Shelter Learniverse and Industry-Wide Calendar

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  • Online Meeting – 6/3/24 – Weekly Community Conversations #ThanksToMaddie: Parvovirus Treatment Algorithm – Maddie’s Fund

    Online Meeting – 6/3/24 – Weekly Community Conversations #ThanksToMaddie: Parvovirus Treatment Algorithm – Maddie’s Fund

    Call Topic: Parvovirus Treatment Algorithm

    Even though safe and effective vaccines have been available for decades, canine parvovirus remains a constant and frustrating threat to the health and welfare of the animals in our shelters and communities. Historically, treatment has been too time and resource intensive for many sheltering organizations to consider, however, new tools and treatment options are helping organizations reduce the impact of this disease. This community conversations meeting will review a new decision-making tool to help organizations decide if, when, and how they might approach canine parvovirus cases and how to incorporate Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody (CPMA), the first and only treatment directed at the virus itself, into their protocols. We will hear from two organizations that have successfully incorporated CPMA into their work to help save costs and improve life-saving.

    Guest Speakers:

    • Dr. Brian DiGangi, Clinical Associate Professor of Shelter Medicine, University of Florida
    • Dr. Alyssa Comroe, Director of Veterinary Medicine, Peggy Adams Rescue League
    • Sherri Stankewitz, Owner/Founder & Sarah-Jane Montano, RVT Manager, The Fix Project

    Maddie’s Fund hosts a weekly 50-minute Zoom call for animal well-being professionals. These calls are a collaborative space to share exciting new programs and research, discuss uncomfortable topics, connect with peers in the industry, and more, all while sharing a common goal of preserving the human-animal bond.

    Who Should Join?
    Executive directors, animal well-being leaders, shelter workers, pet support professionals, volunteers, rescue organizations and anyone who shares the common goal of preserving the human-animal bond.

    Win Ca$h for Attending!
    Each month, Maddie’s Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants. You can enter to win each time you attend a call or watch on-demand during the month by completing the giveaway drawing entry forms shared in the chat during the calls.

    Register Today
    Join us each Monday at 11am PT/2pm ET to receive support and learn about innovative ideas other organizations across the country are seeing success with. If you registered prior to May 2024 or are new to these meetings, please use this link to register:
    https://maddies.fund/CommunityConvoRegistration2024 

    All calls are recorded and uploaded to the Community Conversations page on Maddie’s Pet Forum https://forum.maddiesfund.org/communityconversations

    Please note: All views expressed on these calls are not necessarily endorsed by Maddie’s Fund.

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://maddies.fund/CommunityConvo2024Registration

  • Webinar – 7/9/24 – DPFL Playgroups: The Why, the What, and the How – Dogs Playing for Life

    Webinar – 7/9/24 – DPFL Playgroups: The Why, the What, and the How – Dogs Playing for Life

    Learn about all the ways in which DPFL Playgroups are transforming shelters all across the country! This webinar (formerly offered in three parts) will cover the Why, the What, and the How of playgroups. Attendees will be introduced to dynamic video examples and impactful data and experiences from some of the over 350 shelters who have embraced the power of letting shelter dogs play! This is a 3.5-hour presentation with Q&A at intervals throughout. This webinar will not be recorded. This course has been pre-approved for 3 continuing education unit (CEU) credits for Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) by The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA) and by the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP).

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://dogsplayingforlife.com/webinars/

  • Webinar – 6/6/24 – When Feelings Get in the Way – FDSA (fee applies)

    Webinar – 6/6/24 – When Feelings Get in the Way – FDSA (fee applies)

    Presenter: Amy Cook, PhD

    You’ve probably heard me say “when you teach your dog what to do, you teach her how to feel,” but have you thought about all the ways that may be impacting your training? Emotions and behaviors go hand in hand, and you do not get the luxury of prioritizing one over the other. It’s in your best interest to align your emotional goals with your behavioral ones!

    Experiences like frustration, confusion, agitation, desperation, insecurity, uncertainty, suspicion and more (and the underlying emotions informing those) all get in the way of your dog’s learning and performance, and also affect the bigger picture of what it’s like to work with you and learn things in general! One thing we really want in our dogs is a love of working with us, full attention, and for them to know they’re safe so they can give their all!

    In this presentation I’ll go over the ways we can contribute to unwanted states in our dogs, what that might look like, and how you can minimize negative states and emphasize positive, supportive ones! Let’s keep our dogs in the happy bucket!

