The Texas Unites for Animals Conference provides animal welfare professionals the opportunity to connect, share, and work together to improve the lives of pets and people in their communities. At the Texas Unites for Animals Conference, you will find hundreds of animal advocates from Texas and our surrounding states coming together for professional development and a chance to broaden their network in the animal welfare industry.
Blog
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Online Event – 8/29/22 – Saving Luna: A Case Study on Rabbit Aggression – PPG (fee applies)
Emily came across a desperate post in a local rabbit rescue Facebook group, begging someone to take a beautiful rabbit who was scheduled to be euthanized the next day for aggression. She instantly responded to take the case pro bono and would work with anyone who took on this bunny. Shortly after, Emily received a friend request from the person who was dropping everything to pick up Luna, and they immediately got to work. As Emily watched Luna throw herself, growling and snarling, at the fence separating them, she wondered if she had bitten off more than she could chew!
Luna’s aggression is more severe than any case Emily had experienced in her career working with rabbits. Luna’s triggers ranged from everything to the sound of a person approaching to the appearance of food falling into her pen. Anything associated with human interaction was met with a flying leap, a growl, and a fierce bite. While Luna’s clear stress and discomfort were a main focus of their efforts, Emily was equally concerned with giving Luna’s humans the tools to manage her safely, without (any more) bloodshed! Carefully managing Luna’s triggers, mindful counterconditioning, and enrichment were the tools we used to gradually build trust. Luna began to relax, and so could everyone around her!
Luna’s story is not just her own, but the story of many rabbits who are euthanized in shelters for behavior issues. Rabbits whose issues are often created by the environment. This presentation will be useful to anyone who cares for rabbits in any capacity.
Learning Objectives
- The importance of stress management in aggression cases
- Minimizing triggers in an environment where everything seems to be a trigger
- Developing safe ways to interact with and care for an extremely over-threshold animal
- Direct juxtaposition of force-free strategies and force-based common methods in handling rabbit aggression
- Managing learned aggression in bunnies
About the Presenter
Emily earned her BS in Animal Science, with a specialization in Equine Science, from the University of Florida. Since 2010, she has been providing professional behavior assistance to pets and their people. She completed two internships, one at ZooTampa working primarily with Florida Manatees, and one at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, working with dolphins, otters, and pelicans. While in school, she worked with Class Act for Dogs, in Gainesville, Florida, under Dee Zurberg, an accomplished trainer who emphasized not only kindness to dogs, but kindness to their people as well. Since then, she has continued her career in the zoo field working with a variety of species including tigers, otters, Flying foxes, gibbons, and as well as various avian, aquatic, and reptile species. Her main focus, however, is caring for orangutans. While not working at the zoo, she has spent years working with dogs as a group class instructor and behavior consultant at Courteous Canine, Inc. This led her to create Small Animal Resources, a place for guardians of small pets to find accurate, reliable information and to highlight the behavioral needs of small mammals. She has published articles for the Pet Professional Guild and the International Association for Animal Behavior Consultants on various topics related to rabbit care and behavior. She has presented at various conferences, workshops, and webinars, for both the Pet Professional Guild, the Animal Behavior Management Alliance, and the Florida Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
WEBSITE LINK: https://petprofessionalguild.com/event-4793641
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Webinar – 9/1/22 – Anxiety: The Whole Story – FDSA (fee applies)
So you have a shy dog – one who’s easily frightened of strange people or places, or maybe even one who sits at home IMAGINING what horrible thing might happen next. Is this because of genetics? Or did you mess up somehow? Jessica will talk about the biology behind anxiety: the roles of genetics, early environment (as early as in mom’s uterus!), and socialization. Spoiler alert: you didn’t mess up. But this talk will help you understand better where your dog is coming from and help you think through the many different puzzle pieces that made her who she is.
Presenter: Jessica Hekman, DVM, PhD
Note: This webinar is back by popular demand. Please check your webinar library before purchasing.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/self-study/webinars
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Webinar – 8/25/22 – Zen and the Art of Impulse Control – FDSA (fee applies)
Most people would agree that we’d like our dogs to have the ability to be zen; to chill out and relax when the situation calls for it. In addition, we’d like them to think before they act. Mindless reactivity can be difficult to live with and manage in our dogs.
In this presentation Dr. Deb Jones is going to discuss her views on zen and the concept of impulse control. She will talk about the common usage of such terms as well as her working definitions, and issues with the terminology and application.
She will talk about the advantages of teaching a dog to be zen and demonstrate specific exercises that can encourage thought before action. In particular, Deb will focus on both the art and the science of zen work. A clear understanding of the major underlying scientific principles will be very helpful to excellent application and execution of the techniques.
