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/

Conference – 5/2/23 to 5/4/23 – Humane Canada’s Summit for Animals – Humane Canada (fee applies)
2023-05-03 07:00 - 19:00, 2023-05-04 07:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
Humane Canada is hosting the 10th anniversary of the largest animal welfare event in Canada, the Summit for Animals, in Victoria, BC May 3-4 2023, with an optional Busy Beaver Training & Deep Dive Day, sponsored by Edmonton Humane Society on May 2. This annual event brings together animal welfare professionals, advocates and volunteers to learn cutting-edge information from thought leaders in the sector, while building long-lasting professional connections that will help advance attendees’ advocacy efforts in benefit of animals and their welfare.
WEBSITE LINK: https://humanecanada.swoogo.com/summit/

Zoom Meeting - 3/29/23 to 5/17/23 - Summit Fast Track: Proven Barrier-Busting Strategies That Send Animals Home - Maddie's Million Pet Challenge
2023-05-03 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Fast Track #4 – Proven Barrier-Busting Strategies That Send Animals Home
Uncover hidden and not-so-hidden roadblocks that are keeping animals in the shelter, contributing to shelter team overwhelm and fatigue, and tying up precious resources. Discover how to clear the way to ensure more pets are reunited with their families or placed in new homes. Tap into opportunities to increase live outcomes and build relationships with potential partners, volunteers, fosters, and adopters in your community.
Track Coaches:
Lead Coach: Nadia Oseguera, California Program Manager at the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program
Co-Coach: Allison Cardona, California State Director at the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program
Fast Track Schedule:
Wednesdays (and on-demand after)

March 29th, 11 AM PT​
April 19th, 11 AM PT​
May 3rd, 11 AM PT
May 17th, 11 AM PT

Optional Office Hours:
Thursdays (and some on-demand after)​

April 13th, 9 AM PT​
April 27th, 9 AM PT​
May 11th, 9 AM PT​
May 25th, 9 AM PT

Register for the Fast Track Zoom Meetings:
https://sheltermedicine.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvfuuqrDsiEtJ509W7t5bd2rkyav3BWA6k
About Fast Tracks from Maddie’s Million Pet Challenge Learniverse:
Ready to make change happen? Choose one or more of the five eight-week Fast Tracks and start doing—with support! Sprint from idea to implementation and ongoing improvement by connecting with coaches and fellow participants along the way.
Join a Fast Track to get guidance from your coach in four one-hour live Zoom meetings over the weeks of 3/27, 4/17, 5/1, and 5/15, and pop in for optional office hours during off-weeks.
Fast Track participation is open to everyone, no application required. Just click on the name of the Fast Track you are interested in below and you’ll get access to all of the meetings in that track.
Attendance at any of the meetings or office hours is optional to make it easy for you to attend what you can. Live meetings will be recorded and available on-demand shortly after each meeting ends.
WEBSITE LINK: https://sheltermedicine.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvfuuqrDsiEtJ509W7t5bd2rkyav3BWA6k

Webinar - 5/3/23 - Listening Skills for Leaders - The AAWA
2023-05-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
One of the most important skills for any leader is the ability to listen. However, many of us need to learn how to listen effectively. We usually prepare our response rather than trying to process and understand the other person’s message. This webinar will explore the power of listening and identify practices to help you listen at a deeper level to gain a better understanding and build trust with your employees.
Presenter: Maria Morukian, President, MSM Global Consulting
This webinar has been pre-approved for:

1 Certified Animal Welfare Administrator continuing education credit
1 NACA CE
1 CE towards ACO CE requirements per Ch. 829 of the Texas Health and Safety Code by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

WEBSITE LINK: https://learning.theaawa.org/p/5-03-23

Zoom Meeting - 3/29/23 to 5/17/23 - Summit Fast Track: Feeling Overwhelmed with Making Outcome Decisions? We can help! - Maddie's Million Pet Challenge
2023-05-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Fast Track #5 – Feeling Overwhelmed with Making Outcome Decisions? We can help!
Shelter teams are faced daily with high-stakes outcome decisions made harder by an increasingly complex and strained system. We’ll discuss some of the issues at play and help you to develop tools to remove bottlenecks to outcomes and overcome the toughest decision-making dilemmas, from adoption to euthanasia, with transparency and compassion.
Track Coaches:
Lead Coach: Chumkee Aziz, DVM, Outreach Veterinarian, at the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program
Co-Coach: Cindi Delany, DVM, Maddie’s Million Pet Challenge Director of Online Learning at the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program
Fast Track Schedule:
Wednesdays (and on-demand after)

