Dogs are resilient and oh-so-forgiving! These qualities make them endearing as companions, along with their ability to love unconditionally. So, why do some dogs struggle to understand us when we are offering affection or when we want to help them, not harm them? In this session, we will focus on the HUMAN handling that contributes to unwanted behavior, even “aggression”. Get ready to rethink your approach as we reveal the common and widely accepted and taught handling errors that set dogs up for failure. Through extensive video examples, we will demonstrate alternative handling techniques that help dogs to trust and thrive!

This webinar will demonstrate:

– Examples of handling that causes negative behavior compared to handling that promotes  desired behavior

– Demonstration of handling that induces trust and learning with dogs that are too afraid to respond initially to food rewards or affection

– Comprehensive discussion around the correct use of pressure and release and why this is a critical skill for shelter canine handlers to master to save more dogs

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_4bcg2hn4TGGXti0SZvCoCw#/registration

At DPFL’s Stranger Danger webinar, you will learn how to work with dogs that are wary of strangers by building their confidence and helping them to develop the skills to meet new people (and potential adopters) happily and successfully! Even for the private dog trainer or dog owner, the skills taught in this webinar will help support your stranger danger dog to expand their comfort level when meeting new people at home!

This webinar will demonstrate:

• DPFL’s Assess and Progress approach: fluttering between assessing and influencing behavior to determine how a dog might respond WITHOUT proper human support to determine what training is necessary for successful placement
• Comprehensive Tool Selection: determining what tool will best support the dog while keeping the handler and others safe during the learning process
• Principles vs. Methods: determining what approach will teach the dog as efficiently and effectively as possible
• Creative Proofing: conducting training with the goal of solid generalization of new skills so that dogs are able to work for multiple handlers with clarity and confidence

Come learn how to safely and effectively reach this segment of the canine population through in-depth behavior analysis, dynamic video examples, and practical approaches designed for anyone who is trying to find solutions for the dogs who need this extra human support. This is a 2-hour presentation followed by approximately 30 minutes of Q&A. This webinar is scheduled on EASTERN TIME. Following the webinar, attendees will receive an email with the webinar recording.

WEBSITE LINK:  https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_I_zFinz6RWC1IUeSxCY7wA#/registration

Almost three-quarters of dogs have some kind of canine anxiety, according to research. This talk is an overview of how to help fearful dogs, starting with recognizing the signs of fear and helping the dog to feel safe. We’ll look at the prevalence of fears in dogs, the kinds of fears that are most common, and some of the specific steps that can be taken to protect fearful dogs.

Management is important for several reasons. We’ll also look at the role of the dog’s attachment to their guardian, why it’s so important to work at the dog’s pace and not make them face their fears, and which techniques work best with fearful and anxious dogs. We’ll also talk about how to evaluate and prioritize the changes that will be most important in an individual case.

Learning Objectives

1. Appreciate the importance of choices and routine (including how to cope with changes)
2. Describe the secure base effect and understand what attachment to the guardian means for a fearful dog
3. Evaluate the changes that will be most beneficial for a fearful dog, including the role of management
4. Recognize tools, approaches, and actions that are detrimental for a fearful dog, and help clients choose (and stick to) alternate approaches.

WEBSITE LINK:  https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/webinars-events/webinars/how-to-help-fearful-dogs-feel-safe-with-dr-zazie-todd/

Frustration Elicited aggression can occur in all animals, including humans. When a learner or teacher gets frustrated, they can begin to act out with aggressive behaviors. This could be a puppy that begins to nip at the person training them, a horse that kicks, a macaw that will bite or a human that hits.

Frustration usually occurs when the learner is not understanding or the teacher/ trainer gets “stuck” and is not sure how to proceed with training.

Since every human and animal is unique, we must look at how the individual is understanding what is expected. A puppy may be confused by what we are trying to teach or the teacher may not know how to “fix” a problem in a way that the learner understands it. Understanding frustration elicited aggression can not only help the learner learn and the teacher teach, it can also help improve the bond between the human and the animal.

Learning Objectives

• What is Frustration Elicited Aggression?
• What causes it?
• Who is affected by it?
• Why is it important to understand frustration elicited aggression?
• What can be done to prevent it?
• How understanding it can help reduce stress in training (for the human and animal)

WEBSITE LINK:  https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/webinars-events/webinars/frustration-elicited-aggression-what-is-it-how-it-occurs-and-how-to-stop-it-with-shannon-riley/

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

1. Learn a protocol for helping families with dogs that have separation anxiety.
2. Understand S.A.F.E. is S – Suspend Absences A – Anticipate and Plan F – Fear Free home environment E – Enrichment needs met.
3. 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/

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

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