Date: Thursday, December 10, 2020
Time: 3pm Pacific Time (Click here for time at FDSA (Pacific Time).
Fee: $19.95 – Registration required PRIOR to scheduled presentation time.

You’ve heard the saying – “they were fighting like cats and dogs!” So often images depict dogs chasing cats and the cats running in terror like this is just the accepted norm. Well do I have good news for you (and your pets!). Quite often canines and felines can cohabitate in harmony – or at least mutual acceptance – by taking specific measures. This webinar will review steps for appropriate introductions when adding a new pet, as well as interventions if they already live together. The goals here are to reduce stress, increase safety, and improve happiness for all species involved.

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

Date: Thursday, December 3, 2020
Time: 6pm Pacific Time (Click here for time at FDSA (Pacific Time).
Fee: $19.95 – Registration required PRIOR to scheduled presentation time.

Currently there are a range of psychopathologies described in dogs. These include canine-PTSD, depressive-like conditions, ADHD-like disorders, canine compulsive disorder and a range of specific anxiety conditions and phobias. Each of these disorders is characterized by the presence of a collection of specific individual behaviors.

Some of the individual behaviors occurring in the above disorders are abnormal at any time, whilst many are normal under certain circumstances.
As we all become more aware of canine emotions, and we strive to ensure the psychological wellbeing of our dogs, it can become increasingly difficult to know what’s normal and what’s not.

When working out what’s normal, it needs to be remembered, that whilst there is a lot of discussion on the impact of genetics on behavioral pathologies, normal behaviors have a genetic basis as well (i.e. breed-related behaviors). These can include such traits as hypervigilance to movement, consistently high energy levels, low frustration thresholds, rapid escalation to high arousal, owner guarding behaviors, and provocation by the presence of unknown dogs or people.

So, when we see a dog lunging and barking at an approaching stranger, they may be demonstrating fear-based behaviors, but there may be another cause entirely. We need to ensure we are correctly identifying the emotion behind the behavior, so we can select the correct training approach. Using an incorrect strategy may be ineffective or it could even allow the behavior to escalate further. Looking at the individual behaviors more closely, and through a more objective lens, we can ensure each dog receives the help it needs.

In this webinar we will discuss fear, anxiety, frustration and over-arousal. We will look at common genetic traits that can lead to behavioral issues, and discuss various behavior-modifying techniques for reactivity, and the performance of aggressive behaviors toward people and dogs. We will also identify key behaviors that indicate it is time to seek out help from a veterinary behavior specialist.

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

During this session, members from the University of Florida’s Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service will share how their unit has responded to state disasters and local emergencies in the past, and what has changed since COVID-19. This discussion will include how to prepare for a disaster impacting your community, as well as how to get involved in emergency and disaster response.

WEBSITE LINK:  https://event.webinarjam.com/register/178/1nzgktx7

The Missouri Coalition of Animal Care Organizations welcomes cat expert Stephanie Stryker to discuss deliberate and thoughtful housing ideas for ringworm cats inside the shelter so they are accessible and noticed by adopters. She’ll discuss how to market/counsel adopters on ringworm cats and what to do to set them up for success when they leave the shelter. Recommended treatments and our in-home care handouts will be included.

Stephanie has been working in animal welfare since 2011, in both Arizona and Utah, and she started as an “all around” cat staff in a nonprofit rescue shelter where they did daily care, medical treatment, adoptions, and store transports. Then she worked at a sanctuary where she worked primarily with Feline Leukemia cats, providing care and medical treatment. That was followed by 3 years working in and overseeing a community cat program alongside Pima Animal Care Center where she is now the Cat Programs Coordinator, overseeing the adoption and behavior programs for the in-shelter cats.

The Missouri Coalition of Animal Care Organizations seeks to transform the collective impact of animal welfare organizations through a collaborative network that supports Missouri’s companion animals and their communities. We’re conducting regular calls to help connect animal advocates in our community and elevate our knowledge of progressive strategies to support pets and their families. You can join our movement by becoming a member of the Coalition today! www.missourianimals.org

WEBSITE LINK:  https://fb.me/e/3bNQnTCec

Linda Fielder has over 20 years of experience as an animal welfare specialist, 15 of which were spent at the Oregon Humane Society. As Director of Shelter Medicine and Humane Investigations there, Linda oversaw every aspect of animal cruelty cases from the point they were first reported through the victim animals’ recovery and rehoming. A Certified Animal Welfare Administrator and a Certified Property and Evidence Specialist, Linda’s expertise in veterinary medicine and humane care and treatment of animals combined with her understanding of evidence collection and handling, resulted in successful large scale criminal seizures involving livestock, dog breeders, fighting animals and animal hoarding scenarios. She has extensive experience in developing and implementing procedures that preserve both the wellbeing of the animals and the integrity of the criminal case.

In addition to supervising a fully operational 12,000 square foot veterinary teaching hospital and a law enforcement division with statewide jurisdiction, Linda also conceptualized and oversaw OHS’ Emergency Animal Sheltering certification program, one of the first in the country, which enabled staff and volunteers to respond nationwide to natural disasters and large scale cruelty cases. She created the annual Victim to Verdict conference which was the first in the region to bring together multi-disciplinary players in animal cruelty cases for training.

Linda has trained veterinarians, prosecutors, and law enforcement professionals from across the globe in crime scene processing, large-scale seizures, and link between animal cruelty and human violence.

Senior Staff Attorney Emily Lewis works directly with law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and rescue groups providing direction and support for all aspects of criminal animal cruelty investigation and prosecution.  She supports front-line responders by training and consulting on search warrant drafting, evidence collection and scene processing best practices.

Emily joined the Animal Legal Defense Fund after serving as staff attorney for the Oregon Humane Society Humane Law Enforcement Division, where she directly participated in hundreds of animal cruelty investigations, including the raid of a massive animal-fighting compound, cases involving large-scale neglect of livestock, and all manner of  puppy mill and animal hoarder scenarios. It is this firsthand experience that has given her such a deep understanding of animal cruelty casework and prosecution. At the Capital, Emily was integral in the passage of a number of important animal protection bills including stricter laws prohibiting animal fighting, oversight of animal rescue entities, the Humane Agent Bill, increased cross reporting, and strengthening of pre-trial remedies available to animal care agencies or individuals. Emily’s work on these bills  — along with her implementation of the first legal internship program at the humane society and her support and training of agency officers, staff and veterinarians — contributed to the rise of the Oregon Humane Society as a national leader in the field of animal cruelty investigation and veterinary forensics, in particular. She has presented nationally and internationally on the importance of the veterinarian’s role in recognizing, reporting and responding to animal neglect and abuse.

Emily holds a JD and Master of Studies in Environmental Law (MSEL) from Vermont Law School, where she graduated with honors and was awarded the Academic Excellence Award  in both Torts and Environmental Ethics. She earned a B.A. in Environmental Ethics & Policy and was awarded the Arthur Schoenfeldt Environmental Ethics and Policy Award from the University of Portland. She is a two time winner of Spot Magazine’s “Top Dog: Attorney” award (2014 and 2016).

Emily is passionate about her role as a voice for animals and aiding in the pursuit of justice on their behalf.

Based in Portland, Ore., Emily lives with her rescued Great Dane, Whiskey. She enjoys running, live music, visiting the Pacific Ocean coastline, and spends time on her weekends volunteering at the Family Dogs New Life Shelter.