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    • Tuesday, January 28, 2014
    • 1:00 PM (PST)
    • Sunday, December 31, 2023
    • 2:00 PM (PST)
    • Recorded Webinar
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     Dog Park Etiquette and Safety

    with Carol Byrnes


    Join Carol Byrnes CPDT-KA author of "The What is My Dog Saying" PowerPoint CD series.

    Carol will be sharing her extensive knowledge of dog behavior.

    Carol will discuss and share with us critical information about how are dogs communicate so as professionals we understand more about "what our dog is saying"!

    Learning Objectives

    • Learn the pros and cons of dog parks.
    • Understand proper and safe dog behavior and red flags to watch for to keep your dog safe at the dog park.
    • What to do if things go wrong.


    About Carol Byrnes

    Carol is a CPDT-KA, NADOI Certified and a Charter Member of the Pet Professional Guild. Carol owns and operates Diamonds In The RUFF with her business partner and husband Dana Byrnes. Carol is a well known and highly respected dog trainer both with her clients and amongst industry professionals.

    CEUs

    IAABC, CCPDT, KPA  1 CEU


    • Monday, December 28, 2015
    • 11:00 AM
    • Thursday, December 28, 2023
    • 12:00 PM
    • Recorded Webinar
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    Free Member Webinar

    presented by Melissa McCue-McGrath

    CEUs

    PPAB 1, IAABC 1, CPDT 1, KPA 1



    I have discovered massive loopholes in conglomerate rescue websites as they relate to Massachusetts state law, and how the culture of obtaining dogs by click-and-ship is harming the human-dog relationship. This affects both puppy mill dogs and rescue. There is information out regarding puppy mill dogs, less about trucking sick dogs via rescue. The focus will be on the latter, though I will address both. 

    After detailing where we are going wrong in obtaining our dogs, I present responsible, ethical ways to get pet professionals  at the table together to change the culture of how we talk about dogs, how we get dogs, and how we help dogs together.

    Webinar Objectives

    • Understand how less-reputable breeders are able to continue selling sick and undersocialized puppies to the public, even with increased awareness of puppy mill operations.
    • Understand how some rescues are using legal loopholes in Pet Finder (and similar sites) to ship clinically under-socialized dogs to city centers, and what affect that has on families.
    • Recognize the language anyone selling a dog will use to move the dog; how to work with that language and remain professionally able to guide our students while helping the dog.
    • Be able to identify quality rescues, shelters, and breeders; be able to identify quality dog trainers, behavior consultants, applied animal behaviorists and veterinary behaviorists; be able to pass that information along to clients.


    About The Presenter




    Melissa McCue-McGrath, CPDT-KA is a certified professional dog trainer in greater Boston. She grew up in an accidental dog-sledding family in rural Maine and now sits as the co-Training Director of New England Dog Training Club, the oldest AKC obedience club in the country. She has twelve years of professional, science-based dog training under her belt. She is now speaking around the country about #HandsOnFirst, a movement that encourages dog owners to meet dogs in person prior to adoption instead of electing to click-and-ship. 

    She currently teaches a variety of classes, including Disc Dog classes in addition to private consultations where she evaluates dogs who are having a difficult time living in urban areas.

    Melissa writes alongside Dr. Sip Siperstein for Car Talk's new FIDO blog. She has been featured on PBS's Design Squad, NECN's The Secret Life of Animals, FOX 25 Morning News and other media outlets. When she has spare time, she keeps up The MuttStuff Blog with resources for Boston area dogs, and is frequently updating the MuttStuff Facebook Page.


    • Sunday, January 31, 2016
    • 1:00 PM
    • Wednesday, January 31, 2024
    • 2:30 PM
    • Recorded Webinar
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    Presented by Janis Bradley

    CEUs

    PPAB 1, IAABC 1, CPDT 1, KPA 1



    Because the rate of dog bite injuries to children is somewhat higher than to adults, the actual risk often becomes exaggerated in peoples’ minds. This presentation will examine what is known about the risk of injury from dog bites and the kinds of interactions between dogs and children thought to be common to bite incidents.

    Ways to frame messages about safe interactions with dogs to emphasize empathy building rather than fear will be presented. This includes situations that are likely to make dogs feel the need to defend themselves and the “please don’t make me bite you,” signals that can result.