    ** This Webinar was previously included in the Dogs with Big Feelings One Day Conference (July 2022). Please check your Library to prevent a duplicate purchase. **

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

  • Online Event – Fourth Thursdays – Maddie’s Monthly Behavior Connection – Paws & Peace: Easing Noise Fear in Dogs & Cats – Maddie’s Fund

    Online Event – Fourth Thursdays – Maddie’s Monthly Behavior Connection – Paws & Peace: Easing Noise Fear in Dogs & Cats – Maddie’s Fund

    Topic: Paws and Peace: Easing Noise Fear in Dogs and Cats

    Guest Speaker:
    Lisa Radosta DVM, DACVB
    Florida Veterinary Behavior Service

    This lecture, designed for shelter staff and volunteers, including veterinary staff, is focused on noise fear in dogs with an emphasis on ways to recognize and treat this very common problem in dogs when they are in the shelter and how to set them up for success after adoption. Meant to be practical with usable strategies for reducing fear, including behavioral interventions and environmental modifications. Additionally, this lecture will cover the use of medications to manage unavoidable stress from environmental sounds.

    Join us on the fourth Thursday of every month as we talk about dog and cat behavior – supporting pets in our community and animal shelters. Each month, we hear from speakers about topics of interest to our group, such as behavior medications, modifying animal behavior, assessing and improving animal welfare, and how organizations successfully provide behavior support to dogs and cats.

    Who should join: Animal welfare staff and volunteers who are interested in dog and cat behavior, and everyone who works to keep pets out of shelters and in homes.

    You only need to register once for all meetings: https://maddies.fund/MonthlyBehaviorRegistration

    Can’t attend live? Register anyway and you will get a link to the recording within a day or two after each meeting.

    All recordings and resources shared during the webcast will also be available in the Maddie’s Monthly Behavior Connection group on Maddie’s Pet Forum – https://maddies.fund/monthlybehaviorconnectionMPF

    Maddie’s Fund does not share registration information.

    The opinions expressed by webinar presenters are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Maddie’s Fund.

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://maddies.fund/MonthlyBehaviorRegistration

  • Online Course – Starts 8/13/24 – Shelter Cat Behavior Mentorship with Trish McMillan – Shelter Behavior Hub (fee applies)

    Online Course – Starts 8/13/24 – Shelter Cat Behavior Mentorship with Trish McMillan – Shelter Behavior Hub (fee applies)

    This is an on-demand course, with weekly Zoom meetings and a discussion group in between, starting on Tuesday, August 13th. Classes run weekly for thirteen weeks, and participants have a whole year of access to course material. We will cover various aspects of shelter cat behavior, from intake to assessment, to post-adoption support. With the input of your peers from all over the world, we will explore the latest science and best practices in building your shelter behavior programming to meet and exceed industry standards, and to give every cat in your care the best chance at a great life.

    Register before June 5 with the code UCD10 to receive 10% off.

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://trish-s-school-bcb6.thinkific.com/courses/2024A-scbm-shelter-cat-behavior-mentorship

  • Webinar – 5/29/24 – Building Trust, Preventing Bites: Proactive dog bite prevention and handling strategies – Fear Free

    Webinar – 5/29/24 – Building Trust, Preventing Bites: Proactive dog bite prevention and handling strategies – Fear Free

    The key to an effective dog bite prevention strategy is being proactive rather than reactive when a pet is showing signs of fear, anxiety, and stress. We know a scared or anxious dog can react abnormally out of a desire to protect itself. So how does this translate into an effective and safe dog bite prevention strategy?

    Join us as we explore how being proactive, rather than reactive, can significantly enhance workplace safety and foster a harmonious environment for both humans and pets. Discover practical techniques and approaches to mitigate potential aggression and create a happier, safer workplace for everyone involved.

    In this webinar, you will:
    – Learn proactive measures to create a safer environment for dogs and humans
    – Explore techniques for effectively managing and de-escalating tense situations involving fearful or anxious dogs
    – Gain insights into communication strategies that promote trust and confidence between dogs and humans, contributing to a stronger human-animal bond
    – Acquire actionable tips for implementing dog bite prevention protocols in workplace settings

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://fearfreellc.webinargeek.com/building-trust-preventing-bites-proactive-dog-bite-prevention-and-handling-strategies-1

  • Webinar – 6/15/24 – Talks with Dogs: How Our Body Language Affects Our Communication with Dogs with Suzanne Clothier – PPG (fee applies)

    Webinar – 6/15/24 – Talks with Dogs: How Our Body Language Affects Our Communication with Dogs with Suzanne Clothier – PPG (fee applies)

    The more details we have the easier it is to list and market the event*: Books and videos help us understand canine body language what this or that means, but where is the focus on handler body language? Handler behavior is as complex and as nuanced as canine body language. When the handler is sending mixed, inconsistent or contrary messages, the dog can end up confused or frustrated. Greater awareness of how these elements can and do affect the dog can improve training and relationships, and help avoid accidentally contributing to a dog’s anxiety, fear, reactivity or just flat out exasperation with humans. Dogs would really appreciate it if humans could learn to mean what they say, and know what they are really saying, and communicate clearly with intent and awareness. Suzanne provides video, examples, details and practical tips for helping handlers make adjustments. Whether you’re a pro who needs new ways to help clients be their best, or a dog loving human who wants to communicate more clearly while removing common roadblocks to understanding, this webinar is for you!