March 29th, 12 PM PT​
April 19th, 12 PM PT​
May 3rd, 12 PM PT
May 17th, 12 PM PT

Optional Office Hours:
Tuesdays (and some on-demand after)​

April 11th, 10 AM PT​
April 25th, 10 AM PT​
May 9th, 10 AM PT​
May 23rd, 10 AM PT

Register for the Fast Track Zoom Meetings:
https://sheltermedicine.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkcOyrqD4qG9Qn8jMPEgrOT3mXIRZe1Rvc
About Fast Tracks from Maddie’s Million Pet Challenge Learniverse:
Ready to make change happen? Choose one or more of the five eight-week Fast Tracks and start doing—with support! Sprint from idea to implementation and ongoing improvement by connecting with coaches and fellow participants along the way.
Join a Fast Track to get guidance from your coach in four one-hour live Zoom meetings over the weeks of 3/27, 4/17, 5/1, and 5/15, and pop in for optional office hours during off-weeks.
Fast Track participation is open to everyone, no application required. Just click on the name of the Fast Track you are interested in below and you’ll get access to all of the meetings in that track.
Attendance at any of the meetings or office hours is optional to make it easy for you to attend what you can. Live meetings will be recorded and available on-demand shortly after each meeting ends.
WEBSITE LINK: https://sheltermedicine.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkcOyrqD4qG9Qn8jMPEgrOT3mXIRZe1Rvc

Webinar - 5/3/23 - Fluid Therapy - VETGirl (fee applies)
2023-05-03 17:00 - 18:30 | Virtual
Up your fluid therapy game!!
In this 1.5-hour, VETgirl small animal webinar, Dr. Garret Pachtinger, DACVECC, will review updates in small animal fluid therapy while taking a case-based, clinical approach to understanding the principles of fluid therapy. We will discuss the importance of judicious crystalloid fluid therapy, controversies around colloid therapy, and the importance of blood products. Following this presentation, veterinary professionals will have a better comfort level and understanding of fluid therapy guidelines to improve patient care.
Not a VETgirl ELITE member? Get your learning on with the #1 veterinary CE resource – clinically relevant, practical, and accessible 24/7 on your own time! Don’t miss out – click HERE to check out your options, including our new 14-day, no-commitment ELITE Trial.
WEBSITE LINK: https://vetgirlontherun.com/webinars/may-3-2023-fluid-therapy/

Hybrid Conference - 5/4/23 to 5/7/23 - IAABC Foundation Animal Behavior Conference - IAABC (fee applies)
2023-05-04 04:30 - 17:00 | The Royal Sonesta Houston, 2222 W Loop S, Houston, TX, 77027, United States
Are you interested in animal behavior and training? If so, you won’t want to miss the IAABC Foundation Conference 2023 coming to Houston and via livestream May 4-7th. The IAABC Foundation, sister organization to the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (the IAABC), will be hosting its annual conference at the The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria, and you’re invited to join us for four days of learning, networking, and fun.
This year’s conference features a fantastic lineup of speakers, including experts in dog behavior, cat behavior, horse behavior, and more. You’ll have the opportunity to attend a variety of educational sessions and workshops, covering topics such as:

Canine behavior and shelter assessments
Feline behavior and shelter enrichment strategies
Equine shelter behavior and training techniques
Collaboration of Veterinary Medicine and Behavior in a Shelter environment
And much more!

In addition to the educational sessions, the IAABC Foundation is hosting 4 unique off-site events including a visit to the Friends For Life Shelter and BARC Animal Shelter. You’ll also have the chance to network with fellow animal behavior enthusiasts, connect with exhibitors and vendors, and participate in special events such as a silent auction and a cocktail reception.
A scholarship is available to marginalized communities. Also, IAABC members receive an additional discount, so if you’re not already a member, now is the perfect time to join!
Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business and connect with like-minded individuals. Register now for the IAABC Foundation Conference in Houston. See you there!
If you have any questions, contact the IAABC Foundation at questions@iaabcfoundation.org. If you’re interested in looking for a ride or room share, join the conversation at this Facebook Event Page. The event social media toolkit is available for you to use if you would like to share this event with your family, friends and colleagues on social media.
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/2023-animal-behavior-conference/

