dr. Mary Burch; Dr. Dan Estep; Dr. Susan Friedman; Dr. Lore Haug; Dr. Suzanne Hetts; Dr. Karen Overall; Dr. Chris Pachel; Chirag Patel; Ken Ramirez; Kathy Sdao; Mychelle Blake; Veronica Boutelle; Kristin Buller, LSCW; Brian Burton; Steve Dale; Dr. Sheila D’Arpino; Jessica Dolce; Gail Fisher; Sarah Fraser; Dr. Evon Hekkala; Dr. Jessica Hekman; Dr. Elinor Karlsson; Theresa McKeon; Gina Phairas; Randi Rossman; Dr. Rise VanFleet; Miranda Workman
Topics covered include:
Learning Science; Applied Behavior Analysis; Functional Analysis and Intervention Design; Biology; Ethology; Genetics; Marker Training; Case Studies; Desensitization and Counter Conditioning; Program Management; Behavioral Medicine; LIMA Practices; TAGteach; Business Promotion and Social Media Strategies; Interpreting Scientific Studies; the Human Side of the Equation; Sheltering, Fostering and Enrichment; Animal Welfare Science; Compassion Fatigue
** IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT WEEKLY ONLINE MEETINGS **

Meetings are not recorded
Meetings take place on Wednesdays at 8:00 pm Eastern (first meeting May 10th)
Meetings are 1 hour in duration with the exception of Week 7 (June 21st) which is 2 hours in duration
There are 12 meetings for this course

WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/animal-behavior-consulting-principles-practice/

Online Course – 5/6/23 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2023-05-06 11:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Are you ready to be part of the solution for feral and stray cats in your neighborhood? Our expert instructors will teach you best practices for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and colony management. Learn what TNR is and why it works. We’ll cover getting along with neighbors, preparations for trapping, trapping itself (including entire colonies at once), feeding, providing winter shelter, and more. Take advantage of the interactive format, extensive handouts, and video footage of actual projects. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance and gain access to an ongoing Facebook group for networking with other TNR activists. Instructed by Susan Richmond, executive director, and Bryan Kortis, national programs director.
Session duration is 2.5 hours, followed by an optional 15-minute Q&A session.
Proudly sponsored by Tomahawk Live Trap
WEBSITE LINK: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/5162202024417496160

Online Course – Starts 5/10/23 – Canine Social Behavior – IAABC (fee applies)
2023-05-10
This course will teach you about canine communication, play, greetings, conflict resolution behaviors, and puppy social development. Dig into the science of canine social behavior, with an emphasis on dog-to-dog social interactions. Veterinarians, behavior consultants, trainers, groomers, kennel staff, shelter workers, day care staff, pet sitters, dog walkers, and keen guardians will all benefit from this course.
This course will help you:

Explain the importance of social relationships between dogs from a scientific perspective
Accurately interpret body language in dogs and understand how body language is linked to emotional states and communication
Describe and understand the stages of puppy development and how development can affect adult behaviors, including the development of problem behaviors
Recognize and interpret play and greeting behaviors in dogs
Describe the functions of conflict and reconciliation behaviors in dogs

Course Begins: May 10, 2023
Duration: 5 weeks
Instructor: Camille Ward, PhD, CAAB
Course type: Instructed Course
** IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT WEEKLY ONLINE MEETINGS **

Auditors do not attend online meetings
Meetings are not recorded
Meetings take place on Wednesdays at 1:00 pm Eastern (first meeting May 17th)
Meetings are 1 hour in duration
There are 5 meetings for this course

WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/canine-social-behavior/

Online Course - Starts 5/17/23 - Canine Impulsivity & Fear Mentorship - IAABC (fee applies)
2023-05-17
Would you like to improve your effectiveness and success rate with impulsivity/hyperactivity, reactivity, and fear clients, or are you looking to get started with these types of behavior issues?
This 8-week Mentorship will focus on canine impulsivity/hyperactivity, reactivity, and fear, and will discuss:

the current scientific understanding
history taking, assessment, and client communication
development and implementation of behavior modification specific to these issues

By the end of this course, students should know how to:

Define and correctly identify hyperactivity/impulsivity, reactivity and fear and explain what leads to the behavior
Develop effective, comprehensive behavior plans for these issues
Track progress and make adjustments as needed
Communicate effectively with clients

The course is ideal for:

Dog trainers, behavior consultants, and shelter volunteers or staff
Veterinarians and veterinary staff
Dog walkers and dog day care staff
Pet owners may also benefit from taking the course, although they would be best served if done in conjunction with one-on-one work with a certified behavior consultant

