Shelter Learniverse

Webinar - 8/22/24 - Do THIS! Not THAT! Differential Reinforcement for Common Behavior Problems with Karen Fine - FDSA (fee applies)
2024-08-22 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
How many times have you heard “What do you want them to DO instead”? I’ve said it a lot myself! Trained behaviors can be a valuable tool within a behavior modification plan. However, it is beneficial to adhere to certain details.
A differential approach is based on the principles of operant conditioning; a behavior is shaped by its consequences. The trainer provides positive reinforcement for desired behaviors which can create good habits and prevent bad ones.
Your dog’s state of mind and arousal level are important aspects of the DR approach. Implementing the acceptable trained behavior needs to be done under threshold to be effective. As with all DR behaviors, it is important that they be fluent with little to no latency and that they evoke a positive Conditioned Emotional Response (CER). That is why the way we train is important. For example, a trained SIT to avoid a leash correction will not carry the necessary positive CER that a dog that will SIT to gain something like food, praise, or play.
There are three different types of differential reinforcement. DRI – Incompatible. This is often the most difficult process to implement as it requires creating an incompatible behavior where the undesired behavior is completely impossible to perform. DRA- Alternative. This is likely the most common type of DR behavior implemented. The dog is reinforced for any alternative behavior other than undesired behaviors. DRO – Other. In this process, the dog can be reinforced for performing ANY behavior other than the undesired one.
This webinar will present DR behaviors that can be used for common problems: jumping on owner, jumping on guests, door darting, loose leash walking, frustration/demand behaviors, and reactivity stemming from fear, or anxiety.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/self-study/webinars

Online Meeting - Mondays - Weekly Community Conversations #ThanksToMaddie - Maddie's Fund
2024-08-26 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-09 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-16 11:00 - 12:00
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. If you registered prior to May 2024 or are new to these meetings, please use this link to register:
https://maddies.fund/CommunityConvoRegistration2024
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://maddies.fund/CommunityConvo2024Registration

Webinar - 8/27/24 - Emerging Zoonotic Fungal Infections You Need to Know - VetGirl (fee applies)
2024-08-27 09:00 - 10:00
There is a fungus among us. Now what?
In this 1-hour, VETgirl small animal webinar, Dr. Jeremy Gold, MD, MS will review several emerging zoonotic fungal infections that veterinarians may encounter in their clinics. Tune in as Dr. Gold reviews the epidemiology and clinical features of antimicrobial-resistant ringworm, cat-transmitted sporotrichosis, and other fungal infections of public health importance!
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/august-27-2024-emerging-zoonotic-fungal-infections-you-need-to-know/

Webinar – 8/27/24 – Fancy Footwork: Practical Handling and Training Solutions for the Entire Shelter – Dogs Playing for Life (fee applies)
2024-08-27 09:00 - 10:30
While playgroups are the foundation of our shelter training program, teaching shelter teams how to implement a generalized, effective, and enjoyable way to handle and train their dogs is another essential aspect of our canine programming! In this webinar, we will teach the fundamentals of our “Fancy Footwork” techniques that focus on achieving good leash manners through the use of your FEET instead of your hands. Come learn this unique and highly effective approach that promotes dogs happily walking softly by your side, offering tons of eye contact, and wowing adopters! This new approach to leash work will enhance your handling skills and increase your ability to train ALL dogs, even those that are highly aroused, stressed, fearful, or not motivated by food, all in an effort to improve quality of life and lifesaving for dogs living in shelters.
Additionally, we will teach you how to implement our critically important kennel routines. The kennel areas of our nation’s shelters can be one of the most challenging and distressing environments that dogs–and their handlers–ever face. DPFL kennel routines have been developed and taught to shelters across the country in an effort to combat these challenges and to provide safer and more successful ways for dogs and people to maneuver through the kennels.
This is a 1.5-hour presentation followed by a Q&A session. This webinar will NOT be recorded and is scheduled on EASTERN TIME.
WEBSITE LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HPGGabv0QBas_RhoNIA5vg#/registration

