Online Course - Starts 10/18/21 - Compassion Fatigue Strategies - University of Florida - Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program (fee applies)
2021-10-18 | Virtual
Compassion Fatigue Strategies is a unique online course designed to support people who work with animals. In this four module, self-paced class, you will establish a foundation of knowledge to help you better understand and transform your experience with compassion fatigue. Course begins 10/18/2021–12/12/2021. Register Now!
The course will help you recognize signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue, learn to manage your stress levels and increase your self-care practices, connect with the rewards of your work, build your resiliency, and commit to making successful changes in your life and in your organization.
This class is a personal exploration to help you build the self-awareness necessary to manage the impact of compassion fatigue. Please be aware that the class work can be emotionally challenging.
By the end of class you’ll have six strategies to help you manage and transform your experience with compassion fatigue, your personal mission statement and goals to help you make lasting changes, a better understanding of yourself and how to engage in self-care that works for you, and the tools you need to be well, while you continue to do good work!
WEBSITE LINK: https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/education/continuing-education/compassion-fatigue-strategies/

Online Course - Starts 10/25/21 - Canine Impulsivity and Fear Mentorship - IAABC (fee applies)
2021-10-25
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. Online Weekly Meetings (1 hour) take place on Mondays at 7pm Eastern (first meeting November 1st).
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.
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/canine-impulsivity-fear-mentorship/

Online Course - 11/15/21 to 11/17/21 - Managing common feline problems - live online from Key West - IVS (fee applies)
2021-11-15 10:30 - 15:30, 2021-11-16 05:00 - 10:30, 2021-11-17 05:00 - 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Michael Lappin D.V.M., Ph.D.
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Professor of Medicine
Colorado State University
Susan Little D.V.M.
Dipl. American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Feline Practice)
Bytown Cat Hospital
Ottawa, ON
Canada
Drs. Michael Lappin and Susan Little are two of the well-known feline interested veterinarians in North America. Dr. Little is board certified in feline medicine by the ABVP and owns two feline only practices in Ottawa, Canada. Dr. Lappin in an internal medicine specialist has been involved with feline clinical research ever since reporting the Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG tests in 1989. His research group at Colorado State University completes approximately 15 feline clinical research projects per year. Dr. Little and Lappin have lectured together multiple times and most recently spoke to packed houses at both NAVC and WVC.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.ivseminars.com/seminars/managing-common-feline-problems-live-online-from-key-west/

Online Course - Starts 11/16/21 - The Forensics of Aggression: Working With and Evaluating Canine Aggression - IAABC (fee applies)
2021-11-16
Online weekly meetings are for Full Students only and take place on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm Eastern (first meeting November 23rd). Meetings are not recorded.
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

*Course now open to Auditors only. Please use discount code when registering.*
Graphic Content Warning: Course contains images of fatal dog bites and injuries.
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/forensics-of-aggression/

Online Seminar - 12/1/21 and 12/7/21 - Menacing Methicillin-Resistant Staph: Getting Under the Skin, How to Manage and Prevent Bacterial Resistance - CVMA (fee applies)
2021-12-01 17:30 - 18:45, 2021-12-07 12:30 - 13:45
This seminar is open to veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary hospital staff, and veterinary students only.
Course Description
With the increase in antibiotic resistance in both humans and animals, especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus, we need to be better stewards of antibiotics while still treating pyodermas. In this course, we will discuss when to perform cultures and sensitivities, appropriate antibiotic usage, and alternatives to oral antibiotics to treat resistant infections.
This webinar is geared for small animal practitioners.
This course satisfies the one hour of California CE requirement on the judicious use of medically important antimicrobial drugs.
Speaker
Andrea Cannon, DVM, DACVD
Dr. Andrea Cannon received her DVM degree from UC Davis in 1993 and completed a residency in veterinary dermatology in 1996. She owned Animal Dermatology & Allergy, Inc. until July of 2021 and is now working in Boise, Idaho. Dr. Cannon is a full member of the American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology. She has co-authored several articles and has spoken at numerous lectures, presentations, and conferences throughout the United States and abroad.
Dates and Times
Wednesday, December 1, 2021 | 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM
Registration, cancellation, and substitution deadline: November 26, 2021
Tuesday, December 7, 2021 | 12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Registration, cancellation, and substitution deadline: December 2, 2021
WEBSITE LINK: https://cvma.net/learning/cvma-ce-programs-2/online-menacing-methicillian-resistant-staph-december-1-7-2021/

