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  • Webinar – 8/27/20 – The Secret Sauce to Finding the Best Candidates – NACA/Justice Clearinghouse

    Webinar – 8/27/20 – The Secret Sauce to Finding the Best Candidates – NACA/Justice Clearinghouse

    Is your organization hiring?  Bringing on new members to the team can be an exciting time! However, how do you know your choosing the right person for the job? What started out as an exciting prospect can end in civil liability or forced separation from employment. Is it possible to pick the right candidate, after only having met them in an interview? In this session, we will explore tips and tricks to hiring progressive Animal Control Officers into the ever-evolving field of animal welfare.

    Other Webinars in this Series Include:

     

     

     

    The National Law Enforcement Center on Animal Abuse was established by the National Sheriffs’ Association to provide law enforcement officers information on the realities of animal abuse and to promote their proactive involvement in the enforcement of animal abuse laws in their communities. Through our partners, the Center will serve as an information clearinghouse and forum for law enforcement on the growing problem of animal abuse and its link to other types of crimes, including violence against humans. The Center also promotes officer safety in officer-dog encounters through continuing education and training.

     

     

     

    The National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) was formed in 1978 for the express purpose of assisting its members to perform their duties in a professional manner. We believe only carefully selected and properly trained animal control personnel can correct community problems resulting from irresponsible animal ownership. NACA’s purpose is to preserve the Human/Animal Bond by insisting on responsible animal ownership.

     

     

     

     

    Presenters:

     

     

    Based out of Daytona Beach, Florida, Adam Leath is the Director of Volusia County Animal Services. He investigates and responds to situations involving animal victims of natural disasters and animal cruelty cases in Volusia County.  Leath was formerly a Regional Director of the Field Investigations and Response Team at the ASPCA where he led one of the largest operations in ASPCA history with the seizure of over 1,000 animals in August of 2016. Leath also successfully investigated one of the largest cockfighting cases in Florida history, resulting in the seizure of more than 650 birds and numerous arrests. Leath has responded to multiple dogfighting operations throughout his time at the ASPCA, including the second-largest dogfighting bust in U.S. history in 2013, resulting in the seizure of more than 400 dogs.

    Leath holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Tennessee and a Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Forensic Science from the University of Florida. He is a courtesy Assistant Professor for the Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.  Leath is a Past President of the International Veterinary Forensic Sciences Association and is a Certified National Animal Cruelty Investigator through the University of Missouri. He has also been certified in Equine Cruelty Investigation through the University of Colorado. Leath has been certified as an expert witness in animal fighting and animal cruelty in the states of Florida and New York.

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://justiceclearinghouse.com/webinar/the-secret-sauce-to-finding-the-best-candidates/

  • Online Event – 8/27/20 – Building Communities Through Online Organizing – TechSoup

    Online Event – 8/27/20 – Building Communities Through Online Organizing – TechSoup

    Building Communities Through
    Online Organizing

    A Virtual Event Series for the Pandemic and Beyond

    The need to campaign and organize on the most pressing issues of our time won’t — and can’t — stop in the face of a global pandemic.

    TechSoup is hosting a half-day of virtual events on August 27 designed to help small and medium-sized nonprofits build new strategies for supporting their communities online

     

     

    August 27, 9 – 10 a.m. Pacific time: In this session, we’ll look at real-world examples that marry online and offline organizing powerfully with digital organizing tools and tactics that don’t have to break the bank. This panel discussion will feature speakers from Income Movement, Fair Count, and TechSoup Italia.
    REGISTER FOR SESSION 1

    August 27, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Pacific time: Learn how public good tech can be used to empower voting and civic engagement. In this panel, we will investigate the topic and hear from experts who are working to build technology tools to enable fair voting practices. You’ll hear from Ballotpedia, Democracy Works, and other tech solutions in this space.
    REGISTER FOR SESSION 2

    August 27, 12:30 – 2 p.m. Pacific time: In this workshop, you’ll connect with nonprofit peers to share and discuss creative strategies for organizing communities online during this time of crisis. Together you’ll brainstorm on topics such as virtual events, narrative and messaging strategies for the moment, and tech tools, while addressing digital divide and cybersecurity challenges.
  • Webinar – 8/20/20 – Veterinary Medicine in the COVID-19 Era: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going? J. Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM (LAIM) – VIN/VSPN

    Webinar – 8/20/20 – Veterinary Medicine in the COVID-19 Era: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going? J. Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM (LAIM) – VIN/VSPN

    In this rounds…

    It’s been over 6 months since SARS-CoV-2 arrived in North America. This session will take a look at where we stand on the epidemic curve, highlight proven and unproven mitigation measures, update what we know about animals, and focus on how we continue to function.