This 8-week mentorship provides mentees with ongoing video lectures, documentation, online chat, and scheduled weekly live/online meetings.
Relative to the course topics, mentees can discuss their own cases or any others, ask questions about application and theory, ask for tips and advice on overcoming specific challenges, and be guided toward even higher levels of professionalism and effectiveness. The mentors are there for the mentees, and offer all help and discussion that each mentee finds useful.
Auditors may observe and learn about topics under discussion between the mentor and full mentees. Auditors do not attend the weekly live chats and may not introduce their own cases or ask for specific input on their own work.
** IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT WEEKLY ONLINE MEETINGS **

Auditors do not attend online meetings
Meetings are not recorded
Meetings take place on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm Eastern (first meeting May 24th)
Meetings are 1 hour in duration
There are 8 meetings for this mentorship

WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/canine-impulsivity-fear-mentorship/

Online Course - 5/17/23 - Surrender Prevention Certification Workshop - Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2023-05-17 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
As a Surrender Prevention Specialist, you may be the difference between a cat losing her home and staying in her home. Join this session to learn what surrender prevention is and why it works. Instructed by Dr. Rachel Geller, she will share real examples, with proven results, setting the potential surrenderer and cat on the road to a happy relationship together and keeping the cat in her home. We’ll cover how to empathize with cat owners, working around their limitations (financial, time, patience) and focus on the 3 most common reasons for surrender: litter box problems, scratching (and not on the scratching post!), and inter-cat aggression. Take advantage of the interactive format, extensive handouts, and video footage of actual techniques. Attendees will receive a certificate after taking a short quiz. The workshop is offered three times in 2023 and the cost to register is just $10.
The session duration is 1.5 hours, followed by an optional 15-minute Q&A session.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/surrender-prevention-certification-workshop-may-2023/

Online Course – Starts 6/1/23 – Creating Desirable Behavior Around Distractions – IAABC (fee applies)
2023-06-01
Michele Pouliot demonstrates and explains how to train reliable behaviors around surprises, temptations, and all those daily events that present challenges for dogs. Trainers working with companion and sports dogs, as well as guide dogs, will benefit from this!
This course will help you:

Identify what environmental cues trigger undesirable behaviors in each individual dog
Create an effective training plan, teaching the dog to choose desirable behavior without human prompting in mild, and even highly distracting situations
Successfully manage challenging situations for both dog and handler

Full Students have instructor support in the class Forum to ask any questions you have during the course.
Auditors have access to course material only.
Course Begins: June 1, 2023
Duration: 4 weeks
Instructor: Michele Pouliot
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/creating-desirable-behavior-around-distractions/

Online Course – Starts 6/4/23 – Fundamentals of Animal Behavior and Learning – IAABC (fee applies)
2023-06-04
By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Think scientifically about animal training and behavior consulting for all species.
Break training into component principles.
Analyze environmental events that maintain behavior.
Recognize how labels such as “aggressive” or “submissive” cloud your thinking and work.
Establish accurate descriptions of animals who are said to be “confident,” “creative,” “a problem solver,” and how you should approach those learners.
Understand the common principles at play in different animals & species.
Directly assess behavior and train more humanely and effectively by cutting through the jargon.

Duration: 4 weeks
Instructor: JoAnna Platzer, B.Sc. & Dr. Erica Feuerbacher

This four-week course will begin on the specified start date. The first three weeks will explore the scope of the course. There will be no new content in the fourth week which is reserved for completing final projects, discussion and synthesizing the course content.
Students will have access to the course for 1 year from the date of their most recent IAABC Foundation purchase.

Online Lectures: Each week there will be several short videos (10-20 minutes each; typically 60-90 minutes total per week) that will discuss the topics for that week.

Online Readings with Reading Guides: Each week you will have a scientific reading with a guide to help you navigate the reading. The paper will exemplify the principles being discussed that week.

Online Assignments: During Weeks 1-3, you will have 1-2 short online assignments each week. Some of these will entail you giving an example and then giving feedback on examples provided by a few of your fellow students.

Online Posts: During Weeks 2-4 you will post two questions, comments or reflections relevant to the material from the previous week to the discussion forum. You will also respond to at least two of your fellow students’ posts from that week (= a total of four posts per week). Your questions and responses will be graded based on their thoughtfulness and completeness.