    Webinar Objectives

    • Understand the actual risk of dog bite injuries to children
    • Be able to explain non-threatening behavior toward dogs in a way that builds empathy in children


    About The Presenter


    Janis Bradley is the author of Dogs Bite, but balloons and slippers are more dangerous, the complete guide to research on dog bites, along with Dog Bites: Problems and Solutions for The Animals and Society Institute, and The Relevance of Breed in Selecting a Companion Dog for the National Canine Research Council.   Between 2000 and 2009, Bradley trained more than 400 professional pet dog trainers at the San Francisco SPCA’s Academy for Dog Trainers, and in 2011 founded the Dog Training Internship Academy.  Bradley is the Director of Communications and Publications at the National Canine Research Council, a think tank whose mission is to support and distribute the best current science studying domestic dogs in the context of a human environment.  She has spoken at numerous professional conferences.  She lives in Camarillo California with her rescued Greyhound.

    • Monday, December 12, 2016
    • 1:00 PM
    • Tuesday, December 12, 2023
    • 2:00 PM
    • Recorded Webinar
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    Virtual Summit Recorded Webinar

    (One of 25 webinars that were featured in PPG's August Virtual Pet Care Summit)

    Presented by Laura Bridges from Business Insurers of the Carolinas

    CEUs: PPAB 1 


    This presentation is designed to present Pet Professional Guild (PPG) members with an overview of insurance coverages that may be used to cover exposures to risk in their pet services businesses. It will go through PPG’s liability policy, including care, custody and control/animal bailee and veterinary medical coverages, as well as other general liability, professional liability, commercial property/equipment/business owners’ policies, workers’ compensation, commercial auto, bonding and umbrella policies. The presentation will include actual claims examples from the claims files at Business Insurers of the Carolinas in an effort to provide members with an understanding of the types of claims often seen and that are specific to the pet care/service industry. 


    Webinar Objectives

    • The importance of understanding the various insurance coverages that they need to properly cover their business.
    • The differences between general and professional liability and the importance of reading coverage forms.
    • The differences between PPG liability policy versus other policies on the market including differences between care, custody and control, animal bailee and veterinary medical expenses.
    • The importance of workers’ compensation and how workers compensation law differs from IRS/tax law as it pertains to employee/employer relationships. 


    About the Presenter

    Laura Bridges has been providing insurance and working with pet service professionals (dog trainers, pet sitters, pet groomers and boarding/daycare facilities) since she started working with Business Insurers of the Carolinas in August, 2000. She has headed the pet services department since 2002, specializing in insuring pet trainers, pet sitters/dog walkers, boarding kennels/daycares and pet grooming professionals. Laura works closely with David Pearsall, coowner of the company, and attends many association conferences each year, including the PPG Summit, meeting face to face with clients and working with them to reduce their exposures to risk.

    • Wednesday, December 14, 2016
    • 12:00 PM
    • Thursday, December 14, 2023
    • 1:00 PM
    • Recorded Webinar
    Register


    Free Member Webinar

    Presented by Paula Garber

    CEUs: PPAB 1, CCPDT 1, IAABC 1 


    In this webinar, you will learn the common causes of fear, anxiety, and stress in cats, as well as the evolutionary, environmental, and social factors that often contribute to these emotions. You will also learn how cats typically express fear, anxiety, and stress and the signs to look for, some of which may be subtle. After gaining an understanding of the potential fallout of using force-based handling techniques, you will learn basic handling techniques to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in cats that you can begin using immediately, whether you work with cats in a veterinary clinic or a shelter, or in a home setting with your clients’ cats—or even your own cats.


    Learning Objectives

    • Understand why cats are especially prone to experiencing fear, anxiety, and stress
    • Identify signs of fear, anxiety, and stress in cats
    • Understand the potential consequences of force-based handling techniques on cats and humans
    • Learn basic handling techniques to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress for cats in veterinary clinics, shelters, and at home

    About the Presenter



    Paula owns LIFELINE Cat Behavior Solutions in Westchester County, NY. She holds a master of arts degree in education and is a Certified Animal Training and Enrichment Professional and Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist through the Animal Behavior Institute. She is also certified in Low Stress Handling (Silver, 2015) through Sophia Yin’s course, Low Stress Handling of Dogs and Cats, and she is pursuing a diploma in Feline Behavior Science and Technology from the Companion Animal Sciences Institute.

    Paula is currently a co-Vice Chair for the Pet Professional Guild’s Cat Committee and a supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She also serves as an advisor to the board of FurBridge, a non-profit animal rescue and community outreach program. A consummate cat advocate, Paula hosts an annual event for volunteers to build winter shelters for free-roaming cats in her community. She resides in Ossining, New York, with her husband and five rescued cats.