Zoom Meeting - 3/30/23 to 5/18/23 - Summit Fast Track: Are You Staying Within Your Capacity for Care? - Maddie's Million Pet Challenge
2023-05-04 09:00 - 10:00 | Virtual
Fast Track #2 – Are You Staying Within Your Capacity for Care? (You Might Be Surprised!)
Capacity for Care (C4C) is such a wonderful place to be, yet it can feel so out of reach. What is your shelter’s capacity for care, what is it based on, and are you staying within it?
Even just understanding what C4C is can feel overwhelming, much less getting there. Need a refresher or don’t know where to start? Answer — right here!
It all starts with knowing that it is possible to stay within your capacity for care at all organizations, regardless of how animals come to you. We’ll dive into what determines your capacity, how it impacts the work you do every day and the decisions you make. Discover how you can provide the Right Care in the Right Place for people and animals AND stay within your C4C. This is your chance to learn how to get out of crisis mode, decrease overwhelm, and make it possible for your team to maximize your resources, all while ensuring your shelter is able to have the greatest impact on the people and pets in your community.
This track is the foundation for all successful shelter operations and pairs well with every other offering at this summit. Not a shelter director or manager? No problem; we invite anyone in the animal shelter space to join us on this journey!
Track Coaches:
Lead Coach: Cindy Karsten, DVM, Director of Outreach at the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program
Co-Coach: Ivy Ruiz, Outreach Specialist at the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program
Fast Track Schedule:
Thursdays (and on-demand after)

March 30th, 9 AM PT​
April 20th, 9 AM PT​
May 4th, 9 AM PT
May 18th, 9 AM PT

Optional Office Hours:
Thursdays (and some on-demand after)​

April 13th, 9 AM PT​
April 27th, 9 AM PT​
May 11th, 9 AM PT​
May 25th, 9 AM PT

Register for the Fast Track Zoom Meetings:
http://sheltermedicine.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtdumppzosHtV9whKkEVbdWk5QBA4WUM8Q
About Fast Tracks from Maddie’s Million Pet Challenge Learniverse:
Ready to make change happen? Choose one or more of the five eight-week Fast Tracks and start doing—with support! Sprint from idea to implementation and ongoing improvement by connecting with coaches and fellow participants along the way.
Join a Fast Track to get guidance from your coach in four one-hour live Zoom meetings over the weeks of 3/27, 4/17, 5/1, and 5/15, and pop in for optional office hours during off-weeks.
Fast Track participation is open to everyone, no application required. Just click on the name of the Fast Track you are interested in below and you’ll get access to all of the meetings in that track.
Attendance at any of the meetings or office hours is optional to make it easy for you to attend what you can. Live meetings will be recorded and available on-demand shortly after each meeting ends.
WEBSITE LINK: http://sheltermedicine.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtdumppzosHtV9whKkEVbdWk5QBA4WUM8Q

Webinar - 5/4/23 - Social Media Marketing Strategies for Animal Shelters - CalAnimals
2023-05-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
This live presentation is designed specifically for animal shelter representatives who want to learn more about the basics of social media marketing and how to build out a social media marketing strategy.
Posting compelling content to social networking platforms can be utilized to increase online reputation, receive community support to increase staff morale, while increasing visibility to possibly decrease the animal length of stay/increasing adoptions and so much more!
During this presentation, we’ll discuss the following topics:
• Content Strategy and Planning
• Discussion about how the Algorithm works & improving visibility (reach) of your posts
• Importance of Social Listening
• Setting your content up for success
• Using the Indirect Method of posting your content to improve your reputation
Afterward, stick around for a Q&A discussion to possibly help answer questions you may have by sharing through our experiences
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UFGRTciTRiKtr_vVXbg-7g

Zoom Meeting - 3/30/23 to 5/18/23 - Summit Fast Track - Coordinated Care: Ensuring Animals & People Get the Right Care in Right Place - Maddie's Million Pet Challenge
2023-05-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Fast Track #1 – Coordinated Care: The Secret Sauce to Ensuring Animals and People Get the Right Care in the Right Place
Learn progressive and collaborative ways of respecting all of the members of your community, especially those who come to us for supportive services. We’ll focus on ways to help pets stay in their current homes when possible and effectively reserve shelter intake for animals who really need to be in our care. We’ll discuss not only how these techniques can reduce shelter intakes, but also how this approach will set everyone up for success, including families, animals, and shelter team members.
Track Coaches:
Lead Coach: Jennifer Toussaint, Chief Animal Control Officer at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington
Co-Coach: Kelly Bremken, Veterinary Social Worker at Oregon Humane Society
Fast Track Schedule:
Thursdays (and on-demand after)