Final Project: During Week 4, you will complete a final project/paper in which you will synthesize the topics covered to cohesively analyze and scientifically critique publicly available training videos and handouts.1

WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/fundamentals-of-animal-behavior-and-learning/

Online Course – Starts 6/5/23 – The Forensics of Aggression: Working With and Evaluating Canine Aggression – IAABC (fee applies)
2023-06-05
Jim Crosby is widely recognized as an expert in the field of dog bites, dog aggression, and fatal dog attacks. In this four-part course, Jim is sharing his hard-won knowledge and experience about dog aggression, bites, communication, and what we can do with all of this as we go through our personal and professional journeys through the canine world.
Four Modules, four live meetings (Full Students only), and experience that literally only exists in a hand full of places in the world, Jim is here to share those experiences and the understanding he has gained in nearly twenty years of dealing with the worst of the worst – and a few dogs too.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Recognize the purpose of aggression and when it is or is not appropriate
Analyze how bites happen and what evidence they leave
Evaluate WHICH dog did it, and the basis of inclusion and exclusion of potential suspects
Exchange signals with problem dogs and build the beginnings of trust
Explore dog case evaluations and their application to individual dogs

Graphic Content Warning: Course contains images of fatal dog bites and injuries.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT WEEKLY ONLINE MEETINGS

Auditors do not attend online meetings
Meetings are not recorded
Meetings take place on Mondays at 1:00 pm Eastern (first meeting June 12th)
Meetings are 1 hour in duration
There are 4 meetings for this course

WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/forensics-of-aggression/

Online Course – Starts 6/13/23 – Shelter Dog Behavior Mentorship with Trish McMillan – Shelter Behavior Hub (fee applies)
2023-06-13
Is your shelter struggling to meet the needs of your dog population? Do you feel like your SOP’s aren’t meeting industry standards? Are you facing challenges related to intake, meeting the needs of dogs in your care, or finding appropriate placement? The Shelter Dog Behavior Mentorship is your opportunity to take your shelter’s canine program to the next level. This 13 week deep dive into all things shelter behavior will help you create evidence-based policies and procedures for your shelter behavior department.
This intensive course will cover all aspects of shelter behavior, from intake to post-adoption support. With the help of your peers from all over the world, we will explore science and best practices in building your shelter behavior programming to meet and exceed industry standards, and to give every dog in your care the best shot at a new home. There will be an emphasis on creating written policy and protocols for your department.
WEBSITE LINK: https://trish-s-school-bcb6.thinkific.com/courses/2023b-sdbm-shelter-dog-behavior-mentorship

Online Course – Starts 7/17/23 – Fundamentals of Ethology – IAABC (fee applies)
2023-07-17
Think outside the Skinner box! Ethology is the scientific and objective study of how animals behave in the real world. This course will teach you the core concepts of ethology — how animals see their world, and why they behave the way they do.
You’ll learn how the environment, individual personality, and genetics all interact. This course is great for anyone new to ethology, working or interested in sheltering, zoos, training, and behavior, and everyone interested in getting the most out of their relationship with a companion animal, personal or professional.
Ethology is the study of animal behavior and its evolution, and is a key factor in having true expertise in the understanding of animals.

How do animals see and interact with their world?
What does this mean in terms of how they behave?
How will this change and enhance your understanding of behavior?
How can this understanding dramatically improve your ability to work with, and help animals?

An understanding of ethology, and the exploration of these questions will forever change how you think about the animals we live and work with.
Course Begins: July 17, 2023
Duration: 4 weeks
Instructor: Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB
** IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT WEEKLY ONLINE MEETINGS **

Auditors do not attend online meetings
Meetings are not recorded
Meetings take place on Mondays at 7:00 pm Eastern (first meeting July 24th)
Meetings are 1 hour in duration
There are 4 meetings for this course

WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/fundamentals-of-ethology/

Online Course - Application period closes 8/10/23 - Winter Cohort 2023 - Shelter Playgroup Alliance
2023-08-10
Starting in August 2023, the Shelter Playgroup Alliance no-cost CORE program will be restricted to 75 seats per cohort for individuals who are employed by, or volunteer at, a shelter or rescue and meet the following criteria:

Provide direct care to animals.
Dedicate two hours per week to complete the program in the allotted time frame; staff may need permission and support from supervisors to meet this criterion.
Have access to more than one species.
Regular access to dogs in a shelter or rescue (not only one’s own dog).
Have access to high-speed internet.
Have access to a video camera or a phone with video capabilities.
Able to listen, read, and write in English at a 6th grade level.
Acknowledge the level of difficulty of the program and have a plan for completion within the allotted 16-week time frame.
Demonstrate a learning mindset and are able and willing to receive constructive and kind feedback.
Able to incorporate feedback from the SPA grading team, adjust based on that feedback, and re-submit assignments.
Commitment to the use of positive reinforcement and LIMA-based practices in the shelter environment.