    • Wednesday, January 18, 2017
    • 2:00 PM
    • Thursday, January 18, 2024
    • 3:30 PM
    • Recorded Webinar
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    Presented by Yolanda Harper LCSW

    CEUs: PPAB 1.5, CCPDT 1.5, IAABC 1.5


    You used to LOVE going to work, but now, there’s a knot at the pit of your stomach as you go to bed and dread what’s to come the next day. You don’t sleep well because your night is consumed with thoughts about what might go wrong, and your irritable with your family. During your workday, the hours drag by, and you can feel the energy draining from your body. You can’t image doing this job another month, much less for years to come, and you daydream about your next vacation.

    What happened to your passion and drive? The good news is that it’s still there! This webinar is full of science, research, and – best of all – practical tips on how to get your groove back. The world needs for you to show up, do the work that you do, and help others in the way that only you can. Start now by taking some time to take care of yourself!

    Learning Objectives

    • Identify the roles of helping professionals and the definitions of burnout, stress, and compassion fatigue.
    • Identify Core Values, people and behaviors in support of these Core Values, and how these Core Values show up in Helping Professions.
    • Identify the difference between Numbing and Comforting Self Care.
    • Understand how burn out and self-care affect the brain and nervous system and have a plan for behaviors that are supportive of a healthy brain.
    • Identify personal and professional boundaries towards others and self.
    • Learn the research regarding self-compassion and the steps towards cultivating a self compassion practice.


    About The Presenter


    Yolanda Harper is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice in the Tampa Bay, Florida area. She specializes in guiding others to Hope, Growth, and Healing as a Master Accelerated Resolution Therapist, a Daring Way™ facilitator, and as a neurofeedback provider. Yolanda is passionate about having community conversations about authenticity, wholeheartedness, boundaries, self-care, and the things that keep us from us showing up, being seen, and living brave in our lives.

    Toby is a Goldendoodle and is Yolanda's co-therapist. He loves long walks, squeaky toys, playing with turtles on the office grounds, and cuddling with clients. Find out more about Yolanda and Toby at www.harpertherapy.com, or on social media at www.facebook.com/yolandaharperLCSW

    • Thursday, March 30, 2017
    • 2:00 PM
    • Saturday, March 30, 2024
    • 3:00 PM
    • Recorded Webinar
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    Presented by Robert Hewings
    CEUs PPAB 1. CCPDT 1.



    It has been long established that the dog can provide many health benefits to mankind, in guide work, assistance and therapy work, even education. With our world becoming ever-more stressful and mental health more understandable and common place, we are now beginning to talk about and discuss those things that only a generation ago were seen as ‘best kept quiet’

    How can we now train and allow our canine partner to help us assist those who suffer mental health issues?  As a retired police dog trainer of over twenty five years, and now an assistance dog trainer, I wish to take you on a personal journey that highlights the amalgamation of two very different training disciplines - A brief description of how scent work can be used to combat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder


    Webinar Objectives

    • Identify the advantages of the human/dog dyad as an aid to wellbeing
    • Understand the methodology of anxiety alert 
    • Apply the value of scent dog training within the assistance dog world 
    • Realize the importance of ‘multi-agency’ methods of training
    • Know the ‘golden-thread’ of therapy/assistance dog training dog training

    About The Presenter




    Robert Hewings is a highly experienced, qualified Canine Trainer and Management Consultant with a solid background in the design, development and delivery of bespoke programs for pet and service dog training institutions. He is also a qualified pet dog behavioral consultant. Rob is a part-time lecturer at Bishop Burton College (Hull University) U.K., where he specializes in Canine Training and Behavior, and Bergin University California USA, where his subjects include scent training for the Assistance Dog.

    Following on from an exemplary career as a dog handler and dog trainer with the Metropolitan Police spanning a 30-year period, he has now taken the decision to follow his passion, and channel his experience into ‘Training and coaching dogs, to help their people!’

    To realize this ambition, alongside his varied experience as a Police Dog Instructor, Rob began a learning journey that was to become life changing, not only for himself but for others. His academic career started with a BSc in Canine Behaviour and Training, then an MA in Professional Practice Police Dog Training, and he is now engaged in a Doctorate of Professional Practice Service Dog Training, where two leading projects within the doctorate have been:
    • Ambient scent can affect the emotional learning and memory of the dog,  how  this be used to benefit the successful placement of the assistance dog?
    • Human anxiety attacks, nightmares and night terrors. Is there a scent cue for the assistance dog?
    Rob has designed and developed a training program where the scent cue is a unique step forward in the training of the Assistance Dog for Anxiety attacks, and in providing comfort and support when the handler is suffering nightmare or night terrors.