March 30th, 11 AM PT​
April 20th, 11 AM PT​
May 4th, 11 AM PT
May 18th, 11 AM PT

Optional Office Hours:
Wednesdays (and some on-demand after)​

April 12th, 9 AM PT​
April 26th, 9 AM PT​
May 10th, 9 AM PT​
May 24th, 9 AM PT

Register for the Fast Track Zoom Meetings: https://sheltermedicine.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvduurrT4iE9UKlsg4WkBeNNfaDMRAcWmz
About Fast Tracks from Maddie’s Million Pet Challenge Learniverse:
Ready to make change happen? Choose one or more of the five eight-week Fast Tracks and start doing—with support! Sprint from idea to implementation and ongoing improvement by connecting with coaches and fellow participants along the way.
Join a Fast Track to get guidance from your coach in four one-hour live Zoom meetings over the weeks of 3/27, 4/17, 5/1, and 5/15, and pop in for optional office hours during off-weeks.
Fast Track participation is open to everyone, no application required. Just click on the name of the Fast Track you are interested in below and you’ll get access to all of the meetings in that track.
Attendance at any of the meetings or office hours is optional to make it easy for you to attend what you can. Live meetings will be recorded and available on-demand shortly after each meeting ends.
WEBSITE LINK: https://sheltermedicine.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvduurrT4iE9UKlsg4WkBeNNfaDMRAcWmz

Online Event – 5/4/23 – Live from the Ranch with Amber Quann – Karen Pryor Academy
2023-05-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Do you dream of dining out with your canine companion? Tune into the next episode of Live from The Ranch to learn about brewery and cafe manners for you and your dog with guest Amber Quann and Ken Ramirez, KPCT’s Chief Training Officer. Enjoy this free virtual event with real-time training demos, audience Q&A, and more!
WEBSITE LINK: https://theranch.clickertraining.com/live/#next

Webinar - 5/4/23 - Guardians of their Galaxy: Addressing Resource Guarding in Dogs - FDSA (fee applies)
2023-05-04 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
When dogs protect access to something they value – like food, toys, bones, a spot on the couch, or maybe even a favourite person – we call it “resource guarding”.
Resource guarding is a common issue. It can lead to aggression and other undesirable behaviours that can put human and other animal family members at risk.
During this webinar, we’ll explore effective management and training techniques to address resource guarding.
You’ll learn how to recognize the signs of guarding behaviours, how to prevent it from developing in puppies, and how to modify the behaviour in adult dogs.
This webinar is a must-attend for dog owners, trainers, and anyone interested in better understanding, managing, and modifying dog behaviour.
Instructor: Nancy Tucker
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/self-study/webinars

Webinar Series - 4/6/23 and 5/5/23 - Take Charge to Make Change: Policy Advocacy for Network Partners - Best Friends
2023-05-05 | Virtual
In this new webinar series, the Best Friends advocacy team sits down to discuss topics around policy, advocacy, and grassroots efforts for animal welfare organizations. The series aims to provide information to help you save lives in your everyday work. Topics covered include working with elected officials, lobbying, fundraising, data, coalitions, strategic plans, and more.
Each webinar is pre-recorded, and the series is split into two parts. After part 2 is published, registrants will have access to attend a live panel event where the webinar presenters will answer your questions. During the live panel event, we’ll also announce a grant opportunity in which registrants will be eligible to receive one of five $1000 grants.
Registering with the form below gets you first access to all the webinars delivered directly to your inbox, as well as the ability to participate in the live panel event where more information about the grant opportunity will be provided. Sign up by April 5 to ensure you receive Part 1 on April 6. For questions, please reach out to bfnetwork@bestfriends.org
WEBSITE LINK: https://network.bestfriends.org/education/take-charge-make-change-policy-advocacy-network-partners

Webinar Series - 5/6/23, 5/20/23, and 6/3/23 - The Art of Raising a Happy, Healthy Kitten - National Kitten Coalition
2023-05-06 09:00 - 10:30 | Virtual
The National Kitten Coalition and the EveryCat Health Foundation are hosting a three-part Webinar Series. If you are planning to or have recently added a new kitten to your family, or are looking for information to share with new kitten families in your community, this series will provide crucial information for raising a kitten into a happy, healthy cat.
Part One: Getting Ready for Your New Family Member May 6th, 2023, 12:00 – 1:30 pm EDT.
This session will cover:
-Selecting The Right Kitten (evaluating your needs and expectations, where to go, what questions to ask)
-Preparing Your Home (kitten proofing, necessary supplies, litterbox logistics)
-Where To Go For Help (finding the support you need)
Part Two: Raising a Happy Kitten May 20th, 2023, 12:00 – 1:30 pm EDT.
This session will cover:
-Socialization (kitten kindergarten, introduction to new experiences)
-Understanding Behavior (environmental enrichment, appropriate play)
-Fear Free Handling (training techniques)
Part Three: Raising a Healthy Kitten June 3rd, 2023, 12:00-1:30 pm EDT.
This session will cover:
-Routine Vet Care: (finding a cat-friendly practice, vaccines, spay/neuter)
-Normal Development: (growth and nutrition)
-Common Health Issues: (what to watch for to help decide when to go to the vet)
This series is free to attend, thanks to our generous sponsors! Register once for access to all three events! You will utilize the same link to attend all three sessions.
WEBSITE LINK: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3294773884135102303