Applicants for the no-cost CORE program must respond to a survey detailing how they meet the above program criteria. Applications will not be accepted in any other form.
Shelter and rescue organizations will be limited to 10 people per cohort. Priority will be given to individuals from the same organization who will be taking the program together, as that practice can increase completion. If multiple people from the same organization apply, each much submit their own application. Group enrollment is no longer available for this program.
At this time, we will no longer offer free nor paid seats for individuals not providing direct care at a shelter or rescue, including private trainers (even if they provide training classes at a shelter or rescue facility) or day care staff.
Individuals who do not complete the program in the time allotted will be considered for 15 spaces in a second cohort. Those individuals who wish to be considered to roll-over to a second cohort must submit a short essay with a realistic plan for completion.
CPDT: 36 CEUs | IAABC: 36 CEUs
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.shelterdogplay.org/workshops

Online Course – Starts 8/15/23 – Shelter Cat Behavior Mentorship with Trish McMillan – Shelter Behavior Hub (fee applies)
2023-08-15
Are you on a mission to improve outcomes for cats at your shelter? We have the perfect mentorship for shelter cat advocates who want to take their feline programs to the next level – from meeting the needs of neonates to securing placement for ferals!
This is an on-demand course, with weekly Zoom meetings and a discussion group in between, starting on August 15th. Classes run weekly for thirteen weeks, and participants have a whole year to access course material. We will cover all aspects of shelter cat behavior, from intake to assessment, to post-adoption support. With the help of your peers from all over the world, we will explore the latest science and best practices in building your shelter behavior programming to meet and exceed industry standards, and to give every cat in your care the best chance at a great life.
WEBSITE LINK: https://trish-s-school-bcb6.thinkific.com/courses/2023A-SCBM-shelter-cat-behavior-mentorship

Online Seminar - 9/5/23 - Working With Difficult Customer Behaviors - CVMA (fee applies)
2023-09-05 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
CVMA Online Seminars are convenient interactive presentations offering CEUs held in real-time. This learning platform allows you to participate from anywhere with internet access – from your practice, your home, or anywhere you have an internet connection. Attending is as easy as a few mouse clicks. You will only need internet access and either computer audio, a headset, or a telephone.
This seminar is open to veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary hospital staff, and veterinary students only.
Webinar is live and interactive. Webinar may be recorded by the CVMA for internal use and training purposes. All other recordings are prohibited.

Course Description

This interactive course focuses on individual skill development in effectively managing challenging behaviors. There are three things we drive home in this course: respond to behaviors and not people, read and respond with rational thinking, and it is hard for us to learn new ways of reading and responding to behaviors we consider negative or challenging. This course gives you a toolbox of strategies to deal effectively with challenging behaviors.
Objectives
At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to do the following:

Describe factors of human behavior that cause customers to behave in challenging ways
Identify your personal “hot buttons” and learn to control your immediate response
Apply communication strategies to prevent escalation and resolve the situation
Identify tools that help you manage your emotions after a difficult interaction

This course qualifies for 1.0 CEU.

Date and Time

Tuesday, September 5, 2023 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Registration closes August 29, 2023

WEBSITE LINK: https://cvma.net/continuing-education/upcoming-ce/cvma-online-seminar-working-with-difficult-customer-behaviors-september-5-2023/cvma-online-seminar-working-difficult-customer-behaviors-september-5-2023/

Online Course –9/9/23 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2023-09-09 14:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
Are you ready to be part of the solution for feral and stray cats in your neighborhood? Our expert instructors will teach you best practices for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and colony management. Learn what TNR is and why it works. We’ll cover getting along with neighbors, preparations for trapping, trapping itself (including entire colonies at once), feeding, providing winter shelter, and more. Take advantage of the interactive format, extensive handouts, and video footage of actual projects. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance and gain access to an ongoing Facebook group for networking with other TNR activists. Instructed by Susan Richmond, executive director, and Bryan Kortis, national programs director.
Session duration is 2.5 hours, followed by an optional 15-minute Q&A session.
This course/webinar/series/conference has been approved for Continuing Educational Units by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). National certificate holders can submit for credit consistent with the NACA CEU policy located https://nacatraining.org/continuing-education-recertification/
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/the-neighborhood-cats-tnr-certification-workshop-sept-2023/

Online Course - 9/16/23 - Return-to-Field: How Shelters Save Community Cats - Community Cats Podcast
2023-09-16 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Presented by Neighborhood Cats. It used to be that a feral cat had little chance of exiting a shelter alive after he entered. But that’s no longer the case. In recent years, more and more shelters have adopted Return-to-Field (RTF) programs. Instead of euthanizing healthy community cats (whether feral, friendly or otherwise), the shelter will spay or neuter, eartip and vaccinate, then return the cat back to where he was found. We’ll cover the policies behind RTF, the mechanics of implementing the program, current controversies over the RTF of friendly cats, and how to combine RTF with TNR in general to lower cat populations and create sustainability.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/return-to-field-how-shelters-save-community-cats-presented-by-neighborhood-cats-sept-2023/