    Rob is the education consultant with the International Working Dog Association, a board member of Southern Diabetic Retrievers Louisiana USA, where his training programs and course design are being used in diabetic alert. He is currently engaged in the design, development and instruction of an epileptic seizure alert training program working in partnership with a local authority. The methodology for this canine training is based upon his knowledge and experience within search and assistance dog training.
    • Saturday, July 01, 2017
    • 2:00 PM
    • Monday, July 01, 2024
    • 3:00 PM
    • Recorded Webinar
    Register


    CEUs: PPAB 1, CCPDT 1, IAABC 1

    But my dog isn't food motivated!. When clients say this in an initial interview, my response is “not yet.” Eating is an operant behavior. Therefore, we can increase its probability and intensity and lower its latency through structured training procedures. While this might seem laughable if you have a ravenous Rottweiler or always-hungry hound, situations abound which require skilled intervention: a senior dog whose appetite is fading; a wary dog who has learned to distrust treats; a little dog who is fussy about meals; or a dog whose health is threatened by conditioned anorexia. While various medical conditions (requiring veterinary expertise) may create finicky eaters, so can unwise behavioral practices. We’ll review several common mistakes and provide alternatives.


    About The Presenter


    Kathy Sdao

    Kathy Sdao is an applied animal behaviorist who has spent 30 years as a full-time animal trainer, initially with marine mammals and currently with dogs and their people. As a graduate student at the University of Hawaii, she received a Master’s as part of a research team which trained dolphins to solve complex cognitive puzzles. She was then hired by the United States Navy to train dolphins for open-ocean tasks. Next, Sdao worked as a marine-mammal trainer at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington. After leaving the zoo world, she and a colleague created Tacoma’s first dog day care facility where she began teaching clicker training classes for dog owners. For the past 17 years, Sdao has owned Bright Spot Dog Training in Tacoma. Services include consulting with families about their challenging dogs, teaching private lessons, and mentoring professional trainers who want to maximize the power of positive reinforcement training. Sdao is an original faculty member for Karen Pryor’s ClickerExpos and has taught at 29 of these popular conferences since 2003. She also has traveled extensively educating students about the science of animal training. Her first book, Plenty in Life Is Free: Reflections on Dogs, Training and Finding Grace, was published in 2012. 

    • Saturday, December 09, 2017
    • 1:00 PM
    • Saturday, December 09, 2023
    • 2:00 PM
    • Recorded Webinar
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    Presented by Dr. Holly Ganz

    CEUs: PPAB 1, CCPDT 1, IAABC 1

    Webinar Description

    We will start with some background information about the microbiome and its role in animal health, including digestion, immunity, and the nervous system. Then we will consider how contemporary lifestyles, such as antibiotic usage and modern diets, may affect the composition of microbes living in the digestive tract.

    We will consider how various health conditions, such as Irritable Bowel Disease is associated with alterations in the gut microbiome and the implications of these observations. Finally we will review different approaches that can be taken to improve gut health.

    Webinar Learning Objectives

    • The microbiome and its role in animal health
    • Roles played by key bacteria in the gut
    • Different approaches to maintaining and restoring gut health, probiotics, diet, and fecal transplants

    Your Presenter


    Holly H. Ganz, PhD, CEO and founder of AnimalBiome, is a microbiologist, who has published more than 20 papers. She left academia to become an entrepreneur when she founded AnimalBiome in the fall of 2016. AnimalBiome provides assessments of the bacterial composition of the digestive tract of dogs and cats and is creating therapies to help promote healthy guts. Her efforts to translate academic research into solutions for animal lovers began when she launched KittyBiome, a citizen science project that she started while working at the University of California (UC), Davis in 2015. From the KittyBiome project, she came to appreciate that digestive disorders are common in pets and that there is a pressing need for better diagnostics and therapeutics.