Online Course – 5/6/23 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2023-05-06 11:00 - 13:30 | Virtual
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

Webinar - 5/8/23 - The Handler End of the Leash: How Body Language Tells the Tale with Suzanne Clothier - PPG (fee applies)
2023-05-08 08:00 - 09:00 | Virtual
Much of dog training is focused on the dog, or the mechanics of markers and rewards. Yet in many ways, handlers can and do affect their dog’s behavior and learning. Many training problems are rooted in communication issues, caused by a handler’s body language and unintended messages.
The dog’s understanding of the handler’s behavior is built in the details of how the handler typically moves, laughs, smiles, speaks, breathes, etc. in familiar and comfortable settings. But under stress, in unfamiliar or challenging situations, things can change. Shifts in the handler signals to the dog that the person he relies on is alarmed, angry, worried, or even afraid. Depending on the dog, this can have significant impact on behavior. We can be more effective in helping the dog when we understand the handler in new ways, and have practical approaches to help them say what they mean and mean what they say.
Learning Objectives
Meta-messages – seeing the whole picture
Breathing – how breathing impacts our ability to move, learn and think
Muscle tension & quality of movement
Flexion, balance & stance – warning, welcoming, worried or wild?
Blink rate and expression – what story does your face tell?
Core & gaze orientation – how we signal our awareness and focus
About Your Presenter
Suzanne Clothier has been working with animals professionally since 1977. Her positive and humane approach, Relationship Centered Training™ (RCT) promotes promote healthy, respectful and joyful dog/human connections.
The author of Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs (2002), her innovative programs include Treat/Retreat, the Enriched Puppy Protocol, CARAT™, RAT™, FAT™, as well as many RCT techniques, online courses and webinars. A trainer of trainers, she has taught on a broad range of topics throughout the US and internationally, and served as a consultant to major service dog schools.
CEUs: PPAB 1 & IAABC 1
WEBSITE LINK: https://petprofessionalguild.com/event-5202798

Online Meeting - Mondays - Weekly Community Conversations #ThanksToMaddie - Maddie's Fund
2023-05-08 11:00 - 12:00, 2023-05-15 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Maddie’s Fund hosts a weekly 50-minute Zoom call for animal well-being professionals. These calls are a collaborative space to share exciting new programs and research, discuss uncomfortable topics, connect with peers in the industry, and more, all while sharing a common goal of preserving the human-animal bond.
Who Should Join?
Executive directors, animal well-being leaders, shelter workers, pet support professionals, volunteers, rescue organizations and anyone who shares the common goal of preserving the human-animal bond.
Win Ca$h for Attending!
Each month, Maddie’s Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants. You can enter to win each time you attend a call or watch on-demand during the month by completing the giveaway drawing entry forms shared in the chat during the calls.
Register Today
Join us each Monday at 11am PT/2pm ET to receive support and learn about innovative ideas other organizations across the country are seeing success with.
All calls are recorded and uploaded to the Community Conversations page on Maddie’s Pet Forum https://forum.maddiesfund.org/communityconversations
Please note: All views expressed on these calls are not necessarily endorsed by Maddie’s Fund.
WEBSITE LINK: https://forum.maddiesfund.org/communityconversations

Webinar - 5/9/23 - Compassionate Communication: Supporting People and Pets Through Human-Centered Language - HASS
2023-05-09 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
Have you ever been scrolling through social media and read through a post calling someone a “horrible pet owner” or worse during a time of need or crisis? The answer is probably yes; we’ve all seen this, and perhaps we’ve even used harmful language ourselves not knowing the full story. The words we use have an impact and can push away the people who need support so we’d like to take the time to evaluate how we can have more compassionate communication.
Shannon Glenn, Executive Director of My Pit Bull is Family and the North Minneapolis Pet Resource Center program, will share how animal welfare professionals can shift their language to be more human-centered and human-supportive to and keep more families together.
WEBSITE LINK: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/6016782060176/WN_UoCI8zCWQMmcSlHkaiBjng