Webinar - 8/27/24 - Can’t We All Just Get Along? Living and Loving Life with Multiple Cats - ACVB (fee applies)
2024-08-27 16:00 - 17:00
Living with multiple cats can be utter purr-fection for some households. But what about those who just don’t get along? What cats are more likely to get along with other cats than others? The first step is knowing which cats will make a better match than others and how to appropriately introduce them. Next one must be keen at observing and interpreting feline body language to determine how well cats are tolerating each other’s presence. Finally a resource-enriched environment is key to long-term success. Attendees will learn how to best promote a life of harmony and happiness for the humans and felines in the multi-cat household, utilizing all of these skills.
Dr. Meghan Herron is the Senior Director of Behavioral Medicine, Education and Outreach at Gigi’s – A Shelter Organization dedicated to improving the lives of shelter dogs. Prior to her current position she spent over a decade as an Associate Professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences as head of the Behavioral Medicine Service at The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center. She graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and became board-certified as diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behavior after completing a residency at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. As a published author and seasoned international speaker, she has given lectures and seminars on animal behavior around the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. Dr. Herron is the lead editor on the book “Decoding Your Cat” the long-anticipated sequel to “Decoding Your Dog” where the ultimate experts, The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, explain common cat and dog behaviors and reveal how to prevent or change unwanted ones.
WEBSITE LINK: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4007155174263547737

Online Seminar - July 16, 17, 23, and 24, 2024 - Practical Exercises for Resolving Canine Reactivity - Puppyworks
2024-08-28 10:00
A hands-on training webinar in 4 sessions
2 1/2 hr sessions on July 16, 17, 23 & 24, 2024
10 AM PST/11 AM Mountain/12 pm Central/1 PM Eastern
Or watch the recordings afterwards!
10 CEUs CCPDT/IAABC
Clothier’s client friendly techniques harness the voluntary actions of dogs that handlers can reinforce to minimize reactivity. The 3 key skills to accomplish this are:

“Auto Check-In” (ACI): Teaches a dog to maintain connection with a handler while developing the handler’s skill to sustain it;
Politeness Poker: Frequently exchanging rewards for desired K9 behaviors to constantly enhance the connection, and
Really Real Relaxation (RRR) -Teaches shared relaxation- so the dog learns to disengage from triggering stimuli and redirect focus onto the handler/client.

Suzanne’s clear instructions & accompanying videos allow your clients to readily learn each skill.
Rates:
Early Bird Rates through May 31
Individuals $99
($ 119 after May 31)
Groups 4+ $89
($109 after May 31)
Above rates cover all 4 sessions!
Registrants have unlimited access to the recordings for 1 year, whether they make the live sessions or not.
About Suzanne
Her renowned Relationship Centered Training (RCT™) has been presented at Assistance Dogs International-NA, Wolf Park, APDT-Association of Pet Dog Trainers, FEMA, Alaskan Dog Musher Assoc., the University of MN SPEAK Conference, Pet Professional Guild Geek Week, Lemonade & many other conferences worldwide.
Her book Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs (Warner, 2002) was twice voted a “Top 5 Book” by the Wall Street Journal.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.puppyworks.com/clothier2024

Online Event - Fourth Thursdays - Maddie's Monthly Behavior Connection - Maddie's Fund
2024-08-28 12:00 - 13:00
Join us on the fourth Thursday of every month as we talk about dog and cat behavior – supporting pets in our community and animal shelters. Each month, we hear from speakers about topics of interest to our group, such as behavior medications, modifying animal behavior, assessing and improving animal welfare, and how organizations successfully provide behavior support to dogs and cats.
Who should join: Animal welfare staff and volunteers who are interested in dog and cat behavior, and everyone who works to keep pets out of shelters and in homes.
You only need to register once for all meetings: https://maddies.fund/MonthlyBehaviorRegistration
Can’t attend live? Register anyway and you will get a link to the recording within a day or two after each meeting.
All recordings and resources shared during the webcast will also be available in the Maddie’s Monthly Behavior Connection group on Maddie’s Pet Forum – https://maddies.fund/monthlybehaviorconnectionMPF
Maddie’s Fund does not share registration information.
The opinions expressed by webinar presenters are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Maddie’s Fund.
WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/MonthlyBehaviorRegistration