Online Course - 12/17/21 to 12/19/21 - Unwrapping common medical problems - IVS (fee applies)
2021-12-17 06:00 - 11:30, 2021-12-18 06:00 - 11:30, 2021-12-19 06:00 - 11:00
This combination of two internationally recognized Internists will provide you with a practical approach to the management of many common medical problems that you encounter in your daily practice. You are sure to come away with some very helpful tips!
Gary Oswald D.V.M.
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Tampa Bay Veterinary Consultants
Oldsmar, FL
Ellen Behrend V.M.D., Ph.D.
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Professor emerita
Department of Clinical Sciences
Auburn University
Seminar Topics:

Endocrine

Diabetics: anything new that can help?
Diabetic conundrums: management dilemmas
Trilostane: the latest on how to use it
A case-based approach to diagnosis of pu/pd
Diagnosing canine hypothyroidism: a case-based approach
Feline hyperthyroidism: finding it and helping your patients live longer

Cardiac

When should Atenolol or Diltiazem be considered for feline cardiomyopathy?
Are ACE-inhibitors and Spironolactone necessary in feline CHF ?
Is pimobendan indicated or contraindicated for feline CHF related to HCM ?
What are the two best treatments for feline CHF?
What are the preferred thromboprophylaxis treatments in feline cardiomyopathy patients?
When to initiate and how to dose pimobendan in canine cardiac patients.
Loop diuretic therapy in canine and feline CHF – furosemide of torsemide?
Reducing angiotensin and aldosterone – what role do ACE-inhibitors play in canine CHF?
When did spironolactone become useful in canine CHF patients?
Use of Viagra in canine heart disease.

Respiratory disease

How to determine whether a coughing dog has chronic bronchitis vs airway collapse.
Which drugs are considered preferred cough suppressants in dogs?
Are bronchodilators helpful in coughing dogs? Which one?
When to consider surgical intervention or tracheal stenting in airway collapse.
Coughing cats – How do I tell if it is feline asthma or some other respiratory disease?
Do I have to give corticosteroids to feline asthma patients?
What are the preferred corticosteroids options for asthmatic cats?
When would bronchodilator treatment be useful in asthmatic cats?
Are human asthma drugs helpful in feline asthma patients?
Should cyproheptadine or Cerenia be considered in feline asthma patients?
Is immunotherapy helpful in treating asthmatic cats?

Chronic Kidney Disease

Serum creatinine, SDMA, AI – which is the preferred means of diagnosing CKD?
Should quantitative urine protein values be determined routinely in geriatric patients?
Is blood pressure determination really that important in renal patients?
Which antihypertensive treatment is preferred in CKD – amlodipine, ACE-Is or ARBs?

When should renal biopsy be considered?

What are the realistic goals in treating chronic kidney disease?
When should a therapeutic renal diet be started in CKD patients?

Are vitamin D, calcium and PTH important in CKD?

This dog/cat doesn’t like oral phosphorus binders. How important is this drug?
Appropriate use of erythropoeitin analogs in anemic CKD patients.
Appropriate use of fluid therapy and appetite stimulants in hyporexic CKD patients.

Urinary Tract Infection

What are the preferred antibiotics in sporadic (uncomplicated) UTI patients?
How long should antibiotic therapy be administered in sporadic (uncomplicated) UTI?
What predisposing disorders should I look for in patients with recurrent (complicated) UTI?
How do I select an appropriate antibiotic in recurrent UTI patients?
What do I do when asymptomatic bacteruria is present?
Is oral cranberry effective? What about other drugs or supplements?
Does improving vulvar and vaginal health help reduce UTIs?
When to consider Phenylpropanolamine treatment in UTI patients.

WEBSITE LINK: https://www.ivseminars.com/seminars/how-i-manage-common-medical-problems-in-practice-live-online-interactive-course/