    Holly received her PhD from UC Davis, where she studied co-evolution between microbes and animals. After receiving her doctorate, she was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship from the National Science Foundation to study how genetics affects the spread of fungal infections in animal populations. Subsequently she was a postdoctoral fellow at UC Berkeley studying how bacterial pathogens survive in soil to infect wildlife. She also holds a MS from UC San Diego, where she studied population genetics, and a BS from George Washington University, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, received Special Honors in the Biological Sciences, and graduated magna cum laude. An animal lover, Holly is dedicated to improving animal health and wellness through the application of the latest innovations in microbiology.

    • The microbiome and its role in animal health
    • Roles played by key bacteria in the gut
    • Different approaches to maintaining and restoring gut health, probiotics, diet, and fecal transplants
    • Saturday, February 03, 2018
    • 6:00 PM
    • Saturday, February 03, 2024
    • 7:00 PM
    • Recorded Webinar
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    Presented by Dr. Vanessa Rohlf

    CEUs: PPAB 1, CCPDT 1

    Companion animals occupy an important role in our lives. They are our friends, our confidants and cherished members of the family. They provide unconditional love and support. They never judge and are always happy to see us when we come home. It's no surprise then that the death of a companion animal can be just as profound and devastating as the loss of a human significant other.

    Animal care professionals and trainers are in the privileged position of working with these special animals and, while this can be an extremely rewarding role, it can also mean that professionals are also exposed to grief and loss when these animals die.

    This seminar is designed to give trainers and animal care professionals information on current theories and findings relevant to animal bereavement. Attendees will also be offered practical tools for self-care and strategies to support clients, friends and family members who may be experiencing companion animal bereavement.

    In this webinar attendees will:

    1. Appreciate the significance of animal bereavement

    2. Be able to describe common grief reactions

    3. Recognize types of grief including disenfranchised, anticipatory and complicated grief

    4. Learn strategies for self-care and ways of coping

    5. Learn how to support others through grief


    Your Presenter

                  

    Dr. Vanessa Rohlf

    Dr. Vanessa Rohlf is a compassion fatigue consultant and educator for the animal industries. Vanessa provides evidence-based workshops, seminars, and consultations in mindfulness, stress management, bereavement and compassion fatigue.

    She is a member of the Anthrozoology Research Group, has her Ph.D. with a specialisation in psychology and has worked in the animal industry for over 13 years where her roles varied from veterinary nurse to animal welfare researcher. Vanessa is an experienced lecturer and public speaker. She has lectured and tutored psychology and human behaviour for over 6 years and presents at international and national conferences.

    • Thursday, April 05, 2018
    • 2:00 PM
    • Friday, April 05, 2024
    • 3:00 PM
    • Recorded Webinar
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    Free Member Webinar

    (Equine Clicker Training is a 3 Part Webinar Series)

    Part 2/3

    Presented by Alizé Veillard--Muckensturm

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


    This is the second part of a three part webinar series focused on building a strong foundation of clicker training with your horse.

    We will start by giving an overview of targeting as a positive reinforcement training technique and then move to real life examples of how it can be used for husbandry behaviours, encourage desired movements, and solve problematic situations. This part of the series includes short videos and photos to inspire everyone to give it a trial.

    We will then discuss the tools needed to get started with their own horse by outlining the training steps to teach basic nose targeting.

    Objective

    - Introduce the use of target training in horse training

    - Learn how targeting is used 

    - Learn how to introduce targeting to a horse.

    About Your Presenter


    Alizé Veillard--Muckensturm has been a force-free horse trainer since 2014 and is a qualified equine behaviourist from the Natural Animal Centre.

    She is the author of the book "Humane, science-based horse training: introduction to learning theory and exercises for everyday handling and fitness".

    • Friday, April 13, 2018
    • 2:00 PM
    • Saturday, April 13, 2024
    • 3:30 PM
    • Recorded Webinar
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    CEUs: PPAB 1.5, IAABC 1.5


    Are you dreaming of a reliable recall, but you've tried everything, and nothing is working?


    Gosia has a solution for you! During this webinar she will show you how to train a quick recall. Get prepared for tips, guidelines, and instructional videos.

    Learning Objectives

    • How a dog learns recall
    • Emotions
    • Common mistakes
    • Rewards/Punishment
    • Following
    • Resignation
    • Word or whistle
    • How to teach a total recall

    Your Presenter

    Ms. Gosia Wozniak

    Gosia is a polish dog trainer and behaviorist. She trains dogs for man-trailing and scent detection but also works with fearful and aggressive dogs. She thinks it is very important to take care of their emotions and uses force-free training methods.