Webinar - 8/29/24 - Testicle Talk - Customer Service in the Animal Space - CalAnimals
2024-08-29 10:00 - 11:00
Customer Service training in Animal Welfare has often been an afterthought. So keenly focused on lifesaving programs, we sometimes neglect the human being at the other end of the leash. Seldom do we see curriculum on this topic at most conferences and when we do, it’s nothing new. We all assume everyone knows how to be nice, but it’s not about being nice, it’s about being effective in our communication with one another, volunteers, customers, and anyone else we encounter through the course of our work. It’s about legitimizing the feelings of others, finding words that impact the psyche and leave the other person feeling cared for, even when our answer might be no. This session will inspire attendees to really evaluate the training given to all staff/volunteers that interact with others. Often, we presume customer service is something our parents should have taught us, but that is not always the case. This session will be unique in that we will walk through conversations that we have routinely, but often fall short in doing so. This session is intended to provoke conversation, thoughts, and action.
This is not your normal customer service class!
Presenter: Gina Knepp, Michelson Found Animals
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UgfDgI0ZTAiUDENrxMBQyQ

Online Course – Starts 9/1/24 – Beginning Behavior Consulting Mentorship with Sarah Filipiak – IAABC (fee applies)
2024-09-01
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.
Course Begins: September 1, 2024
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor: Sarah Filipiak CDBC, BSJ
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/beginning-behavior-consulting-mentorship-with-sarah-filipiak/

Online Course - 9/2/24 - Cat Behavior Consulting Mentorship - IAABC (fee applies)
2024-09-02
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.
Course Begins: September 2, 2024
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor: Katenna Jones ScM, ACAAB, CCBC, CDBC, CPDT-KA
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/cat-behavior-consulting-mentorship/

Online Event - 9/3/24 - All Call: RVT Recruitment and Retention - California for All Animals
2024-09-03 12:00 - 13:00
At the September 3 All Call, you’ll hear from RVTs with 10+ years of experience in the field on teaching and training prospective RVTs, hiring and retaining RVTs, and managing organizations and programs.
The All Call is a twice-monthly, California community call for animal well-being professionals that occurs on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday. The one-hour call is a dedicated space to share and learn from each other. Popular topics include initiatives that create a more inclusive culture for both staff and community, programs that keep pets with their people, industry trends, research studies, as well as the hard stuff, like what’s not working or what is particularly difficult during times of scarcity. The call is a mix of presentations, storytelling, open discussion, and Q&A time.
The All Call is hosted by California for All co-leaders Allison Cardona and Nadia Oseguera and is enriched by rotating facilitators. You only need to register one time. Calls are sometimes recorded; recap emails with supplemental resources are sent post-call.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/all-call

Online Course – 9/4/24 – Return to Home Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast
2024-09-04 10:00 - 11:30
Leave all your preconceived notions about “dumped, abandoned, or unwanted” stray cats at the door! What if we presumed every stray cat who came to our shelters was a cherished pet with a loving home? How can we facilitate getting lost pets back to their owners without overwhelming current staff and volunteers, or tying up space with long stray holds? In this workshop, we will discuss simple, actionable ways that we can support owners of lost cats, be a resource to those who find cats, and increase the rate at which cats in our shelters are reunited with grateful families.
Workshop Overview:

Topic: Reuniting Stray Cats with Grateful Families
Presenter: Corinne Bourgoin, Shelter Operations Supervisor at the MSPCA
Cost: $10 (covered by the scholarship)
Duration: 1.5 hours, with an optional 15-minute Q&A session
Certificate: Earn a certificate after completing a short quiz
Networking: Access to a dedicated Facebook group for ongoing support and discussion

Registration is $10 and includes access to the recorded session, handouts, and certificate, as well as access to a Facebook discussion group. All attendees will receive a certificate after taking a short quiz.
For more information and to sign up go here.
Scholarships are available! Apply for a scholarship to cover the $10 registration fee at this link: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/event-scholarships/
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/return-to-home-workshop/