Online Course - Enrollment open 1/1/22 to 1/20/22 - Spring Cohort 2022 - Shelter Playgroup Alliance
2022-01-01, 2022-01-20
Program overview: This series of educational modules will prepare participants to manage playgroups using the LIMA ethical standard and use conspecific interactions for behavior modification.
Cohort structure: Learners will be invited to join a cohort that will meet virtually for four months via the Litmos LMS platform. Each cohort will be invited to twice-monthly (bi-weekly) hour-long, live meetings via Zoom webinar so that questions can be answered live. The bi-weekly meetings will feature video analysis and discussion of relevant topics.
Registration process: Individuals interested in joining each cohort must submit an “e-mail of interest” to the executive director, Mara Velez requesting to be added to the upcoming cohort. Each person must login at least twice a month and complete modules in order to continue.
Completion timeframe: Learners will be expected to complete one module per week, which will require 60-90 minutes per week. The program consisting of Foundation and Intermediate modules will be expected to be completed within a four month time-frame. The total seat time per week is estimated to be two to two and a half hours, which is a combination of reviewing the modules and completing assessments and assignments.
Other requirements: In order to complete the assignments, learners must have access to at least two species of animals during the cohort period (e.g., dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, horses). Application of knowledge and demonstration of skill are key components of this educational program.
CPDT: 36 CEUs | IAABC: 36 CEUs
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD MORE INFORMATION
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.shelterdogplay.org/workshops

Online Course - Starts 1/6/22 - Fundamentals of Ethology - IAABC (fee applies)
2022-01-06
True expertise requires going beyond instrumental and classical conditioning, and understanding everything possible about each individual animal and species we’re training.
Ethology is the study of animal behavior and its evolution, and is a key factor in having the deepest possible 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 help animals?

This course, and the exploration of these questions will forever change how you think about the animals we live and work with.
Course Begins: January 6, 2022
Duration: 4 weeks
Instructor: Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB
** IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ONLINE WEEKLY MEETINGS **

Auditors do not attend online meetings
Meetings for this session take place on Thursdays at 1:00 pm Eastern (first meeting January 13th)
Meetings are not recorded

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

Online Course - Starts 1/9/22 - Beginning Behavior Consulting Mentorship with Sarah Filipiak - IAABC (fee applies)
2022-01-09
Are you new to behavior consulting or thinking about starting work in behavior? Are you already consulting and looking for advice regarding more advanced cases? Are you looking for help with specific cases or kinds of cases? If you’ve thought about taking on, or are new to, cases such as aggression towards strangers, dog-dog reactivity, resource guarding and separation anxiety, or you just want to brush up on your behavior chops, this mentorship is for you.
This mentorship will help you:

Understand how to determine and acknowledge your skill level
Examine the difference between training and behavior modification
Understand the basic principles of behavior modification and how they apply to all situations
Understand how to communicate your expectations and clients’ options prior to accepting more challenging cases
Understand how to write behavior plans clients can follow
Explore how to motivate clients to implement plans requiring a heavy level of commitment and follow-through

Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Sarah Filipiak will share tips on coaching behavior clients, including case organization and communication, for maximum client compliance. She’ll also cover the risks inherent in tackling tricky behaviors and how to keep from getting in over your head while still expanding your training horizons. We’ll also take a look at training hierarchies and other tools that can help you solve your current challenging cases.
This program will explore evaluating, resolving, and managing problem canine behaviors through guided online discussions, sample case studies, video analysis, useful handouts, and more. In addition to the ongoing course interaction and support, you’ll meet weekly for face-to-face live online group support.
Come prepared with a client behavior case you would like to troubleshoot, or just join us to listen and learn.
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/writing-mentorship-with-eileen-anderson/

Online Certificate Program - Starting 1/10/22 - Animal Shelter Management Certificate Program - Leadership Training - Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2022-01-10
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://education.pacific.edu/education/professional-development/certificate-programs/leadership-health-certificates

Online Course - Starts 1/16/22- Fundamentals of Animal Behavior and Learning - IAABC (fee applies)
2022-01-16
This course will help you:

Think scientifically about animal training and behavior consulting for all species.
Understand and break training into component principles.
Understand environmental events that maintain behavior.
Increase your ability to be humane and effective.
Understand how labels such as “aggressive” or “submissive” cloud our thinking and our work.
Consider what we are describing when we say an animal is “confident,” “creative,” “a problem solver,” and how we should approach those learners.
See the common principles at play in different animals & species.
Become a more effective and humane trainer by cutting through the jargon and directly assessing behavior.

Duration: 4 weeks
Instructor: JoAnna Platzer, B.Sc. & Dr. Erica Feuerbacher
Course Activities, Objectives, & Assessment
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.
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/fundamentals-of-animal-behavior-and-learning/

Online Course - Starts 1/24/22 - Animal Behavior Consulting: Principles & Practice - IAABC (fee applies)
2022-01-24
Online Weekly Meetings (1 hour) take place on Mondays at 8pm Eastern (first meeting is on January 31st). Week 7 is a 2 hour meeting.
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.
New Registration options:

Principles & Practice PLUS includes professional review and direct feedback/recommendations on the Functional Assessment and Intervention Design (FAID) assignment from experts in the field.
Our regular Principles & Practice option still includes weekly mentor meetings, but no FAID review is included.

