Online Course – Starts 2/23/23 – The Forensics of Aggression: Working With and Evaluating Canine Aggression – IAABC (fee applies)
2023-02-23 | Virtual
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 Thursdays at 8:00 pm Eastern (first meeting March 2nd)
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 2/26/23 - Fundamentals of Animal Behavior and Learning - IAABC (fee applies)
2023-02-26
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 – 3/4/23 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2023-03-04 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://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/the-neighborhood-cats-tnr-certification-workshop-mar-2023/

Online Course - Starts 3/6/23 - Cat Lifesaving Course - Best Friends and Southern Utah University (fee applies)
2023-03-06
The Cat Lifesaving Course, run by Best Friends Animal Society in collaboration with Southern Utah University, will offer practitioners, community members, advocates, and volunteers an opportunity to learn about the proven policies, programs and procedures necessary to meet the community’s expectations of cat lifesaving. Registration is now open for this seven-week, online course that begins on March 6. Questions? Contact learning@bestfriends.org
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.suu.edu/prodev/best-friends/cat-lifesaving-course.html

Online Course – Starts 3/9/23 – Shelter Dog Training Mentorship with Sue Alexander - Shelter Behavior Hub (fee applies)
2023-03-09
New course, starting March 9, with Instructor: Sue Alexander CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, CDBC, assisted by Trish McMillan, MSc and special guests! 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!!
Course Begins: March 9th, 2023
WEBSITE LINK: https://trish-s-school-bcb6.thinkific.com/courses/2023-SDTM-shelter-dog-training-mentorship

Online Seminar – 3/22/23 and 3/28/23 – Sexual Harassment Prevention Education and Training – CVMA (fee applies)
2023-03-22 17:00 - 19:15, 2023-03-28 12:00 - 14:15 (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 will not be recorded for viewing at a later date.

Course Description

California law requires employers with five or more employees must provide Sexual Harassment Prevention Education and Training for all employees every two years. New supervisory employees must still be trained within six months of assuming their supervisory position, and new non-supervisory employees must be trained within six months of hire. Additionally, temporary, seasonal, and other employees hired to work less than six months require this training within 30 calendar days after the hire date or within 100 hours worked, whichever comes first.

The first hour of the webinar will be for all employees (supervisors and non-supervisors). There will be a 15-minute break followed by the second hour of the webinar for supervisors only so that they can receive a full two hours of training.

Registered attendees may participate in the webinar as an individual or as a group under a single login.
Supervisor registered attendees will receive 2 CEUs.
Non-supervisor registered attendees will receive 1 CEU.

Training renewal example: If you trained staff in 2019, they were due for a refresher training by January 1, 2022.

Date and Time

Wednesday, March 22, 2023 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (non-supervisor) 5:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. (supervisor)

Registration closes March 15, 2023

Tuesday, March 28, 2023 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (non-supervisor) 12:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. (supervisor)

Registration closes March 21, 2023

WEBSITE LINK: https://cvma.net/continuing-education/upcoming-ce/cvma-sexual-harassment-training-march-22-28-2023/sexual-harassment-prevention-education-and-training-information/