Online Event - 9/5/24 - Maddie's Monthly Foster Connection: Supporting Your Fosters - Maddie's Fund
2024-09-05 12:00 - 13:00
Session Topic: Supporting Your Fosters: Leveraging your community to increase foster engagement and satisfaction through low to no cost methods
In this presentation, we’ll learn about successful strategies used by foster-based rescue One Tail at a Time to train and support foster caregivers. With a focus on practical, budget-friendly methods, we’ll hear how this high-volume foster program prepares over 1,700 foster families for their roles and keeps them coming back for more.
Guest Speaker: Stacy Price, Operations Director at One Tail at a Time
Stacy Price has over 15 years of animal welfare experience, starting her career studying techniques to prevent stress behaviors in zoo animals. Her focus was forever changed in 2009 when she adopted an overlooked senior white shepherd from a county shelter. With Vlad as her inspiration, Stacy has spent the last 10 years in leadership positions at various open intake and managed admission facilities before landing the job as One Tail at a Time’s Operations Director. When she’s not working, you can likely find Stacy at home with her five cats, three dogs, rabbit, horse and incredibly tolerant husband.
About Maddie’s Monthly Foster Connection:
Join us on the first Thursday of every month to discuss successful foster innovations and programs, collaborate with others in the field, answer questions and talk through complex foster-related issues.
Who should join: Foster managers, coordinators, volunteers and any staff who are interested in learning about what’s working in foster programs.
You only need to register once for all meetings: https://maddies.fund/MonthlyFosterRegistration
Can’t attend live? Register anyway and you will get a link to the recording within a day or two after each meeting.
All recordings and resources shared during the webcast will also be available in the Maddie’s Monthly Foster Connection group on Maddie’s Pet Forum https://maddies.fund/monthlyfosterconnectionMPF
Maddie’s Fund does not share registration information.
The opinions expressed by webinar presenters are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Maddie’s Fund.
WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/MonthlyFosterRegistration

Online Event – 9/7/24 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2024-09-07 11:00 - 13:30
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-2024/

Online Course - Starts 9/9/24 - Community Cats Program Management - University of the Pacific (fee applies)
2024-09-09
This innovative and comprehensive eight-week certificate course is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage community cat programs. Aimed at animal welfare professionals, veterinary students, animal control officers, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates, this course combines theory with practical applications to cover all aspects of community cat welfare. Through a blend of online lectures, interactive discussions, and real-world assignments, students will learn how to implement humane and effective strategies for managing community cat populations, ensuring their health and welfare while engaging positively with the communities they serve.
Modules include:

Introduction to Community Cats
Fundamentals of TNR
Community Engagement and Education (AKA “Marketing Module”)
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Volunteer Management and Community Involvement
Ongoing Management for Community Cats
Conflict Resolution and Community Relations (AKA “Customer Service Module”)
Funding and Sustainability

WEBSITE LINK: https://uc.pacific.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=3508103

Online Event – 9/10/24 – National Shelter Medicine Rounds - UW Shelter Medicine Program
2024-09-10 12:30 - 13:30
There is a NEW way to register! We will no longer be emailing you with a new zoom link for every meeting. There is a ONE TIME registration link here through zoom!
National Shelter Medicine Rounds Registration Link
National Shelter Medicine Rounds is hosted by the University of Wisconsin Shelter Medicine Program and is open to any professional in the veterinary field who works in shelter medicine or who has an interest in learning more about shelter medicine.
Rounds provides an opportunity for discussions to be held on current topics in shelter medicine for continued learning and collaboration among shelter medicine professionals. Presenters are primarily interns, residents, and fellows of shelter medicine training programs, their faculty, program staff, and their alumni.
These meetings will be scheduled for the second Tuesday of every month, subject to change or cancellation if necessary.
Recordings and shared documents/links info:

Recorded rounds can be found at this box link: https://uwmadison.box.com/s/bdzl9zkkkcy5komx5cvkqc3nsmik9jc1 Some more formalized rounds will be recorded but many discussions will not be recorded in order better facilitate open and honest discussion. If you do not see a previous rounds on this document then it was not recorded.
Links/documents shared in the chat during rounds can be accessed at this box link: https://uwmadison.box.com/s/9aafkcezkivmnb569upycuvxjpbgftvx We will be saving any documents and links that are shared in the chat in this folder called ‘Links shared in chat’
You should be able to access these box folders as a guest at any time without a sign in necessary.