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
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

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

Online Course - Starts 1/30/22 - Beginning Behavior Consulting Mentorship with Sarah Filipiak - IAABC (fee applies)
2022-01-30
This mentorship includes 7 online weekly meetings (1 hour long) for Full Students.
Meetings take place on Sundays at 1:00 pm Eastern (first meeting is on February 6th).
Are you new to behavior consulting or thinking about starting work in behavior? Are you already consulting and looking for advice regarding more advanced cases? Are you looking for help with specific cases or kinds of cases? If you’ve thought about taking on, or are new to, cases such as aggression towards strangers, dog-dog reactivity, resource guarding and separation anxiety, or you just want to brush up on your behavior chops, this mentorship is for you.
This mentorship will help you:

Understand how to determine and acknowledge your skill level.
Examine the difference between training and behavior modification.
Understand the basic principles of behavior modification and how they apply to all situations.
Understand how to communicate your expectations and clients’ options prior to accepting more challenging cases.
Understand how to write behavior plans clients can follow.
Explore how to motivate clients to implement plans requiring a heavy level of commitment and follow-through.

Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Sarah Filipiak will share tips on coaching behavior clients, including case organization and communication, for maximum client compliance. She’ll also cover the risks inherent in tackling tricky behaviors and how to keep from getting in over your head while still expanding your training horizons. We’ll also take a look at training hierarchies and other tools that can help you solve your current challenging cases.
This program will explore evaluating, resolving, and managing problem canine behaviors through guided online discussions, sample case studies, video analysis, useful handouts, and more. In addition to the ongoing course interaction and support, you’ll meet weekly for face-to-face live online group support.
Come prepared with a client behavior case you would like to troubleshoot, or just join us to listen and learn.
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/beginning-behavior-consulting-mentorship-with-sarah-filipiak/

Online Course - Applications close 2/4/22 - Four Rights Bootcamp - Maddie's® Million Pet Challenge
2022-02-04
Learning how to quit crisis mode, embrace your capacity, and create space for lasting change is the core of Four Rights Bootcamp, and the time for your shelter to join is now! A transformative six-week journey charted by a team of experts from Maddie’s® Million Pet Challenge and the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program, Four Rights Bootcamp takes the initiatives that powered over 1500 shelters to save over 3.5 million cat lives and expands them to include all animals at risk in our communities. We believe every shelter, including yours, should be able to provide every animal with the Right Care in the Right Place, at the Right Time, and to the Right Outcome, and we’ve designed this Bootcamp to give you the tools and the support to sidestep the daily churn and make a plan for putting the most impactful initiatives into practice at your shelter.
Seats are limited. The next session opens in March 2022; apply by February 4.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.sheltermedportal.com/bootcamp-info-page/