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://www.vin.com/vinmembers/rounds?id=9760247

  • Online Event – 8/18/20 – Veterinary Virtual Care Summit – NAVC

    Online Event – 8/18/20 – Veterinary Virtual Care Summit – NAVC

    Veterinary Virtual Care Summit

    Brought to you by: VVCA, VIS, NAVC

    The Future Is Now.
    Discover the world of veterinary virtual care

    Introducing the Veterinary Virtual Care Summit
    August 18, 2020 | 11:00 AM EDT

    Get inspired with this FREE high-impact, one-day virtual experience that will leave you energized and excited to enter the new age of veterinary medicine. Whether you work in a clinical or corporate setting, or if you’re still in school, the Veterinary Virtual Care Summit invites you to take your understanding of virtual care to the next level.

    We’ll help you create more efficient workflows, enhance your staff training, and increase your profitability with virtual care. With better tools to help more animals, veterinary virtual care can elevate your practice and enhance your daily life.

    Elevate your standard of care. 

    With 5.5 hours of education, networking, and experiential growth, the Veterinary Virtual Care Summit is free of charge to veterinarians, technicians, and anyone else interested in elevating the level of care they provide to animals.

    Topics to include: 

    Building a Virtual Care Ecosystem Economics of Virtual Care
    Enhancing the Customer Experience Expanding Access to Care
    Hospice and End of Life Care Human Telemedicine Lessons
    Making your Website Work for You Vet Techs in Virtual Care
    Q&A With Dr. Lori Teller Virtual Communication
    Wearables/Remote Monitoring Workflow Implementation

    This FREE event is brought to by our generous sponsors:

    VVCA Charter Sponsors:

     

    VVCA Executive Sponsors:

    Airvet Animal Policy Group
    AVMA Brief Media
    Compassion First Elanco
    Ethos Hill’s Pet Nutrition
    Mars Veterinary Health Medici
    Merck MWI
    Pathway Partners PetDesk
    PetsApp Smart.vet
    WellHaven whiskerDocs
    Vetsource Veterinary Innovation Summit
    Televet NAVC
    Nationwide

    VVCA General Sponsor:
    AMB Wealth

    VVCA Digital Sponsors
    Medi-Productions

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://navc.com/events/veterinary-virtual-care-summit/

  • Webinar – 8/20/20 – Barbara Lloyd – PTSD in Dogs and Concrete Advice for the People Who Love Them – FDSA (fee applies)

    Webinar – 8/20/20 – Barbara Lloyd – PTSD in Dogs and Concrete Advice for the People Who Love Them – FDSA (fee applies)

    Date: Thursday, August 20, 2020
    Time: 6pm Pacific Time (Click here for time at FDSA (Pacific Time).
    Fee: $19.95 – Registration required PRIOR to scheduled presentation time.

    Read Barbara’s Bio Here

    There is a common misconception that dogs only live in the moment. This fallacy has proven to be particularly harmful to dogs that suffer from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

    If dogs only lived in the moment they would be unable to learn, and they would not survive as a species. They would be unable to remember any events that occurred in their life and that would make them impossible to train – and we know that dogs are highly trainable! Survival of a species is dependent upon understanding what works and what does not. It means holding onto memories, and science has shown us that the strongest memories are linked to emotions.

    Positive emotions are linked with happiness, satiation, security and well being. Negative emotions are hard wired into the fight or flight primitive part of brain. These emotions when triggered through either intentional or unintentional acts, can sometimes cause an irreversible conditioning that we call Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

    There is a lack of information available to individuals who adopt pets with traumatic pasts but we absolutely have knowledge and techniques for helping dogs that show clear signs of PTSD and trauma from their past. Sharing this information, discussing behaviors associated with canine PTSD, and helping handlers identify possible triggers and a game plan for how to best live with, love and support a dog with PTSD is is the subject of this webinar.

    Barbara will draw on examples from client dogs and from her personal experiences living with her rescue dog Didi, a GSDX, who was the victim of one of the worst cases of torture and abuse in Saskatchewan. She will point you and your dog to the light at the end of the tunnel, and give you a framework on how to build trust and confidence between you and your PTSD dog.

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

  • Webinar – 8/13/20 – Chameleon Shelter Software – Groups, Membership, Training, and Attendance – Chameleon

    Webinar – 8/13/20 – Chameleon Shelter Software – Groups, Membership, Training, and Attendance – Chameleon

    In this webinar, we will discuss using the Group and Member windows in Chameleon. Find out what Group records are used for and how to create them. Find out the benefits of having Members in your groups. We will also touch on using the Training and Attendance windows as it relates to Groups and Memberships!