Online Certificate Program – Starts 9/18/23 – Animal Shelter Behavioral Management Certificate Program – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2023-09-18
The shelter environment is a very stressful place that affects the psychological well-being of the animals. Comprehensive behavior programs are essential to keep the animals behaviorally and emotionally healthy during their stay. This eight-week course will give you the knowledge and skills to develop an effective behavior program aimed at improving the welfare of the animals in your care.
UPCOMING DATES: 9/18/2023 – 11/12/2023
Who will benefit from this program?

Anyone currently affiliated with an animal shelter or rescue organization who wants to learn more about animal behavior as it relates to the shelter/foster environment.
Anyone who wants to improve the emotional wellbeing of the animals in your care.
Anyone seeking a behavior specialist position with an animal shelter or rescue organization.

What You Will Learn

Gain knowledge on how to read dog and cat animal body language and signaling
Learn techniques for safe, humane handling of the animals
Understand how the shelter environment effects the emotional wellbeing of the animals and how to use stress reduction techniques to improve welfare
Gain knowledge on how to keep the animals physically, mentally, and socially stimulated through shelter-wide enrichment programs
Understand the value of effective canine and feline behavior assessments
Obtain the knowledge and skills needed to implement training and behavior modification techniques to improve the behavior and emotional state of the shelter animals
Obtain skills needed to ensure quality customer service for adoption counseling and follow-up.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs): 4.8 CEUs
Course Code: UNSM 050
Course Price: $399
WEBSITE LINK: https://education.pacific.edu/education/professional-development/certificate-programs/leadership-health-certificates

Online Course –10/3/23 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2023-10-03 11:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Are you ready to be part of the solution for feral and stray cats in your neighborhood? Our expert instructors will teach you best practices for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and colony management. Learn what TNR is and why it works. We’ll cover getting along with neighbors, preparations for trapping, trapping itself (including entire colonies at once), feeding, providing winter shelter, and more. Take advantage of the interactive format, extensive handouts, and video footage of actual projects. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance and gain access to an ongoing Facebook group for networking with other TNR activists. Instructed by Susan Richmond, executive director, and Bryan Kortis, national programs director.
Session duration is 2.5 hours, followed by an optional 15-minute Q&A session.
This course/webinar/series/conference has been approved for Continuing Educational Units by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). National certificate holders can submit for credit consistent with the NACA CEU policy located https://nacatraining.org/continuing-education-recertification/
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/the-neighborhood-cats-tnr-certification-workshop-october-3-2023/

Online Course – Starts 10/9/23 – Creating Desirable Behavior Around Distractions – IAABC (fee applies)
2023-10-09
Michele Pouliot demonstrates and explains how to train reliable behaviors around surprises, temptations, and all those daily events that present challenges for dogs. Trainers working with companion and sports dogs, as well as guide dogs, will benefit from this!
This course will help you:

Identify what environmental cues trigger undesirable behaviors in each individual dog
Create an effective training plan, teaching the dog to choose desirable behavior without human prompting in mild, and even highly distracting situations
Successfully manage challenging situations for both dog and handler

Full Students have instructor support in the class Forum to ask any questions you have during the course.
Auditors have access to course material only.
Course Begins: October 9, 2023
Duration: 4 weeks
Instructor: Michele Pouliot
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/creating-desirable-behavior-around-distractions/

Online Course – Starts 10/15/23 – Fundamentals of Animal Behavior and Learning – IAABC (fee applies)
2023-10-15

Online Course - Starts 10/16/23 - Compassion Fatigue Strategies Plus - University of Florida - Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program (fee applies)
2023-10-16
Today’s animal welfare and veterinary medical professionals are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for animals, people, and the organizations that heal, connect, and protect them. If that’s you, it’s easy to feel like nothing you do is ever good enough. The work feels never-ending. Taking care of your own needs might seem impossible.
Transforming empathic distress (aka compassion fatigue) is absolutely possible for you and your staff. That’s why the Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida is once again offering its Compassion Fatigue Strategies online course with certified compassion fatigue educator Jessica Dolce.
This course will help you recognize signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue, burnout, and vicarious trauma, learn how to reduce stress injury, increase your self-care and team-care practices, build compassion satisfaction, restore resiliency, and make successful changes in your life and in your organization.
By the end of class you’ll:

Have 6 strategies to help you do the work you love, without being sidelined by compassion fatigue and burnout, so that you can feel energized and happy again
Know which self-care and stress management practices work for you
Have a personal mission statement so that you can feel clear about why you do this work even when it’s challenging
Have clear and manageable goals, so that you can make lasting changes in your sleep, diet, friendships, or anything else that really matters to you
Feel comfortable using super simple meditation practices, so that you can restore your balance
Clearly understand how and when to get professional mental health help, without shame
Know how to collaborate with your staff and coworkers on these issues so that you can all benefit from what you learned in the course

Early registration at $299 until Sept. 1st. Regular registration after Sept 1st is $349.
WEBSITE LINK: https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/education/continuing-education/compassion-fatigue-strategies/

Online Course – Starts 10/18/23 – Dog Lifesaving Course – Best Friends (fee applies)
2023-10-18
Best Friends and Southern Utah University’s Dog Lifesaving Course is designed for anyone who wants to positively impact the lives of dogs in shelters, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey.
Join us as we empower you with the knowledge, tools, strategies, and steps to start making changes immediately to increase dog lifesaving and enhance the lives of dogs at your organization.
The online Dog Lifesaving Course engages animal services practitioners, shelter staff, volunteers, and advocates in lessons and discussions around saving the lives of dogs.
During this seven-week, university-endorsed college online course, you’ll learn from experts in the field and explore proven ways to save the lives of dogs in animal shelters through adoption, dog behavior and well-being, foster programs, canine handling, shelter medicine, and much more.
At its core, the course focuses on how lifesaving can be increased.
WEBSITE LINK: https://bestfriends.org/learn/dog-lifesaving

Online Course - Starts 10/18/23 - Principles of Contemporary Animal Services Certificate Course - Best Friends (fee applies)
2023-10-18
The Principles of Contemporary Animal Services certificate course is a great way to develop an understanding of the animal services profession by learning about the field’s history, current state, and future possibilities.
The certificate course is built around contemporary best practices provided by experts and organizations in the field to give you a well-rounded view of the profession. With course content curated by Best Friends Animal Society as well as leading practitioners and researchers in the field, you will have access to a wide range of earned expertise, perspectives, information, and resources.
Choose from two participation options:

POCAS Certification – successful completion earns an SUU Institutional Certificate and one Continuing Education Unit (CEU), $399
POCAS Fast Track – successful completion earns three credits that may articulate into undergraduate or participating master’s degree programs at Southern Utah University, $699

WEBSITE LINK: https://bestfriends.org/learn/principles-animal-services

Online Course -10/18/23 - Mission Possible: Solving Separation Anxiety - PuppyWorks (fee applies)
2023-10-18 10:00 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
This webinar will reveal the not commonly believed fact that indeed resolution of Separation Anxiety is truly possible.
We will review multiple aspects about separation anxiety including the why, the what, and the how to proceed. In addition, the considerable research about separation anxiety over the past 4 decades will be incorporated as it is extremely helpful in working with this very nuanced behavior issue.
A structured approach to creating separation anxiety plans has turned a once considered impossible training task into a doable one with successful resolution of even the most severe appearing separation anxiety cases being attainable.
A few of the key elements of this training discussion will include the following and more:

Myths about Separation Anxiety
Systematic Desensitization and What That Really Means
Absence Management Creativity and Solutions
The Possibility of Prevention?
Feeding Toys not Necessarily a Fixit
Confinement and its Impact on SA
“Spoiling” a Dog with SA Might Surprise You
Obedience Training is not the Panacea

About the Presenter:
Malena DeMartini-Price is renowned in the dog training world for her expertise in dog separation anxiety issues. She is the author of the books Treating Separation Anxiety in Dogs (Dogwise. 2014) and the new edition: Separation Anxiety in Dogs- Next Generation Treatment Protocals & Practices (Dogwise 2020).
She has contributed articles on separation anxiety to multiple publications such as the Association of Professional Dog Trainers’ (APDT) Chronicle of the Dog, Pet Professional Guild’s (PPG) Barks From the Guild, and various national magazines such as The Bark.
Malena has dedicated her career to finding better ways to treat separation anxiety and oversees a team of highly experienced and uniquely qualified Certified Separation Anxiety Trainers.
She lectures on SA at professional dog training workshops and conferences around the world, including everything from large professional conferences to small venues. She also has been interviewed widely on this topic and multiple videos and podcasts have been produced. Malena is an honors graduate of the esteemed Academy for Dog Trainers, where she studied under Jean Donaldson, and is a member of the APDT, the Pet Professionals Guild, and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.puppyworks.com/malena-ellen