Online Course - Starts 2/7/22 - The Full Picture: An in-depth workshop featuring academic and skill exploration of classic and new research in instrumental learning - PPG (fee applies)
2022-02-07 14:00 - 16:00
As trainers and behavior consultants, our primary goal is to increase and/or decrease behavior. This involves instrumental conditioning. Having a strong understanding in the science of instrumental learning will greatly improve your ability to change behavior effectively and humanely. This course covers the basics of instrumental learning, the side effects and alternatives to punishment, the latest research on training methods and their impact on behavior and the biology of learning.
Instructed by Dr. Kristina Spaulding
CEUs: PPAB 6, IAABC (pending), KPA (pending), CCPDT (pending)
Who Is This Workshop For?
This course is for anybody interested in the training of dogs. Beginners, or those wanting an in-depth review of instrumental learning, would benefit from taking the entire course. If you already have a strong understanding of the four quadrants and the side effects of punishment, sessions 3 and 4 still have something to offer! Session 3 covers the latest research on training methods, including the effectiveness of clicker training and “effort-based training”. Session 4 discusses evolution, genetics and physiology in relation to learning and behavior.
Remote Support via Facebook Group
Attendees who purchased the package will be invited into the Facebook group 7 days prior to the start of the workshop.
Working Spots (Strictly Limited to 15 spots ONLY!) – After each webinar Dr. Kristina Spaulding will post information regarding the key skills you will need to practice and master. Those attendees who are registered for a working spot will have the opportunity to post videos of their training sessions and receive mentoring support and feedback directly from Kristina in the Facebook Group. Each of the Recorded webinars and recorded Q&A sessions will be posted in the group a few hours after the live event.
Auditors (package only) – We will have a Facebook group set up for all attendees where information regarding the webinars and necessary links will be posted. Attendees can network here with other attendees and benefit from discussions and deliberations regarding the information. Recorded webinars and recorded Q&A sessions will be posted in the group a few hours after the live event.
Individual Session Attendees – Those who register for just one or more individual session will receive a copy of the webinar recording within 48 hours of the session.
The Facebook group for attendees who purchase a workshop package will be disbanded 4 weeks post the last workshop session.
Session Details
Session 1 – Just the Basics
Date: February 7, 2022
– Definition of learning
– Basics
– Types of instrumental conditioning
– Producing behaviors
Homework Working Spots
Provide video of you teaching three behaviors, each using a different method
– Explain your reasoning behind using a particular method for a particular behavior. For example, why did you use luring to teach behavior Y and capturing to train behavior Z?
Identify the type of instrumental conditioning
After watching an assigned video identify:
– The type of learning going on – positive or negative reinforcement or punishment?
– The antecedent, behavior, and consequence
– Which animal you are focusing on. (You can do both if you want, just make sure you’re clear about who you’re talking about because it could change the answer!)
Session 2 – All About Punishment
Date: February 9, 2022
– Punishment intro
– Effective punishment
– Does punishment work?
– Side effects
– Alternatives to punishment
Homework Working Spots
Provide a video of you using an alternative to punishment to decrease a behavior
Session 3 – Training methods
Date: February 14, 2022
– Important factors
– Positive reinforcement vs. aversives in dogs
– Clicker training/Do As I Do
– Effort-based training
Homework Working Spots
Video of clicker training vs. training with no marker – report your observations – OR – video of you engaging in effort-based training with an animal of your choice
Session 4 – The Biology of Learning
Date: February 16, 2022
– Natural selection/evolution
– Genetics and behavior
– G x E
– Epigenetics
– Physiology and behavior
– Neurobiology
Homework Working Spots
Client communication – what key points do clients need to know about the biology of learning? How would you communicate this clearly and concisely? (200 words or less)
Spread Your Event Payments Over Several Months?
If you would like to split your event cost into three payments then please register for the event, do not pay the invoice you receive by email. As soon as you register email Sharon Nettles at Events@petprofessionalguild.com and request your payments be split into three invoices. You will then need to pay the first invoice immediately to secure your place.
Only available for Auditor and Working Spots.
All three invoices must be settled 2 weeks prior to the event.
WEBSITE LINK: https://petprofessionalguild.com/event-4599086

Online Course - Starts 2/18/22 - Canine Impulsivity and Fear Mentorship - IAABC (fee applies)
2022-02-18
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.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ONLINE WEEKLY MEETINGS:

Auditors do not attend online meetings
Meetings for this session take place on Fridays at 1:00 pm Eastern (first meeting February 25th)
Meetings are not recorded

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

Online Course - Applications Close 2/18/22 - Behavior/Training/Enrichment (BTE) Bootcamp - Maddie’s® Million Pet Challenge
2022-02-18
Maddie’s® Million Pet Challenge Director of Online Learning Cindi Delany, DVM, KPA-CPT, developed this brand new Bootcamp. This Bootcamp’s goal is to help your shelter team review current best practices and innovations in the Behavior, Training and Enrichment (BTE) space, then assess your own operations and programs and begin implementing changes to level up what you are doing and how you are doing it.
This immersive and coach-guided course will do more than help you identify new ways to improve animal welfare and wellness. It will also get you started making those improvements in less than 2 months (and your coaches will continue to support you on an ongoing basis once Bootcamp is over).
And thanks to a generous grant from the Wiederhold Foundation to develop this program and to the Maddie’s® Million Pet Challenge, you can participate free of charge! Seats are limited for each cohort, so let us know you are interested and apply by February 18, 2022 for the session starting February 28, 2022.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.sheltermedportal.com/bte-bootcamp-info/