    Gosia has also taught her two guinea pigs many tricks, but her love will always be for her three Bavarian Mountain Hounds. She uses her hounds to search for missing persons. All of her hounds are from the working line, so training recall and obedience is extremely important for the safety of her and her dogs.

    • Sunday, October 07, 2018
    • 6:00 PM
    • Monday, October 07, 2024
    • 7:00 PM
    • Recorded Webinar
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    Free Member Webinar

    Presented by Jessica Gonzalez

    CEUs: PPAB 1


    In this webinar we'll take a basic look at the nervous system, brain, and hormones, to see how it effects an animals emotions. Using this information we'll see how the emotions are organized into seven basic systems. We'll discuss these 7 emotional systems in individual detail and see how they interact with each other. Then we will look at the emotional systems and see how the effect and interact with our learning and training.

    Learning Objectives

    • Understand the neuroscience study of emotion
    • Review and analyse Jaak Panksepp's Emotional Systems:
    1. FEAR
    2. RAGE
    3. PANIC
    4. LUST
    5. CARE
    6. PLAY
    7. SEEKING
    • Understand how the systems interact and work together
    • Reconcile with why understanding emotions matters so much to us as professionals in our training

    About Your Presenter


    Jessica Gonzalez

    Jessica runs a non-profit horse rescue and education program. She is extremely dedicated to teaching and promoting a positive reinforcement lifestyle, working with horses and humans alike. The rescue has a growing program of volunteers and students eager to learn to work with equines with clicker training. Jessica also travels to teach students locally and at events.
    • Tuesday, December 04, 2018
    • 1:00 PM
    • Wednesday, December 04, 2024
    • 3:00 PM
    • Recorded Webinar
    Register

    CEUs: PPAB 2, CCPDT 2

    Are you interested in training a service dog for yourself or a family member of a person with a disability? Are you a therapist, doctor, or other health care worker who has been approached by clients or patients about getting a service dog or emotional support animal? Are you a pet dog trainer who would like to learn more about what is involved with training a service dog? This webinar is for you!

    The workshop covers questions like:

    Is it better train your own service dog or apply to a program for a fully trained dog? What are the benefits and drawbacks to each? What is the fastest way to get a service dog? What is the most affordable way to get a service dog?

    Which laws apply? What's the difference between service animals and emotional support animals? Are there laws that effect where I can bring my service-dog-in-training?

    What is the training process? Can I start training assistance tasks right away? Should I bring my puppy everywhere to set the stage for public access training? When is the right time to consult with a professional service dog trainer?

    Answers to your other questions!

    Objective

    Service Dog Definitions, Terminology, and Laws

    Challenges of Service Dogs

    Pros & Cons of Owner-Training vs a Program Service Dog

    The Path (Pyramid) of Owner Training

    Finding Trainers or Programs

    About Your Presenter


    Sharon Wachsler CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner with more than 25 years of experience in the disability community. Before she began her second career as a dog trainer, Sharon was a disability information and referral specialist and service dog owner-trainer, as well as the founder of the Assistance Dog Blog Carnival, a writer for the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners newsletter, and the blogger for the popular service-dog trainer's blog, After Gadget. Sharon opened At Your Service Dog Training in Wendell, MA, in 2014, offering private training, consulting, and group classes to service dog owner-trainers. Sharon is an experienced presenter and writer on service dog topics and enjoys consulting with and speaking to trainers, owners, and community groups about service dogs and their training.

    • Monday, December 10, 2018
    • 1:30 PM
    • Sunday, December 17, 2023
    • 3:00 PM
    • Recorded Webinar
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    CEUs: PPAB 1.5, IAABC 1.5, CCPDT 1.5

    Registered for the live event, get busy and cannot make it?

    Don't worry, you will automatically receive a recording!


    “How" refers to the teaching method you select.  “What" refers to the behavior you are going to teach.  “Why" refers to the function of the behavior.  You need to consider all three.  Positive reinforcement training is wonderfully powerful.  That’s part of its appeal.  But you need to be careful how you use it. It’s easy to think you are looking out for an animal’s best interest because you are training with clicks and treats.  But what are you asking your animal to do and why?   

    “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”  This presentation helps to line those three elements up so they satisfy the trainer's needs as well as the animal's welfare.  It looks beyond the layer of methods to explore why we are drawn to certain training choices.

    As pet owners and animal trainers, we live in a world that divides.  There are people who make similar training choices to ours and then there are “the others”.  Seeing how “others” treat animals can be hard.  We want to defend animals, to protect them, to teach others “better ways”, but the more we push against what “others” are doing, the greater the divide becomes.