Zoom Meeting Link: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAvcO6gqDsuE9B_7YN-vvLTi0a5CVgAONJF#/registration

Webinar - 9/10/24 - Coping with Canines: Navigating Human Emotions with a Complex Dog - Every Dog Austin
2024-09-10 16:00 - 17:00
When you love a complex or sensitive dog, chances are you’ve experienced some emotional ups and downs along the way. You’ll walk away from this Coping with Canines webinar with concrete tools and mindset shifts rooted in counseling and mental health theories, and a deep reassurance that you’re not alone in this experience.
FREE event, donations optional!
About the Speaker: Jess Adam (she/her)
Jess Adam is a licensed professional counselor who lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, her twin boys, her 10 year old reactive pit mix Dio, and her cat named Bat. Animals and mental health are two of Jess’s passions, and she has brought them together in a unique way by creating a niche coaching business supporting dog owners and canine professionals in navigating the human side of dog training. Jess’s lived experience in managing Dio’s reactivity, along with her decade of experience as a therapist and professor of counseling, gives her a unique perspective to bring effective mental health tools and services to the dog world. Through her business Handlers & Humans, Jess offers individual coaching support to dog guardians and dog trainers, along with group support programs and online courses, all rooted in evidence-based therapeutic skills and a real-life understanding of living with a reactive dog.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.everydogaustin.org/event-details/coping-with-canines-navigating-human-emotions-with-a-complex-dog

Webinar - 9/11/24 - S.A.F.E. Method for Managing Separation Anxiety with Lynn Brearey - PPG (fee applies)
2024-09-11 09:00 - 10:00
Separation Anxiety is a family welfare problem. When dogs have separation anxiety, they cannot be at home alone, creating stress and anxiety for all concerned.
When left home alone, dogs panic and genuinely believe their guardian is not returning and that they have been deserted. As a certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT), I understand that helping dogs overcome separation anxiety employs systematic desensitization protocols. However, extensive training programs can be burdensome for some families because they can take time and financial resources.
This webinar will present a management plan for families to implement. This plan will help their dog be more comfortable at home and provide them with well-deserved freedom, a win-win situation for all.
Learning Objectives

Learn a protocol for helping families with dogs that have separation anxiety.
Understand S.A.F.E. is S – Suspend Absences A – Anticipate and Plan F – Fear Free home environment E – Enrichment needs met.
Gain ideas that lead to solutions.

WEBSITE LINK: https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/webinars-events/webinars/s-a-f-e-method-for-managing-separation-anxiety-with-lynn-brearey/

Webinar - 9/11/24 - Unresponsive Behavior: A Guide to the Evaluation and Compassionate Choices for Refractory Behavior Problems in Companion Animals - HSVMA
2024-09-11 17:00 - 18:00
Refractory behavior problems are something we have all seen in practice. These cases are often highly charged emotionally, and we know that owners who feel they have come to the end of their ability to care for a challenging pet are heartbroken and often guilt ridden. During this important webinar we will consider how to evaluate these cases.
Ruling out medical reasons for behavior issues and referring to professional experienced behaviorists before euthanasia is important, however it is not the focus on this particular webinar.
Learning Objectives:

To be able to assess a case for non-responsiveness to medication and behavior modification. Safety of the people and other animals in the environment, welfare of the patient and others will be considered.

To be able to assess quality of life levels for the patient, the family and other animals, and realistic recognition of the long-term commitment of finances, time and emotion to constantly manage these cases.

To understand behavior is controlled by an organ, the brain –Dr Foote will review MRI research evidence on the functional difference of the brain of aggressive animals compared to normally socialized animals.

We will discuss why screening referral sources for safe, compassionate BE is needed. If the primary care veterinary team is not willing or capable of performing the service, how can they make a responsible referral to a shelter prepared for euthanasia of behavior cases, a different general practice or arrange for home euthanasia DVM.
To remove the high emotions and opinion surrounding euthanasia for behavior and provide support for the staff and family involved in these cases.
Understand how the veterinary community can work with the shelter, behaviorist, trainer, and breeder community to reduce the incidence of BE.