Online Course – Starts 10/19/23 – Professional Dog Training Mentorship with Sue Alexander - Shelter Behavior Hub (fee applies)
2023-10-19
Are you interested in learning how to train dogs? Whether you are new to the field, or an old hand, this course takes you from recognizing and addressing stress in dogs through teaching dogs specific skills, and changing emotional responses.
New course, starting October 19, with Instructor Sue Alexander CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, CDBC. Sue is joined by Trish McMillan MSc CPDT-KA, the owner of the Shelter Behavior Hub and the author of the Shelter Dog Behavior Mentorship, and by Laura Harper, MSc, CPDT-KA, one of the senior instructors at Dogs in the Park, Sue’s school. Shelter Dog Training Mentorship is a ground-breaking comprehensive course that focuses on how to train dogs. This course takes you from recognizing and addressing stress in dogs though teaching dogs specific skills, and changing emotional responses.
32.5 Continuing Education Credits Approved for CCPDT and IAABC!
20 Continuing Education Credits approved for CPDT and 10 Continuing Education Credits for CBCC!!
The Dog Training Mentorship begins on October 19, 2023 with the class meetings at 10:30am or 7:30pm EST (you only need to come to one!).
WEBSITE LINK: https://trish-s-school-bcb6.thinkific.com/courses/2023B-PDTM-dog-training-mentorship

Online Certificate Program – Starting 10/23/23 – Animal Shelter Management Certificate Program – Shelter Operations – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2023-10-23
Society’s relationship to pets continues to evolve. The majority of people consider their pets to be beloved family members and expect their local animal shelter to work diligently to save the lives of the dogs and cats that enter the facility. This program will provide the knowledge you need to assume a management or leadership role at an open-admission animal shelter. You’ll learn how to maximize a shelter’s lifesaving potential through program management, community engagement, and shelter operations while at the same time preparing yourself for an exciting career.
The five courses are:

Leadership covering strategic planning, analyzing operations, decision-making, managing people and processes to achieve results, organizational responsibilities, and working with a board of directors.
Shelter Operations covering adoptions, animal care and sheltering fundamentals, animal behavior and enrichment, and customer service.
Community Program Development covering volunteers, foster care, spay/neuter, pet retention, events, and community relations.
Animal Health and Clinic Operations covering understanding shelter medicine, basic animal health considerations and care, euthanasia decisions, and clinic operations.
Marketing and Development covering development fundamentals, fundraising strategies, marketing fundamentals, adoption promotion, social media and websites, and media relations.

Each of these courses include live video conference sessions with top experts in the field providing students valuable contacts within the field. Additionally, alumni have access to exclusive networking opportunities and receive notification of employment opportunities.
You can sign up for individual courses or all five for a discount. All five must be completed to get a certificate.
Who will benefit from the program?

Professionals seeking a career change to something more personally fulfilling.
New shelter directors.
Shelter directors or managers wishing to improve their organization’s live release rate and sustainability.
People working in the animal welfare field who wish to advance into management roles.
Board members of animal shelters.

Credit for program/courses
Upon completion of all five courses, you will receive a Certificate in Animal Shelter Management from the University of the Pacific.
Each course earns:

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the University of the Pacific
Association of Animal Welfare Advancement CAWA Continuing Education (CE) credits

Schedule and Registration
Each of the five online courses are six weeks long and are offered sequentially. The entire program is about seven months long, and a new round starts again after a short break. More information on start dates of each course and the registration form can be found on the University of the Pacific website.
​WEBSITE LINK: https://uc.pacific.edu/public/category/courseCategoryCertificateProfile.do?method=load&certificateId=192577

Online Course - 11/5/23 - CAVMRC Online Disaster Response Training - CVMA (fee applies)
2023-11-05 09:00 - 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
With over 2,700 volunteers, the California Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps (CAVMRC) provides emergency veterinary medical care to animals in disasters. As part of the CAVMRC’s mission to train and credential veterinary professionals to support animal and public health during a disaster, the CAVMRC is offering low-cost, interactive online continuing education for veterinarians, RVT’s, and veterinary assistants.
By registering for this course, you are also registering to become a volunteer member of the CAVMRC, if you are not already a current member. CAVMRC membership is free and participation is strictly voluntary. This course is only available to CAVMRC members.

Course is live and interactive.