    This presentation is intended to help us understand better how these different training belief systems emerge.  Alexandra will be introducing you to the work of the cognitive linguist, George Lakoff. Through an understanding of primary metaphors and cognitive frames, we gain tools for understanding one another. Instead of creating a deeper divide, we gain better ways to communicate with one another.  In the process we become better trainers.

    George Lakoff is not an animal trainer, but his work certainly relates directly to training. Alexandra will be introducing you to his work and making the direct connections to horse training but the presentation will also be invaluable for all pet professionals!

    Learning Objectives:

    • The three layers every training system has
    • Identifying core belief systems 
    • Primary metaphors defined
    • Source and target domains and the connection to training
    • Treats - why do some reject them, others use them?
    • The strict father versus the nurturing parent model of training
    • Words matter - respect versus respect - same word, different meaning.  Why?
    • Why do people attack your training choices - and what can you do about it?
    • Frames - defined and connected to training
    • What frame are you in? How does that influence your training choices?
    • Why focusing on what you WANT matters so much
    • Command versus cue-based training
    • The hierarchy of behaviour change procedures - revisited
    • Convincing others without creating conflict - biconceptuals and frames
    • How, what, and why matter - lining up your training methods with your core values
    • Homework - techniques for maintaining the training frame that best serves you and your learners

    About The Presenter


    Alexandra Kurland is a graduate of Cornell University where she specialized in animal behavior. She began teaching horse training in the early 1980's. Her area of particular interest is the development of a horse's balance: physical and emotional. Helping horses stay sound and happy throughout a long lifetime is the goal. The result are beautiful horses that feel like heaven to ride.

    In 1998 Alexandra launched the rapidly growing field of clicker training for horses with the publication of her  book, "Clicker Training for Your Horse".

    Alexandra's work helps you apply clicker training to any equine need or sport - including developing a gentle and companionable riding horse, halter training foals, training advanced performance horses, and retraining difficult to manage horses. Her own riding interests align most closely with classical dressage.

    Alexandra travels widely, giving clicker training seminars and presenting at conferences in the US, Canada, the UK and Europe. 

    In addition to "Clicker Training for your Horse", she has written "The Click That Teaches: A Step–By–Step Guide in Pictures" and "The Click That Teaches: Riding with the Clicker". She has also produced The Click That Teaches DVD lesson series, and The Clicker Center On-line Training Course.  She maintains a very active blog, theclickercenterblog.com.  She has published a book: "JOYFULL Horses" in her blog and most recently "The Goat Diaries".  Her current project is Equiosity, a weekly podcast which she produces with Dominique Day, one of the co-founders of Cavalia.

    Her web sites are:
    theclickercenter.com,
    theclickercenterblog.com,
    theclickercentercourse.com and
    equiosity.com
    • Tuesday, December 11, 2018
    • 1:00 PM
    • Wednesday, December 11, 2024
    • 2:00 PM
    • Recorded Webinar
    Register


    Presented by Jean Donaldson

    CEUs: PPAB 1, IAABC 1, CCPDT 1


    This webinar will present three case studies of resource guarders.  Two were resolved using desensitization and counterconditioning and one using differential reinforcement.

    The webinar will present summaries of both cases, including troubleshooting co-presentation with other issues, adding splits to training plans and execution points.


    Learning Objectives

    • Understand that both operant and respondent conditioning can be employed for resource guarding, provided the practitioner is competent at planning, execution and client-coaching
    • Triage of multi-issue cases to protect public safety, preserve owner priorities and maximize compliance
    • Formulate prognoses
    • Work safely and efficiently and coach clients in DIY application
    • Grasp trainer pre-requisites for handling resource guarding cases
    • Generate and execute training plan splits in object guarding cases


    Your Presenter


    Jean Donaldson

    Jean is the founder and principal instructor of The Academy for Dog Trainers.  The Academy has trained and certified over 800 trainers in evidence-based dog behavior, training, teaching and behavior counseling since 1999.  She is a four-time winner of The Dog Writers' Association of America's Maxwell Award, and her books include The Culture Clash, Oh Behave! Dogs From Pavlov to Premack to Pinker, and Train Like a Pro.  In 2017, Jean was recruited to create Dog Training 101 for The Great Courses.