Online Course – Starts 5/10/23 – Canine Social Behavior – IAABC (fee applies)
2023-05-10 | Virtual
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/

Webinar - 5/10/23 - Turn Your Board Into a Lead Generating Machine - Network for Good
2023-05-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
“I want my board to support our fundraising, and I can’t get them to do it.” You’ve given them talking points, ask for names or leads, or even asked them to call donors with simple thank you’s and it doesn’t get done.
If this is you, then the good news is: You are not alone & this powerful tool will release resistance and have your board opening those doors…finally!
Most board members are awesome people committed to putting good work into your organization. Yet, fundraising can be intimidating.
That’s why we’ll teach you how to simplify your board’s role in your fundraising to make it super easy and fun for them to connect with potential supports and generate leads for you…without feeling rejected, ineffective or pushy.
Outcomes:

Understand barriers and fears to participating in fundraising
Define your donor pipeline and the board members’ role in supporting it
Learn a new tool for connecting with potential donors that takes away all the barriers and fears
Ways to systematize this approach so the leads are flowing to you with ease
How to create excitement and energy around fundraising

Speaker: Founder & Chief Excitement Officer, Courageous Communication

WEBSITE LINK: https://www.networkforgood.com/resource/board-lead-generating-machine/

Webinar – 5/11/23 – Maddie’s Insights: The Five Domains of Animal Care Model – Maddie’s Fund
2023-05-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Animal well-being represents how an animal experiences their life. It characterizes the overall mental experiences of an animal and is a subjective concept that cannot be directly measured. Instead, well-being indicators are used to cautiously infer mental experiences from resource provisions, management factors and a range of animal-based measures. The Five Domains Model is a holistic and structured framework for gathering together these indicators and assessing animal well-being. It is used to systematically assess the well-being of animals in a range of contexts and explicitly focuses on an animal’s mental experiences.
The Five Domains Model is used internationally to assess animal well-being in a range of contexts. The Model also represents a framework that could be used to advance animal care – by drawing attention to a wide range of areas where we can make improvements. While animal well-being is an animal-centered concept (i.e., the focus is on assessing an animal’s mental experiences), animal care is human-centered (i.e., the focus is on what we can provide for animals). Animal care encourages those responsible for animals to consider providing them with a range of opportunities so that they can have a good life. The aim of this presentation is to demonstrate how the Five Domains can be used to scientifically assess animal well-being and how they also provide a means of considering how best to care for animals.
About the Presenter
Kat Littlewood, BVSc(Dist), PGDipVCS(Dist), PhD, AFHEA, FANZCVS(AWSEL)
Dr. Littlewood is a veterinarian and Lecturer in Animal Welfare within Tāwharau Ora (School of Veterinary Science) at Massey University. She is a fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics, & Law.
Kat’s research employs social science approaches to better understand complex human-animal interactions and ethically challenging situations. She aims to develop a nuanced understanding of why and how people make the decisions they do about how animals are managed. Kat also works to operationalize the Five Domains Model for animal well-being assessment and training.
Major research themes include: Understanding how animal well-being is conceptualized by different people; Exploring how human values, attitudes, and behaviors influence animal well-being; Developing systematic scientific strategies to evaluate animal well-being; and Implementation of animal well-being policy and standards.
WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/MIwebcast5Domains

Webinar - 5/11/23 - Reducing the Baseline: Setting Your Dog Up for Success Before B-mod - FDSA (fee applies)
2023-05-11 15:00 | Virtual
Changing behavior is hard work for your dog; are there things you can do right now to make sure your dog is feeling their best before engaging in behavior modification?
This webinar will give you tools and exercises to help create a more thoughtful and focused dog. Both are beneficial when working with a fearful or reactive dog prior to exposing it to potential triggers during the behavior modification process. We will explore ways to decrease the dog’s adrenaline (fight or flight), increase their dopamine and serotonin, and take advantage of the oxytocin you share.
Presenter: Karen Deeds
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/self-study/webinars