Presented by: Sally J. Foote, DVM, CABC-IAABC, LSHC-S, FFE
WEBSITE LINK: https://hsvma.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Uf9e87SeRPSF3srBS5FVUA#/registration

Webinar – 9/12/24 – DPFL’s Approach to On-Leash Reactivity – Dogs Playing for Life (fee applies)
2024-09-12 09:00 - 11:30
Reactivity on the part of dogs living in shelters is a rampant issue that can contribute to behavioral deterioration, increased length of stay, and even loss of life. From a misdiagnosis of “aggression” to dogs whose reactive behavior escalates to problematic and potentially unsafe levels, learning how to help dogs suffering from reactivity issues is a crucial need shared by our entire industry.
While this webinar can be attended as a standalone course, we will build on our Fancy Footwork approach to handling and training to offer practical training, handling, and safety solutions to on-leash reactivity for dogs living in shelters.
This is a 2-hour presentation followed by a 30 min Q&A session. This webinar costs $20 and you will receive the recording the next day.
WEBSITE LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xqFMgom-SKucZfHQsGwJIg#/registration

Webinar - 9/12/24 - Maddie’s Insights: Aligning Programs with Community Needs to Support Companion Dog Retention - Maddie's Fund
2024-09-12 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for a brand-new season of Maddie’s Insights: Practical tips based on current research to help pets and people.
On September 12, 2024 our guest is Seana Dowling-Guyer, MS. She is the Associate Director for the Center for Shelter Dogs at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.
Animal sheltering has evolved to focus on community-based services as much as in-shelter care. The philosophy that animal sheltering begins and ends within the community through various support programs is gaining traction. These programs, ranging from food banks and training classes to veterinary services, aim to support pet guardianship and retention in the home. However, there’s often a mismatch between the programs offered and the actual needs of the community. In this session, Seana will share research on pre-COVID retention programs focused on companion dogs offered by US animal sheltering organizations, highlighting gaps between these programs and community needs. She will outline a strategic decision-making process for selecting community programs to support pets in homes and discuss different program options.
In this session, attendees will:

Learn about common retention programs focused on companion dogs offered by US shelters and identify gaps between available programs and community needs
Become familiar with a strategic decision-making process that can be used when developing and evaluating community programs that support pets in homes

Can’t attend live? Register anyway and you will get a link to the recording.
These webinars have been pre-approved for 1.0 Certified Animal Welfare Administrator continuing education credits by The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement and by the National Animal Care & Control Association. They have also been submitted for approval for 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize the Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) approval.
About the Speaker
Seana Dowling-Guyer is the Associate Director of Tufts Collaborative (Center) for Shelter Dogs at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and teaches in the M.S. in Animals and Public Policy program. Seana is interested in the intersection of animal behavior and people’s perceptions of that behavior, particularly how our attitudes and knowledge of animal behavior impact animal welfare and behavior. Her research examines how to improve the welfare of dogs in shelters and support dogs and other companion animals in the home and community. She also investigates trends in animal sheltering. A long-time cat parent, Seana now takes care of four crazy ferrets while her daughter is away at college.
WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/MIwebcastsRegister

Online Event - 1st Tuesdays - All Call - California for All Animals
2024-09-16 12:00 - 13:00
The All Call is a twice-monthly, California community call for animal well-being professionals. The one-hour call is a dedicated space to share and learn from each other. Popular topics include initiatives that create a more inclusive culture for both staff and community, programs that keep pets with their people, industry trends, research studies, as well as the hard stuff, like what’s not working or what is particularly difficult during times of scarcity. The call is a mix of presentations, storytelling, open discussion, and Q&A time.
The All Call is hosted by the California for All Animals team, Nadia Oseguera-Ramón, Ivy Ruiz, and Allison Cardona. You only need to register one time. Calls are sometimes recorded; recap emails with supplemental resources are sent post-call. Find past call resources and recordings, including the recent Multicultural Engagement Community of Practice series, at the Cal for All Animals website.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/all-call