Online Course - Starts 2/21/22 - Compassion Fatigue Strategies - University of Florida - Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program (fee applies)
2022-02-21
Compassion Fatigue Strategies Plus is a unique online course designed to support people who work with animals. In this four module, self-paced class, you will establish a foundation of knowledge to help you better understand and transform your experience with compassion fatigue (aka empathy strain), burnout, and stress. Course begins 02/21/2022–04/18/2022; registration closes 2/18/21.
The 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.
In live calls and recorded modules, you will learn critical resilience skills, such as: self-awareness, self-regulation + grounding techniques, intentional perspective + cognitive reframing, self-care and setting limits, social support and debriefing, and how/when to seek mental health help.
This class is a personal exploration to help you build the self-awareness necessary to manage the impact of compassion fatigue and other workplace stressors. Please be aware that the class work can be emotionally challenging.
By the end of class you’ll have a variety of practical strategies to help you manage and transform your experience with compassion fatigue and reduce overall stress. You’ll have a better understanding of yourself and how to engage in self-care that works for you, as well as how to support your staff using vicarious-trauma informed approaches, so that you can be well, while you continue to do good work!
WEBSITE LINK: https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/education/continuing-education/compassion-fatigue-strategies/

Online Certificate Program - Starting 2/21/22 - Animal Shelter Management Certificate Program - Shelter Operations - Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2022-02-21

Online Course - Starts 2/22/22 - Cat Behavior Consulting Mentorship with Katenna Jones - IAABC (fee applies)
2022-02-22
Wherever you are in your cat behavior consulting career, we are pleased to offer a first-ever opportunity in the industry: a cat behavior consulting mentorship. This program will traverse the process of seeing private clients and evaluating and managing problem feline behaviors. You will also explore the logistical side: taking a client history, tracking success, client compliance and retention, and more. Through guided online discussions, sample case studies, useful handouts, and homework assignments, you will leave this mentorship with the knowledge necessary to become a consultant.
This course is designed for those who:

have a general knowledge of feline behavior
are familiar with basic behavior modification (any species)
are thinking of becoming a cat behavior consultant but aren’t sure how, where or when to begin
are currently seeing a limited number of clients but are looking for advice on taking more advanced cases
are looking for a place to share, bounce, and develop ideas for building a private cat consultation business

Some of the topics to be addressed include:

taking effective case histories, writing reports, and tracking progress
client communication, compliance and retention
building your consulting toolbox and organizing your processes
conducting in-person and remote consults
tips for protecting yourself physically, legally, and financially
case study review
discussion of a wide variety of unwanted feline behaviors
an opportunity to share your own cases and questions

… and more!
Working with mentor Katenna Jones, you will develop your own process that works for you when seeing clients.
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/cat-behavior-consulting-mentorship/

Online Course – Starts 3/2/22 – Canine Social Behavior – IAABC (fee applies)
2022-03-02
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: March 2, 2022
Duration: 5 Weeks
Instructor: Camille Ward, PhD, CAAB
Online Weekly Meetings take place on Wednesdays at 12pm Eastern (first meeting March 9th)
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/canine-social-behavior/

Online Certificate Program - Starts 3/21/22 - Animal Shelter Behavioral Management Certificate Program - Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2022-03-21
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: 3/21/2022 – 5/15/22
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
*The following organizations recognize CEUs associated with the program (may be subject to change):
IAABC – 16 CEUs (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants)
CCPDT – 4 CEUs for trainers; 12 CEUs for behavior consultants (The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers)
CAWA – 4.8 (The Association of Animal Welfare Advancement)
WEBSITE LINK: https://education.pacific.edu/education/professional-development/certificate-programs/leadership-health-certificates

Online Course – Applications Close 3/28/22 – Behavior, Training, Enrichment (BTE) Bootcamp – Maddie’s® Million Pet Challenge
2022-03-28
Maddie’s® Million Pet Challenge Director of Online Learning Cindi Delany, DVM, KPA-CPT, developed this brand new Bootcamp. This Bootcamp’s goal is to help your shelter team review current best practices and innovations in the Behavior, Training and Enrichment (BTE) space, then assess your own operations and programs and begin implementing changes to level up what you are doing and how you are doing it.
This immersive and coach-guided course will do more than help you identify new ways to improve animal welfare and wellness. It will also get you started making those improvements in less than 2 months (and your coaches will continue to support you on an ongoing basis once Bootcamp is over).
And thanks to a generous grant from the Wiederhold Foundation to develop this program and to the Maddie’s® Million Pet Challenge, you can participate free of charge! Seats are limited for each cohort, so let us know you are interested and apply by March 28, 2022 for the session starting April 18, 2022.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.sheltermedportal.com/bte-bootcamp-info/

Online Certificate Program - Starting 4/2/22 - Animal Shelter Management Certificate Program - Community Program Development - Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2022-04-04