    TAKE ME TO THE BEACH TO REGISTER NOW

  • This Thursday (8/13/20): Support for Kittens in the Field

    This Thursday (8/13/20): Support for Kittens in the Field

    This week the Million Cat challenge is stepping up with some heavy hitters– Dr. Julie Levy, Fran Marino Professor of Shelter Medicine Education at the University of Florida, co-founder of the Million Cat Challenge and founder of Operation Catnip; Kristen Hassen-Auerbach, Director at Pima Animal Care Center, Board of Directors of the National Animal Care and Control Association, Executive Committee for American Pets Alive! and Human Animal Support Services; Nick Lippincott, Special Programs and Training Programs Coordinator, Orange County Animal Services (Orlando, Florida) Board member, National Animal Care & Control Association; Dr. Heather Kennedy, Director of Feline Operations at KC Project– to present the second webinar in the five-part kitten management webinar series: Supporting Kittens in the Field. The webinar is 90 minutes long with about 60 minutes dedicated to presentations and panel interviews and an additional 30 minutes reserved for Q&A.

    Here are the details: Supporting kittens and their families starts before they show up on your intake counter. Find out what field officers, volunteers and fosters are doing to give kittens the best chance of survival while streamlining operations and expanding safety nets outside shelter walls.

    What will I learn? This is the second webinar in a five part series covering all things kitten management. In this episode we’ll:

    • Identify ways you might be sabotaging your own goals by swimming upstream. 
    • Access your shelter’s opportunity to leverage ACOs, Field Officers and/or volunteers to better serve kittens outside your walls and ensure resources for the ones inside your shelter. 
    • Activate your community to achieve your kitten goals. 
    • Increase your kitten LRR, decrease your kitten budget. 
    • HYPER unify your messaging and alleviate the burden on your frontline staff. 
    • Learn two software tools that allow you to “set it and forget it”

    What did I miss? Each of these webinars is designed to be stand alone, but together they make up a series that starts at intake decisions and ends at positive outcomes and adoption. To catch what you missed last week, please visit: Million Cat Challenge: Kitten Intake in Animal Shelters

    Join us on Thursday, August 13 at 12n Pacific / 3pm Eastern for a 60-minute presentation and plenty of time for Q&A with Million Cat Challenge co-founder Dr. Julie Levy.

    REGISTER NOW

  • Online Workshop – 9/12/20 and 9/13/20 – The Power of Choice And How It Can Decrease Stress in Dogs – Loose Leash Academy (fee applies)

    Online Workshop – 9/12/20 and 9/13/20 – The Power of Choice And How It Can Decrease Stress in Dogs – Loose Leash Academy (fee applies)

    • Do you work with dogs who have big behavior issues and are stressed to the max?
    • Do you want to learn more about how giving dogs choices can help decrease their stress and improve behavior?
    • Do you want to add more to your toolbox for assessing and modifying behavior in stressed dogs?

    REGISTER HERE

    Trailer Video:

    Join Irith Bloom (CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, CDBC, CSAT, KPA CTP, VSPDT, CBATI, TAGteacher, VSDTA Faculty, DWA Faculty) and Kristina Spaulding (PhD, CAAB) for two days of interactive learning with working spots for 6 dogs. Irith and Kristina will present on the power of giving dogs choices and how it can decrease dogs’ stress and modify their behavior in a positive way. This workshop will help you hone your assessment and training/behavior plan development skills so you can work more successfully with dogs who are stressed out and have behavior issues. In addition, as a token of our appreciation, each participant will receive a small enrichment kit. Of note, they will only be mailed to addresses in the continental US. For registrations placed after August 31, 2020, the enrichment kit will arrive after the seminar.

     This workshop is open to trainers, behavior consultants, veterinarians, shelter staff, and anyone else interested in learning more about the power of choice and how it can help decrease stress and improve behavior.

    WHEN:

    September 12th and 13th, 2020

    WHERE:

    ONLINE – Via Live Stream

    TIMES:

    9 am to 5 pm US Eastern Time

    CEU’S:

    CEU’s:  CCPDT: CBCC: 16; CPDT-KA/KSA Knowledge: 16.00; NOTE: CBCC hours count toward CPDT- KA/KSA Knowledge requirements.