Webinar - 9/16/24 - Northern Tier Shelter Initiative Zoomies: Ideal Age for Spay Neuter in Dogs & Cats - ASPCAPro
2024-09-16 14:00 - 15:00
The debate over when to recommend sterilization in pet dogs and cats has been under increased scrutiny over the past 5-10 years. With some veterinary professionals promoting pediatric spay/neuter and others recommending waiting or foregoing sterilization altogether for some breeds, how should we base our decisions and recommendations? This case-based discussion covers the critical evaluation of recent studies on the ideal age for spaying and neutering dogs and cats, specific variables that impact timing considerations, and comparisons of some of the risks and benefits of early spay/neuter surgery.
Takeaways

Identify specific variables that impact the appropriate timing of spay/neuter surgery.
Work through critical evaluations of recent studies on the timing of spay/neuter surgery.
Compare risks and benefits of early age spay/neuter.

Suited For
This session is suited for anyone who is faced with the question of when to spay or neuter.
Credits
This session has been approved for 1hr of RACE credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
Presenter: Dr. Lauren Blackwelder, Veterinarian, ASNA Training, ASPCA Spay Neuter Alliance (ASNA)
Dr. Lauren Blackwelder is a Veterinary Training Instructor at the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance (ASNA). After graduating from the University of Florida in 2013, she worked in shelter medicine and high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter (HQHVSN) clinics in Virginia and Florida before joining ASNA in 2021. Dr. Blackwelder is human-animal bond certified and received a graduate certificate in shelter medicine from the University of Florida. Her role in teaching veterinarians and veterinary students efficient surgical skills contributes to improved animal welfare through HQHVSN efforts worldwide. She lives in Asheville, N.C., with her husband, two children, dog, cats, and fish.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.aspcapro.org/training/webinar/northern-tier-shelter-initiative-zoomies-ideal-age-spay-neuter-dogs-cats

Online Event - 9/17/24 - All Call - From Policy to Practice: Addressing Gaps in Emotional Support Animal Documentation for Vulnerable Communities - California for All Animals
2024-09-17 12:00 - 13:00
Submit your housing-related questions for the 9/16 All Call presenters! HEART LA’s Zaira Bernal (Paralegal) and Diana Cruz (Program Director/Law Clerk) will explore common challenges individuals with disabilities face when seeking the required documentation for Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), focusing on the limitations of current policy and real-world hurdles.
About the presentation: The call will begin with a brief overview of the Fair Housing Act (FHA), highlighting its protections and requirements for individuals who rely on ESAs to mitigate their disabilities. The core of the presentation delves into three case studies illustrating common obstacles, including medical professionals’ reluctance due to liability concerns, and the systemic lack of healthcare resources available to low-income and marginalized communities. The discussion will emphasize the sources of resistance, such as misinformation about ESA roles and barriers in healthcare access.
The presentation concludes by offering practical solutions HEART LA has implemented to address these challenges. These include facilitating self-certification for individuals receiving disability benefits in California, partnering with organizations to connect clients with healthcare providers, directly engaging with cautious medical professionals to educate and alleviate concerns, and training caseworkers and other qualified third parties on how to issue ESA documentation. Through this comprehensive approach, the organization aims to expand access to housing for those who need ESAs, creating a path for legal protections to be applied effectively in practice.
Save the date for Part 2 of our conversation with Zaira and Diana! Zaira and Diana will return to the All Call on October 1 for a conversation on addressing landlord resistance to ESA protections. What do you need to know to advance disability justice and help people and pets at risk of eviction stay together in your community? Submit your questions for the presenters.
About the All Call: The All Call is a twice-monthly, California community call for animal well-being professionals that occurs on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday. The one-hour call is a dedicated space to share and learn from each other. Popular topics include initiatives that create a more inclusive culture for both staff and community, programs that keep pets with their people, industry trends, research studies, as well as the hard stuff, like what’s not working or what is particularly difficult during times of scarcity. The call is a mix of presentations, storytelling, open discussion, and Q&A time.
The All Call is hosted by California for All team members Allison Cardona, Nadia Oseguera, and Ivy Ruiz, and is enriched by rotating facilitators. You only need to register one time. Calls are sometimes recorded; recap emails with supplemental resources are sent post-call.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/all-call