Deb will discuss the importance of designated markers, introduce her foundation “bowl” games, and demonstrate the place/drop/toss technique to build fluency. She will talk about developing control around food and toys, and also consider broader generalization issues and applications.
Note: This webinar was originally included as a presentation in the Lemonade Conference, but has not previously run as a standalone webinar.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/self-study/webinars
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Online Certificate Program – Starting 11/7/22 – Animal Shelter Management Certificate Program – Shelter Operations – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
Society’s relationship to pets continues to evolve. The majority of people consider their pets to be beloved family members and expect their local animal shelter to work diligently to save the lives of the dogs and cats that enter the facility. This program will provide the knowledge you need to assume a management or leadership role at an open-admission animal shelter. You’ll learn how to maximize a shelter’s lifesaving potential through program management, community engagement, and shelter operations while at the same time preparing yourself for an exciting career.
The five courses are:
- Leadership covering strategic planning, analyzing operations, decision-making, managing people and processes to achieve results, organizational responsibilities, and working with a board of directors.
- Shelter Operations covering adoptions, animal care and sheltering fundamentals, animal behavior and enrichment, and customer service.
- Community Program Development covering volunteers, foster care, spay/neuter, pet retention, events, and community relations.
- Animal Health and Clinic Operations covering understanding shelter medicine, basic animal health considerations and care, euthanasia decisions, and clinic operations.
- Marketing and Development covering development fundamentals, fundraising strategies, marketing fundamentals, adoption promotion, social media and websites, and media relations.
Each of these courses include live video conference sessions with top experts in the field providing students valuable contacts within the field. Additionally, alumni have access to exclusive networking opportunities and receive notification of employment opportunities.
You can sign up for individual courses or all five for a discount. All five must be completed to get a certificate.
Who will benefit from the program?
- Professionals seeking a career change to something more personally fulfilling.
- New shelter directors.
- Shelter directors or managers wishing to improve their organization’s live release rate and sustainability.
- People working in the animal welfare field who wish to advance into management roles.
- Board members of animal shelters.
Credit for program/courses
Upon completion of all five courses, you will receive a Certificate in Animal Shelter Management from the University of the Pacific.
Each course earns:
- Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the University of the Pacific
- Association of Animal Welfare Advancement CAWA Continuing Education (CE) credits
Schedule and Registration
Each of the five online courses are six weeks long and are offered sequentially. The entire program is about seven months long, and a new round starts again after a short break. More information on start dates of each course and the registration form can be found on the University of the Pacific website.
WEBSITE LINK: https://education.pacific.edu/education/professional-development/certificate-programs/leadership-health-certificates
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Webinar – 9/8/22 – The Answers to All the Questions About Small Animal Anesthesia and Analgesia You Never Dared to Ask – VETGirl (fee applies)
It’s the anesthesia event you’ve been waiting for!
In this 1-hour VETgirl small animal webinar, Dr. Jane Quandt, DVM, MS, DACVAA, DACVECC and Dr. Mike Barletta, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVAA will answer your questions about small animal anesthesia and analgesia to further clarify the concepts of balanced anesthesia and analgesia. Tune in for this interactive session to get all your questions answered!
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 join now! All the webinars are recorded and can be viewed 24/7 after their release date for CE credit. If you’re watching the recording later on, don’t forget to take the CE quiz with it when you’re done to get your CE certificate!
*Note: Viewing this webinar is for individual use only; VETgirl webinars are not designed nor meant to be viewed in a group setting due to RACE-CE audit purposes. Inappropriate sharing or viewing of the webinar may result in revoking of membership.
WEBSITE LINK: https://vetgirlontherun.com/webinars/september-8-2022-the-answers-to-all-the-questions-about-small-animal-anesthesia-and-analgesia-you-never-dared-to-ask/
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Webinar – 9/6/22 – Spay/Neuter Considerations Based on Breed, Sex and Age – VETGirl (fee applies)
Should gonadectomy be delayed for specific canine breeds?
In this 1-hour VETgirl small animal webinar, Dr. Karen Tobias, MS, DACVS reviews side effects of spaying and neutering in dogs. Tune in to learn breed and age-specific considerations to help you determine when the best time is to schedule that gonadectomy!
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 join now! All the webinars are recorded and can be viewed 24/7 after their release date for CE credit. If you’re watching the recording later on, don’t forget to take the CE quiz with it when you’re done to get your CE certificate!