    Learning Objectives

    Attendees will learn to observe these elements of handler body language, and be able to recognize them in themselves and others, plus practical tips for helping handlers make adjustments for clearer, consistent communication:
    • Meta-messaging
    • Balance
    • Postures & gestures
    • Orientation
    • Breathing & blink rate
    • Expression & voice

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/webinars-events/webinars/talks-with-dogs-how-our-body-language-affects-our-communication-with-dogs-with-suzanne-clothier/

  • Webinar – 5/30/24 – This Means War: How to Deal with Fence Fighting – FDSA (fee applies)

    Webinar – 5/30/24 – This Means War: How to Deal with Fence Fighting – FDSA (fee applies)

    Fence fighting, barrier aggression, barrier frustration… whatever you call it, you probably want it to stop. For one thing, you didn’t actually mean to hire D.O.G. Security Co., Ltd. For another, your dog isn’t always the best judge of what needs barking at. Fence fighting also doesn’t make you popular among your neighbors. Worst of all, if you happen to have more than one dog, fence fighting can lead to redirected aggression.

    So you want it to stop. But you’re not sure what to do.

    Good news: This webinar will give you strategies for helping your dog learn to live and let live… at the fence line, anyway. 😉

    You’ll gain a better understanding of:

    • Why dogs react this way when barriers or restraint are involved
    • How stress and arousal play into fence fighting
    • When and how to focus on management for fence fighting
    • When and how to do training for fence fighting
    • How to identify related reactions in other contexts

    This webinar is suitable for anyone with a dog who overreacts when barriers or restraint are involved, as well as for professionals helping humans who live with dogs.

    Presenter: Irith Bloom

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

  • Webinar – 6/18/24 – Navigating the Employment Landscape: Understanding Agreements, Bonuses, and Corporate Contracts for Employee Success – VETGirl (fee applies)

    Webinar – 6/18/24 – Navigating the Employment Landscape: Understanding Agreements, Bonuses, and Corporate Contracts for Employee Success – VETGirl (fee applies)

    Contract clarity? Yes, please!

    In this 1.5-hour, VETgirl practice management webinar, Charlotte A. Lacroix, DVM, JD demystifies the intricate landscape of employment agreements, retention bonuses, non-competes, and corporate contracts. Whether you’re an employee seeking clarity or an employer aiming to enhance your workforce management practices, this webinar promises valuable insights into optimizing the employee experience within the realm of contractual obligations.

    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/june-18-2024-navigating-the-employment-landscape-understanding-agreements-bonuses-and-corporate-contracts-for-employee-success/

  • Webinar – 7/9/24 – Unleashing Potential: The Canine CellMates Model for Developing and Implementing a Human-Canine Rehabilitation Program – NACA

    Webinar – 7/9/24 – Unleashing Potential: The Canine CellMates Model for Developing and Implementing a Human-Canine Rehabilitation Program – NACA

    Canine CellMates is an innovative 501(c)(3) that strives to create meaningful, positive connections between people facing felony charges and rescue dogs saved from local municipal shelters.

    Both in and out of custody, Canine CellMates facilitates programs in Fulton County (Atlanta), Georgia, that utilize the healing power of shelter dogs to break the cycle of incarceration for individuals in our community, providing a safe environment for meaningful self-reflection and personal growth.

    The in-custody program serves pre-trial inmates in the Fulton County Jail. For ten weeks, the program participants live and work alongside the dogs they train, using positive reinforcement training methods only. During their time together, the men and dogs form meaningful bonds and develop essential life skills. At the end of the 10-week cycle, they graduate in a joyful ceremony that showcases their progress.

    The out-of-custody program, called “Beyond the Bars,” is an intensive, year-long program that serves as an alternative to a prison sentence for selected individuals—helping men return home to their families while giving them the life skills and the safe space to practice making better decisions and building a better future.

    Having explored the structural and penological underpinnings of this model in an earlier session, we focus here on how programs like this can be set up and function in other jurisdictions for the ultimate benefit of individual defendants and their families, rescued animals, and the community as a whole.

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://www.justiceclearinghouse.com/webinar/unleashing-potential-the-canine-cellmates-model-for-developing-and-implementing-a-human-canine-rehabilitation-program/