Online Course - Deadline 3/31/23 - Spring 2023 Track Pack Application - Maddie's® Million Pet Challenge
2023-03-31
There’s a new, different, better experience in the Maddie’s® Million Pet Challenge Learniverse, and it’s designed with your feedback, your busy schedules, and your big goals in mind. The Spring 2023 Shelter Summit and Fast Tracks will give you the opportunity to learn by doing, create the change you want to see, and go further together with your colleagues and the support of expert coaches. If you would like to watch all or part of the recorded Summit, each presentation and Q&A session is viewable on Maddie’s® University.
Now that the Shelter Summit event is over, it’s time to join Fast Tracks and Track Packs! You can find schedules, registration links, and descriptions of each track below. Be sure to register for Fast Tracks (open to everyone, no application needed) before 3/28. Thinking about applying for one of our limited spots as a “Track Pack” member in one or more of the Fast Tracks? Apply to be considered by 3/31. We would love to have you join us! If you have any questions, please contact us at learniverse@sheltermedportal.com. For more information, visit www.sheltersummit.com.
Ready to make change happen? Choose one or more Fast Tracks and start doing—with support!
Sprint from idea to implementation and ongoing improvement in eight weeks by connecting with coaches and fellow participants in four live sessions alternating with four optional office hours.
Go from participant to pace-setter: Apply to run with an exclusive Track Pack.
Apply to join a Track Pack to unlock dedicated coaching sessions and get the extra accountability, motivation, and inspiration you need to get the impact you want. Stay on track by advancing within a tight-knit group of shelters working side-by-side with your coaches to achieve your goals.
As a Track Pack member, you could be spotlighted for other track participants to learn from your challenges and successes. You’ll cheer each other on, exchange experiences and ideas to turn setbacks into solutions, and measure progress together.
Track Pack spots are limited; apply now! The final deadline for Track Pack applications is March 31.
#ThankstoMaddie, participation in the Shelter Summit and Fast Tracks is absolutely free and everyone is welcome!
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.sheltermedportal.com/spring-2023-shelter-summit/#Track_Packs

Online Certificate Program – Starts 4/4/23 – Animal Shelter Management Certificate Program – Marketing and Development – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2023-04-04
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.
Marketing and Development: Apr 4 to May 14, 2023
Instructor: Diane Blankenburg and Laurie D. Daily
Course Code: UNSM 025 51 (6 CEUs)
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 4/6/23 – The Thinking Dog: Cognition and its Role in Behavior – IAABC (fee applies)
2023-04-06
Have you ever wondered what’s going on in your dog’s head? This course will guide you through those intangible, invisible mental processes that influence behavior. It includes fascinating cognitive capabilities such as understanding time and concepts, reasoning, self-awareness, and consciousness. All of these abilities combine to form the mental experience of an animal, and understanding that experience is critical to understanding behavior! This is truly fascinating stuff—and it will give you a new perspective on how to change behavior and promote well-being.
In this course you will learn about:

Cognition in general
Different areas of cognition
How to apply and integrate these concepts into our work with any species

Throughout the course, full students will have multiple opportunities to use in-class activities to further their understanding of the material and to receive feedback regarding their progress in the course.
** IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ONLINE WEEKLY MEETINGS **

Auditors do not attend online meetings
Meetings are not recorded
Meetings take place on Thursdays at 12:00 pm Eastern (first meeting April 13th)
Meetings are 1 hour in duration
There are 4 meetings for this course

Course Begins: April 6, 2023
Duration: 4 weeks
Instructor: Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/the-thinking-dog-cognition-and-its-role-in-behavior/

Online Course – Starts 5/1/23 – Feline Behavior Solutions: Teaching Foundation Behaviors for Modifying Behavior – IAABC (fee applies)
2023-05-01
Modification of any problematic or unwanted behavior requires mechanical skill, knowledge of species-specific behavior, and experience with a variety of strategies and techniques. This course will provide opportunities for anyone who works with cats to gain all of that, and more. Each of the five weeks is packed with information that can be directly and immediately applied to a variety of cat behavior cases, from aggression to anxiety and from fighting to fear.
This course was created for cat behavior consultants who are looking to take on more advanced cases, or cat lovers simply looking to teach cats specific skills. Content is relevant to anyone who works with cats in a professional, volunteer, or personal capacity.
Course Begins: May 1, 2023
Duration: 5 weeks
Instructor: Katenna Jones, ACAAB, CCBC
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/feline-behavior-solutions-teaching-foundation-behaviors-for-modifying-behavior/

Online Course – Starts 5/3/23 – Animal Behavior Consulting: Principles & Practice – IAABC (fee applies)
2023-05-03
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

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