*Note: Viewing this webinar is for individual use only; VETgirl webinars are not designed nor meant to be viewed in a group setting due to RACE-CE audit purposes. Inappropriate sharing or viewing of the webinar may result in revoking of membership.
WEBSITE LINK: https://vetgirlontherun.com/webinars/september-6-2022-spay-neuter-considerations-based-on-breed-sex-and-age/
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Webinar – 8/21/22 – Otitis Externa: 5 Common Reasons Treatments Fail – VETGirl
In this complimentary, 1-hour VETgirl–Elanco webinar, Dr. Darren Berger, DACVD reviews common pitfalls that occur during treatment of canine otitis externa and strategies to avoid these common mistakes. Tune in to get some helpful hints to improve owner compliance in treating those dirty ears!
Thanks to sponsorship from Elanco, this webinar is FREE to all!
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 join now! All the webinars are recorded and can be viewed 24/7 after their release date for CE credit. If you’re watching the recording later on, don’t forget to take the CE quiz with it when you’re done to get your CE certificate!
*Note: Viewing this webinar is for individual use only; VETgirl webinars are not designed nor meant to be viewed in a group setting due to RACE-CE audit purposes. Inappropriate sharing or viewing of the webinar may result in revoking of membership.
WEBSITE LINK: https://vetgirlontherun.com/webinars/august-18-2022-aventuras-en-el-diagnostico-de-alergia-alimenticia-una-actualizacion-del-manejo-de-dietas-diagnosticas-adventures-in-the-diagnosis-of-food-allergy-an-update-on-the-management-of-di/
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Webinar – 8/18/22 – Aventuras en el diagnóstico de alergia alimenticia, una actualización del manejo de dietas diagnósticas (Adventures in the diagnosis of food allergy, an update on the management of diagnostic diets) – VETGirl
Food trials leaving you flustered?
En este webinar libre de costo de una hora de VETgirl en Español, la Dra. Galia Sheinberg, DLACVD, nos hablará de los detalles y trucos que nos ayudan a poder llevar a nuestro paciente a un diagnóstico completo y poder lograr el mejor control de la dermatitis atópica canina en relación a reacciones adversas al alimento y poder seguir adelante cuando de descartan las mismas.
In this complimentary, 1-hour VETgirl Spanish webinar, Dr. Galia Sheinberg, DLACVD reviews the details and tricks that help us to be able to guide our patient to a complete diagnosis and to be able to achieve the best control of canine atopic dermatitis related to adverse food reactions and to be able to continue when they are ruled out.
*NOTE: This webinar will only be available in Spanish.
Thanks to sponsorship from Congreso Veterinario de León, this webinar is FREE to all!
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 join now! All the webinars are recorded and can be viewed 24/7 after their release date for CE credit. If you’re watching the recording later on, don’t forget to take the CE quiz with it when you’re done to get your CE certificate!
*Note: Viewing this webinar is for individual use only; VETgirl webinars are not designed nor meant to be viewed in a group setting due to RACE-CE audit purposes. Inappropriate sharing or viewing of the webinar may result in revoking of membership.
WEBSITE LINK: https://vetgirlontherun.com/webinars/august-18-2022-aventuras-en-el-diagnostico-de-alergia-alimenticia-una-actualizacion-del-manejo-de-dietas-diagnosticas-adventures-in-the-diagnosis-of-food-allergy-an-update-on-the-management-of-di/
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Webinar – 8/17/22 – Did You Know? New Information and Treatment of Canine Allergic Dermatitis – VETGirl
Summer and allergy itch are in full swing!!
In this complimentary, 1-hour VETgirl–Zoetis webinar, Dr. Lindsay McKay, DACVD reviews new information on the treatment of canine allergic dermatitis. Join us and learn new dermatology pearls based on science! She will share real world cases supported by published studies and science to help answer your questions on antihistamine efficacy (do they really work?), how skin infections can make allergy drugs less effective and how to improve success with allergen immunotherapy.
Thanks to sponsorship from Zoetis, this webinar is FREE to all!
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 join now! All the webinars are recorded and can be viewed 24/7 after their release date for CE credit. If you’re watching the recording later on, don’t forget to take the CE quiz with it when you’re done to get your CE certificate!
*Note: Viewing this webinar is for individual use only; VETgirl webinars are not designed nor meant to be viewed in a group setting due to RACE-CE audit purposes. Inappropriate sharing or viewing of the webinar may result in revoking of membership.
WEBSITE LINK: https://vetgirlontherun.com/webinars/august-17-2022-did-you-know-new-information-and-treatment-of-canine-allergic-dermatitis/