Webinar - 5/11/23 - Strategies for Surviving (and Enjoying) Canine Adolescence - FDSA (fee applies)
2023-05-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
Our dogs transition through several phases across their lifetime. From a behavior perspective adolescence is perhaps the phase with the most potential to cause disruption in a household and can really test our skills as a trainer.
Adolescence is the time between puppyhood and adulthood. In dogs, this developmental phase starts anywhere between 6 and 12 months and typically ends somewhere between 18 months and 24 months. Adolescence is accompanied by physical changes, endocrinological changes, and neurological changes. During this phase there can be significant changes to motivation, preferences, energy levels, ability to focus, emotion regulation, impulse control, and decision-making skills.
Many of the overt and challenging behaviors exhibited during adolescence are driven by frustration; increased evidence of frustration is common at this time due to our dog struggling with conflicting motivations, and/or due to them being blocked from engaging in the (inappropriate / unsafe) activities they would choose to undertake. Frustration can be a particularly challenging emotion for an adolescent dog to manage. The intensity of the emotions and urges experienced, together with the dog’s reduced ability for impulse control during this phase, frequently leads to “undesirable” and challenging behaviors that the human needs to manage or modify. The exact behaviors exhibited will depend on the individual dog’s coping style as well as other factors influenced by genetics and prior learning. Some of these behaviors are only evident in training scenarios, whereas others are evident in day-to-day life. Common examples include:

Reverting to performing behaviors that had previously ceased during early training (e.g. jumping up on people, pulling/lunging when on leash, mouthing / nipping / grabbing, etc.)
Excessive barking and/or whining.
Destructive behaviors (e.g. digging, ripping up objects, etc.)
Unable to maintain a stay or other durational behavior particularly when “distractions” are added.
Unable to focus or remain attentive for more than brief periods.
Reduced interest in their human, combined with increased interest in the environment.
Low levels of perseverance (i.e. rapidly disconnecting from training at the first moment of confusion / frustration / uncertainty – resulting in either zoomies, running off to visit people/dogs, wandering off sniffing, leaving and lying down, leaving and hiding, the development of avoidance behaviors, etc.).
An apparent deterioration of previously “known” behaviors (e.g. not able to follow “known” cues, not able to perform a fast or accurate recall, etc.)
In some dogs we may also start to see aggressive responses occurring that were not previously present. These may be directed at other dogs or humans.

Adolescence can be an extremely challenging time for both the dog and their human/s. Sadly in the pet dog sector adolescence is the primary developmental phase where re-homing and relinquishment occurs. In the dog training sector, it is the phase where handler’s skills and emotions can get pushed to the limit. Having our dog emerge into adulthood as a confident, capable, relaxed, and well-rounded individual requires us to be strategic in our training and management during the adolescent phase.
In this webinar we discuss the changes that are occurring in our dog as they transition from puppyhood into adulthood, as well as practical adjustments we can make to our training during this developmental phase. These adjustments will:

Reduce frustration for both us and our dog.
Allow us to enjoy our time with our adolescent dog.
Allow our dog to enjoy their adolescence.
Assist in forming a stronger relationship with our dog that will carry forward for the longer-term.
Create beneficial habits that will support our long-term training goals.
Increase the probability of reaching our long-term training and competition goals.

Presenter: Sharon Carroll
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/self-study/webinars

Online Event - 5/15/23 - Office Hours: Ask a Dog Trainer with Jen Biglan, KPA CTP - My Dog Is My Home
2023-05-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Office Hours give you an opportunity to ask questions and troubleshoot issues with an expert on a specific topic. Any dog training or behavior questions may be brought to this office hours session, and the intention is to help you workshop your concern as they relate to policies, procedures, and practices at your own emergency shelter or housing sites.
WEBSITE LINK: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfE2bXZBUqyaV2_zIwgmqO9fjue84IbLqMa__LOU2_mFmb1yA/viewform

Zoom Meeting - 3/28/23 to 5/16/23 - Summit Fast Track: How to Make Your Shelter Software Help You Work Smarter, Not Harder - Maddie's Million Pet Challenge
2023-05-16 09:00 - 10:00 | Virtual
Fast Track #3 – Hidden Gems: How to Make Your Shelter Software Help You Work Smarter, Not Harder
Is what your shelter software has to say getting lost in translation?
Start transforming numbers and patterns in your intake and outcome reports into concrete benefits for animals and staff. Discover how to increase live release and lower length of stay based on information you already have at your fingertips.
Track Coaches:
Lead Coach: Becky Stuntebeck, DVM, Facility Design Veterinarian at the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program
Co-Coach: Cindi Delany, DVM, Maddie’s Million Pet Challenge Director of Online Learning at UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program
Fast Track Schedule:
Tuesdays (and on-demand after)