    IAABC: 14 CEU’s

    RACE: 16 CE

    TUITION: 

    • Early Bird Discounts until July 12, 2020

      • Individual – $250

      • Group Rate for 4 or more registering and paying at the same time – $225

      • Working Spot – $275 (There are 6 total working spots.) Contact Joann@thelooseleashacademy.com to see if your dog is a good fit for a working spot.

    • Registration after July 12, 2020

      • Individual – $275

      • Group Rate for 4 or more registering and paying at the same time – $250

      • Working Spot – $299 (There are 6 total working spots.)

    In this workshop the following topics will be covered:

    What is stress?

                Definitions and function

                Physiology of stress

    Why is chronic stress bad?

                Effects on health, learning/memory, and behavior

    Research on stress

    How can we reduce stress?

    Stress during development

    Control (or the lack thereof)

                Adding choice to daily life

    Improving coping mechanisms

    Enrichment

    Cooperation from the animal learner

                Training

                Petting

                Husbandry

                Walks

                “Room of one’s own”

    Why don’t we already do this?

                Human need for control

                Lack of understanding/cultural fog

                Delayed reinforcement (for human)

    Teaching animals to make better (by human standards) choices

                The matching law and why it matters

                Foundation skills for a choice-rich life

                Setting up the environment for success

    THE SCHEDULE – SUBJECT TO CHANGE

    DAY ONE

     Lecture: What is stress?

                Definitions and function

                Physiology of stress

     Activity: How do you and your dog react to stress?

     MORNING BREAK

     Lecture: Why is chronic stress bad?

                Effects on health, learning/memory, and behavior

    Research on stress

     Activity: Evaluate your dog’s chronic stress load

    LUNCH BREAK

     Lecture: How can we reduce stress?

    Stress during development

    Control (or the lack thereof)

    Control as a mediator of stress

     Activity: Giving your dog more control

     BREAK

     Lecture: Adding choice to daily life

    Improving coping mechanisms

    Enrichment

    Activity: Evaluating enrichment options

     END OF DAY

    DAY TWO:

     Lecture: Cooperation from the animal learner

                Training

                Petting

                Husbandry

                Walks

    “Room of one’s own”

     Activity: Choose what you want to

     BREAK

     Lecture: Why don’t we already give animals more choices?

                Human need for control

                Lack of understanding/cultural fog

                Delayed reinforcement (for human)

     Activity: Evaluate your own need for control

     LUNCH BREAK

     Lecture: Teaching animals to make better (by human standards) choices

                The matching law and why it matters

                Research on sub-optimal choice making

                Cognitive bias in non-human animals

     Activity: Matching law activity

    BREAK

    Lecture: Foundation skills for a choice-rich life

                Setting up the environment for success

     Activity: Foundation skill related activity

     NOTE: There are only 6 working spots available, so make sure to secure your spot early!

    Contact Joann@thelooseleashacademy.com to see if your dog is a good fit for a working spot.

    Speaker Bios

    IRITH BLOOM, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, CDBC, CSAT, KPA CTP, VSPDT, CBATI, VSDTA FACULTY, DWA FACULTY

    Irith Bloom is the owner of The Sophisticated Dog, a pet training company based in Los Angeles. She has been training animals since the 1980s and has worked with everything from chickens and rabbits to dogs and horses—not to mention humans. A biologist by training, Irith is fascinated by the science of learning and presents at conferences and seminars worldwide. Her writing has been published both online and in print. She is on the board of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and Chair Emeritus of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT).

    In addition to her Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge & Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA) and Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA) certifications, Irith is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC); a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT); a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP); a Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Trainer (VSPDT); a Certified Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor (CBATI); and certified in TAGteach, a positive-reinforcement method for teaching humans. She is on the faculty at Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training and Behavior as well as DogBiz’s Dog Walking Academy.

    Irith has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. Her company, The Sophisticated Dog, LLC, offers online virtual training to clients worldwide, as well as in-person training in a limited area of Los Angeles, California.  Irith volunteers with National English Shepherd Rescue; the Los Angeles County 2020 Healthy Pets Healthy Families Coalition (a One Health initiative aimed at improving the health and well-being of people and their pets throughout Los Angeles County); and Wallis Annenberg PetSpace

      

    KRISTINA SPAULDING, PHD, CAAB

    Dr. Kristina Spaulding owns Smart Dog Training and Behavior LLC. She has a PhD in biopsychology – the study of the biological basis of behavior – and is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist through the Animal Behavior Society.  Kristina has been in the dog training and behavior profession for 20 years.

     In addition to working with behavior clients, Dr. Spaulding teaches a variety of online courses and webinars on the science of behavior.  She conducts staff training on dog behavior for local veterinary clinics and animal shelters, and regularly presents on the science of animal behavior at training and behavior conferences.