Webinar - 9/17/24 - Past, Present, & Future of Animal Welfare with HASS - HASS
2024-09-17 15:00 - 16:00
Since 2020, the animal welfare industry has faced an increase of challenges unlike ever before. From overfilled kennels and a lack of municipal support to increased needs for mental health support in the workplace—and a decrease in community engagement. What is needed is a fresh, human-services-rooted perspective that rallies municipal and community support with ease. In this webinar, Dr. Ellen Jefferson, President & CEO of Austin Pets Alive!, will present where we’ve been and the future of the animal welfare industry through a new model approach piloted by the HASS community.
WEBSITE LINK: https://bit.ly/3zhiarN

Online Event - 9/17/24 - Let's Prioritize Veterinary Technicians - The Bridge Club
2024-09-17 17:00 - 18:00
In this day and age where most practices face staffing challenges, we are going to put the lens on one of our most valuable resources: Veterinary Technicians. Join us for an important conversation about the challenges faces and proposed solutions. We want to hear from you: What should be prioritized?
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.thebridgeclub.com/events/lets-prioritize-veterinary-technicians

Webinar - 9/17/24 - Providing Vaccines and Other Preventative Care to Shelter Animals the Fear Free Way - Fear Free
2024-09-17 17:00 - 18:00
The shelter experience is unfortunately stressful for many pets. Essential wellness care, such as vaccines, deworming, and parasite prevention, can add to an animal’s fear, anxiety, and stress. By using Fear Free methods, shelter teams can minimize this stress with little to no additional time.Join us September 17, at 8 p.m. ET, with Fear Free Certified® Veterinarian Dr. Meghan Herron, DVM, DACVB, as she discusses Fear Free methods for wellness care that can lessen the burden on shelter pets.During this webinar, we will learn:

How to administer vaccines in a way that minimizes fear, anxiety, and stress
How low-volume and orally administered vaccines can lead to a lower-stress experience
How to use desensitization and counterconditioning for patients who don’t accept injections

This webinar is RACE-approved for 1 CE hour and will be recorded.
WEBSITE LINK: https://fearfreellc.webinargeek.com/providing-vaccines-and-other-preventive-care-to-shelter-animals-the-fear-free-way-1

Webinar - 9/17/24 - Collaborative Cat Management Programs - LG, SG, NFP and Landcare Working Together - Getting 2 Zero
2024-09-17 19:00 - 20:00
The Keeping Cats Safe at Home project is a four-year behavioural change project being run by RSPCA NSW in conjunction with eleven Councils across NSW, including Weddin Shire. It is funded by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust. The project aims to reduce the impact pet cats have on wildlife and improve domestic cats’ health and safety by encouraging responsible cat ownership. Weddin Landcare worked with the local Council Ranger to apply for the program to help instigate cat management programs in the Weddin Shire. The project began with community consultation, which guided project activities for the Shire. Together, Weddin Shire Council, Weddin Landcare and RSPCA NSW then implemented a free desexing and microchipping program; distributed project messages though communication materials and promotions; delivered educational sessions to local primary schools about the benefits of keeping cats at home; and offered an incentive program for backyard Catnets enclosures to assist cat owners to contain their cat to their property.
The program has been incredibly successful for our small community (population <4,000) with over 300 cats desexed to date, 30 Catnets enclosures distributed to local residents, over 100 primary school children and a significant drop in the number of complaints about cats and unwanted litters being impounded. This incredibly positive project has resulted in a unique partnership between the organisations involved and improved relationships between the local Council Ranger and local residents.
This event will be recorded and the recording will be available the day after the event.
Presenter: Melanie Cooper – Landcare Coordinator, Weddin landcare
Melanie Cooper a part-time Local Landcare Coordinator for Weddin Landcare, based in Grenfell, Central West NSW. With a B. Applied Science (Earth and Land Science), Melanie has been working in the natural resource management realm with rural communities for over twenty years through a variety of technical and community-based roles in both the public and private sector. She is also a farmer, managing a 4,000Ha mixed-farming property with her husband and is a mum to two little girls.
Melanie has been working with Weddin Landcare for the past 4 years and is passionate about working with rural communities, schools and farmers at a grassroots level to restore ecosystem function and biodiversity and improve the health of our natural assets and agricultural products.
Register here – https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aj7TbvN0TyqBTo4aAO3wtg
