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

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/

It used to be that a feral cat had little chance of exiting a shelter alive after he entered. But that’s no longer the case. In recent years, more and more shelters have adopted Return-to-Field (RTF) programs. Instead of euthanizing healthy community cats (whether feral, friendly or otherwise), the shelter will spay or neuter, eartip and vaccinate, then return the cat back to where he was found. We’ll cover the policies behind RTF, the mechanics of implementing the program, current controversies over the RTF of friendly cats, and how to combine RTF with TNR in general to lower cat populations and create sustainability.

WEBSITE LINK:  https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/return-to-field-saving-the-lives-of-community-cats-presented-by-neighborhood-cats-sept-2024/