March 28th, 9 AM PT​
April 18th, 9 AM PT​
May 2nd, 9 AM PT
May 16th, 9 AM PT

Optional Office Hours:
Tuesdays (and some on-demand after)​

April 11th, 1 PM PT​
April 25th, 1 PM PT​
May 9th, 1 PM PT​
May 23rd, 1 PM PT

Register for the Fast Track Zoom Meetings:
https://sheltermedicine.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqcOqpqTkoHNbXcS9Bt9VZ1P5m3OA31Dnu
About Fast Tracks from Maddie’s Million Pet Challenge Learniverse:
Ready to make change happen? Choose one or more of the five eight-week Fast Tracks and start doing—with support! Sprint from idea to implementation and ongoing improvement by connecting with coaches and fellow participants along the way.
Join a Fast Track to get guidance from your coach in four one-hour live Zoom meetings over the weeks of 3/27, 4/17, 5/1, and 5/15, and pop in for optional office hours during off-weeks.
Fast Track participation is open to everyone, no application required. Just click on the name of the Fast Track you are interested in below and you’ll get access to all of the meetings in that track.
Attendance at any of the meetings or office hours is optional to make it easy for you to attend what you can. Live meetings will be recorded and available on-demand shortly after each meeting ends.
WEBSITE LINK: https://sheltermedicine.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqcOqpqTkoHNbXcS9Bt9VZ1P5m3OA31Dnu

Online Event - 5/16/23 - ASV Shelter Guidelines Re-Boot Camp - Association of Shelter Veterinarians
2023-05-16 09:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
In 2010 the Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) published the first Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters which quickly became the gold standard in how to care for animals shelters and foster homes alike and in December 2022 the revised “Guidelines” were introduced. The Guidelines is understandably a comprehensive and lengthy document, yet many who can get value from it don’t have the time to read it in it entirety.
The ASV Shelter Guidelines Re-Boot Camp is a half day seminar geared to all workers in a foster based rescue or shelter to help make incorporating the Guidelines attainable for more organizations.
WEBSITE LINK: https://whova.com/portal/registration/asgs_202303/

Webinar - 5/16/23 - Emotions Inside Out - Dog iBox (fee applies)
2023-05-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
What does joy feel like to you? Is it the same for the person sitting next to you? Is it the same for the animals in your care? Are emotions pre-wired in the brain or are they learned? Is the topic of emotions even relevant to training animals? These are just a few of the interesting and important questions that surround the topic of emotions. In this session, we will focus on contemporary approaches to understanding emotions with action potential for living and learning with animals.
About the Presenter:
Susan G. Friedman, Ph.D. is a professor emeritus in the Department of Psychology at Utah State University. She has helped pioneer the cross-species application of behavior analysis to animals, using the same humane philosophy and scientifically sound teaching technology that has been so effective with human learners. Susan has co-authored chapters on behavior change in four veterinary texts, and her popular articles have been translated into 13 languages.
She gives seminars on animal learning at conferences and zoos around the world, is a member of Karen Pryor’s Clicker Expo faculty, and teaches yearly hands-on animal training workshops with Steve Martin (www.naturalencouters.com). Susan is the Parrot Division Chairperson of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), the Chairperson of the Scientific Advisory Committee of American Humane Association (AHA) Film and TV Unit, and a member in good standing of ABAI, AZA, ABMA and IAATE.
This year She was included on the Vet Tech College’s list of “15 Animal Professors to Know.” Susan’s acclaimed on-line course, Living and Learning with Animals for behavior professionals, has provided even wider dissemination of effective, humane behavior change practices to students in over 30 countries (www.behaviorworks.org).
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.dog-ibox.com/en/market/catalog/live-webinars/live-webinars-english-c-34/emotions-inside-out.html

Webinar - 5/16/23 - ChatGPT: Harnessing AI to Power Your Mission - Community Cats Podcast
2023-05-16 11:00 - 11:45 | Virtual
With over 25 million daily visitors, ChatGPT is a powerful AI tool that has already started to change the way we work. Led by Brianna Lovell Myers, Hospitality Cat at Community Cats Podcast, this webinar will demonstrate how ChatGPT can be used by anyone in the animal rescue space to create social media content, craft fundraising appeals, and more. No tech-savvy required! From large organizations to grassroots groups — even individuals! — this webinar is an opportunity for anyone looking to understand more about AI and how it can support their work with animals.
The presentation will be 30 minutes, followed by an optional 15-minute Q & A.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/chatgpt-harnessing-ai-to-power-your-mission-may-2023/