    In addition, Dr. Spaulding is a member of the APDT Education Committee.  As a member of this group, she helps the APDT develop and evaluate their educational resources.  In 2019, Dr. Spaulding received the Association of Professional Dog Trainer’s (APDT’s) Member of the Year Award.  She is also a member of the Fear Free Advisory Group and an authorized Speaker for Fear Free which advocates for minimizing fear, anxiety and stress for pets around the country.  She chairs the Quality of Care task force for Meeting of the Minds, a coalition of top dog professionals across the country charged with improving quality of life for our dogs.

     Before opening Smart Dog, Dr. Spaulding earned her B.S. in Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. In college, she volunteered for a year at the local humane society. She was then hired by the same shelter. During her time at the animal shelter, she and a coworker established a training program for shelter dogs and their volunteer walkers to make the dogs more adoptable. She also served as an assistant trainer at Dog’s Best Friend, which was owned at that time by Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist Dr. Patricia McConnell. In 2000, Dr. Spaulding moved to Minnesota where she worked as a dog trainer at a local dog training school before moving to her permanent home in upstate New York.

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://thelooseleashacademy.com/seminars-list/power-of-choice

  • Webinar – 8/18/20 – Can Dogs Have ADHD? A Look at Recent Research on Impulsivity, Hyperactivity and Inattention in Dogs – Dr. Kristina Spaulding – Pet Professionals Guild (fee applies)

    Webinar – 8/18/20 – Can Dogs Have ADHD? A Look at Recent Research on Impulsivity, Hyperactivity and Inattention in Dogs – Dr. Kristina Spaulding – Pet Professionals Guild (fee applies)

    CEUs: PPAB 1, CCPDT (pending), KPA (pending), IAABC (pending)

    As professionals, we often attribute hyperactive and impulsive behavior to age and lack of exercise, training, and/or enrichment. But is it possible that something else is going on in some dogs? Owners often joke that their dogs have ADHD. Could this be true? What do we actually know about inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in dogs? How can you use this information to more effectively address these behaviors in dogs?

    This webinar will look at this issue by focusing on a recent research paper on this topic, but we will also discuss the findings of other, similar studies.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Explain what ADHD-like behaviors are and why that term is used
    • Define impulsivity and describe how it’s measured
    • Summarize the research on ADHD-like behavior in dogs
    • Explain how we can use this research when working with dogs

    About The Presenter

    Dr. Kristina Spaulding

    Dr. Spaulding has a PhD in biopsychology – the study of the biological basis of behavior – and is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist through the Animal Behavior Society. She specializes in stress and behavior, social cognition and emotion, positive welfare and the prevention and treatment of behavior problems in dogs. In addition to her academic background, she has been in the dog training and behavior profession for 19 years. She currently splits her time between private behavior work and teaching other dog trainers and behavior consultants online and through seminars and conferences.

    In addition, Dr. Spaulding is a long-standing member of the APDT Education Committee. She is also a member of the Fear Free Advisory Group and an authorized Speaker for Fear Free. She also chairs a task force for Meeting of the Minds, a coalition of top dog professionals across the country charged with improving the quality of life for our dogs and is a member of the IAABC Foundation Board. You can find out more about her on her website. (http://smartdogtrainingandbehavior.com/online-services/)

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://petprofessionalguild.com/event-3815663

  • Webinar – 8/20/20 – Jessica Hekman, PhD, DVM – The Genetics of Personality – FDSA (fee applies)

    Webinar – 8/20/20 – Jessica Hekman, PhD, DVM – The Genetics of Personality – FDSA (fee applies)

    Date: Thursday, August 20, 2020
    Time: 3pm Pacific Time (Click here for time at FDSA (Pacific Time).
    Fee: $19.95 – Registration required PRIOR to scheduled presentation time.

    What do (and don’t) we know about how genetics affects canine personality? In this webinar, Jessica Hekman will take a deep dive into her own area of research – how genetics affects personality in dogs.

    How much of canine personality is due to genetics and how much to environment? How do researchers track down genes related to personality? Have any such genes yet been found? Can we expect a genetic test for dog reactivity any time soon?

    In this webinar, Jessica will particularly address examples from human literature about traits that are similar to reactivity in dogs, and will discuss the difficulties inherent in studying traits like drive and environmental versus handler focus, as well as possible solutions to those problems. As always, there will be something for everyone, so come listen and ask questions, whether you are just starting to wrap your head around genetics or whether you’re a confirmed science geek!

    Watch the Trailer:

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