Course Information

Animals in Disasters – Common Medical Conditions (7.5 CEUs)
This course provides detailed information on emergency/critical care topics that can benefit you in everyday practice as well as during a disaster response. Course instructors are Tracy Julius, DVM; Grant Miller, DVM; Ashley Patterson, DVM; Jessica Robertson, DVM, DACZM; and John Madigan, DVM, DACVIM, DACAW.
Course topics:

The Basics of Poultry Husbandry, Handling, and Veterinary Care
Housing Considerations for Poultry in Emergency Shelters: Zoonotic Disease Considerations
The Ins and Outs of Large Animal Disaster Response
Burn Management
UC Davis CVET Team: Working with the CAVMRC to Help Animals in Disasters
Deployment in the CAVMRC

Date/Time

Sunday, November 5, 2023
Log in: 8:45 AM
Class: 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
Lunch: 12:30 PM-1:00 PM

CEUs

Maximum of 7.5 CEUs. The CVMA is a statutorily-approved California CE provider.
WEBSITE LINK: https://cvma.net/continuing-education/upcoming-ce/cavmrc-online-disaster-response-training-november-05-2022/cavmrc-online-disaster-response-training-information-november-5-2023-2/

Online Certificate Program - Starts 12/4/23 - Animal Shelter Management Certificate Program - Community Program Development - Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2023-12-04

Online Event – 12/5/23 – The National Kitten Coalition Veterinary Conference 2023 Recording Available Now – National Kitten Coalition (fee applies)
2023-12-05
Due to popular demand, we have made the 2023 National Kitten Coalition Veterinary Conference recorded sessions available for purchase. Access these recordings, and achieve up to 6.75 RACE® CE credits for $55.
The National Kitten Coalition Veterinary Conference took place on October 8, 2023. Recordings of the eight sessions are available here. You can watch the sessions in any order, but you must purchase the entire conference to access the individual sessions.
Each session includes the recorded presentation, any handouts provided by the speakers, and a RACE® Quiz. You must watch the entire video and successfully pass the RACE® Quiz to receive a certificate of completion.
RACE® continuing education credit is available to veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians/nurses in jurisdictions which recognize RACE® approval. Please see individual sessions for the amount and type of CE.
Session recordings, handouts and optional CE quizzes will be accessible through December 31, 2023.
*CE credit may only be awarded once either for attending the live session or for viewing the recorded session and successful completion of the CE Quiz, and RACE® CE is only valid in jurisdictions which recognize RACE® approval.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.pathlms.com/nkc/courses/60834

Online Event - 12/7/23 - Camp Maddie: Foster Edition! - Maddie's Fund
2023-12-07 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Camp Maddie is a new learning series beginning with a virtual half-day foster edition on Thursday, December 7, 9am-1 pm PT (12 pm-4 pm ET). At Camp Maddie, we will cover various topics in to-the-point presentations, panel discussions, strategy-sharing seminars, videos and question and answer sessions. The focus will be on recruiting foster caregivers for adult dogs. Presenters will discuss breaking down barriers in the foster field, how they recruit foster caregivers and provide insight into strategies they use to make fostering accessible in their communities.
Maddie’s Fund will also be giving $200 grants to (4) lucky participants who join us live at Camp Maddie: Foster Edition on 12/7!
Topics and featured programs include:

Dog Foster Recruitment Strategies that are Working Right Now
Low-Barrier Onboarding for High Community Engagement
Maximizing Placements through Collaboration at Operation Kindness
Expanding Foster Programs with Foster+ at Dallas Pets Alive!
Doggy Day Out Marketing Process at KC Pet Project
Foster Dog Social Events at Animal Welfare League of Arlington
Innovative Foster Caregiver Recruitment Techniques at Palm Valley Animal Society
Converting Pet Finders to Foster Caregivers at Austin Pets Alive!
and more!

Who should attend? Everyone is welcome! Camp Maddie is perfect for those interested or involved in existing foster care programs, foster coordinators, marketing, leadership and operations enthusiasts.
WEBSITE LINK: https://forum.maddiesfund.org/campmaddiefoster

Online Course - Starts 1/8/24 - Cat Lifesaving Course - Best Friends and Southern Utah University (fee applies)
2024-01-08
Best Friends Animal Society and Southern Utah University’s Cat Lifesaving Course is designed for anyone who wants to positively impact the lives of cats and kittens in shelters, whether you’re an animal services practitioner, volunteer, or advocate.
During this seven-week, university-endorsed, online course, you’ll learn from experts in the field and explore proven ways to save the lives of cats in animal shelters through adoption, community cat programming, foster programs, strategic intake, shelter medicine, and much more.
Join us as we empower you with the knowledge, tools, strategies, and steps to start making changes immediately, increase lifesaving, and enhance the well-being of cats in your care.
WEBSITE LINK: https://bestfriends.org/learn/cat-lifesaving