    Born in Montreal, Canada, Jean founded the Montreal Flyball Association, and Renaissance Dog Training, the first positive reinforcement-based school and counseling service in the province.  Her own dogs and dogs she has trained have earned numerous titles and wins in a variety of dog sports, including OTCh, TDX, HIT and FDCh.  While a student, she worked as an adoption counselor at the Montreal SPCA and later served on its Board of Directors.  Before founding The Academy, Jean did exclusively referral aggression cases for six years.  She lives in Oakland, California, with her dog, Brian, adopted in 2015.

    • Friday, December 21, 2018
    • 7:00 PM
    • Saturday, December 21, 2024
    • 8:30 PM
    • Recorded Webinar
    Register

    CEUs: PPAB 1.5, CCPDT 1.5, IAABC 1.5

    Registered for the live event, get busy and cannot make it!

    No worries you will automatically receive a recording!

    Just when you thought you knew everything you needed to know about genetics, here comes epigenetics! Current research shows us that there are many more factors that play a role in the physiology and behavior of puppies than just DNA from their parents. Find out what else can be involved in creating a puppy who is confident, resilient, and a bold learner.


    Objectives:

    1. To have a basic understanding of DNA and inheritable traits

    2. To develop a new understanding of the role of Epigenetics

    3. To learn how pre-natal, peri-natal, and neonatal experiences can have an effect on behavior

    4. To recognize the behavior problems that can be associated with problems in early development

    5. To learn how play therapy can be an effective treatment in many behavior problems


      About The Presenter


      Dr Lynn Honeckman graduated from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1993, and has practiced in small animal medicine and exotics over the past 23 years In Illinois, New York, and Florida. She had experience in wildlife rehabilitation in the Chicago area as well as shelter medicine at New York's North Shore Animal League, before moving to Orlando, Florida in 1999.

      In 2010, Dr Honeckman opened Veterinary Behavior Solutions, to focus on behavior cases throughout the greater Orlando area. Dr Honeckman is on the special council of the Pet Professional Guild and has helped create the Central Florida Force-Free Behavior and Trainers Network, where she works very closely with other professionals in the community to help reduce and treat fear, anxiety, and aggression in the companion pet. Dr Honeckman is the committee chairperson for AVSAB position statements, and is on the advisory board for Dr Marty Becker's Fear-Fear(™) Initiative as well as a certified fear-free professional. Dr Honeckman has recently started a non-conforming residency in veterinary behavior with Dr Karen Overall.

      • Sunday, February 03, 2019
      • 1:30 PM
      • Saturday, February 03, 2024
      • 3:00 PM
      • Recorded Webinar
      Register

      CEUs: PPAB 1.5, CCPDT 1.5, IAABC 1.5

      Registered for the live event, get busy and cannot make it!

      No worries you will automatically receive a recording!

      Pithy means “concisely cogent”, which describes an essential skill of the best training instructors. We work in challenging conditions: teaching two species simultaneously a series of precise physical skills, often in less-than-ideal environments. We must be able to quickly communicate unfamiliar concepts and basic learning principles—about reinforcement, timing, criteria, cues, generalization, and more—to novice students. But we are limited in the amount of verbal explanations we can provide. Extended lectures lead to bored and noisy dogs. Yet, if we challenge ourselves to be creative, we can devise teaching strategies that are brief, memorable, and effective.

      This presentation will be an exercise in generative thinking. It will spark your own ingenuity and give you fresh ideas for classes that may have become stale after years of repetition. Come prepared to learn innovative instructional tools that can bring more life to your teaching.

      Learning Objectives:

      • Learn to use language in creative ways to convey jargon and complex training concepts.
      • Become familiar with several forms of narrative devices instructors can use to clarify their information.
      • Recognize some pitfalls to avoid when designing teaching tool.


        About The Presenter


        Kathy Sdao is an applied animal behaviorist who has spent 30 years as a full-time animal trainer, initially with marine mammals and currently with dogs and their people. As a graduate student at the University of Hawaii, she received a Master’s as part of a research team which trained dolphins to solve complex cognitive puzzles. She was then hired by the United States Navy to train dolphins for open-ocean tasks. Next, Sdao worked as a marine-mammal trainer at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington. After leaving the zoo world, she and a colleague created Tacoma’s first dog day care facility where she began teaching clicker training classes for dog owners. For the past 17 years, Sdao has owned Bright Spot Dog Training in Tacoma. Services include consulting with families about their challenging dogs, teaching private lessons, and mentoring professional trainers who want to maximize the power of positive reinforcement training. Sdao is an original faculty member for Karen Pryor’s ClickerExpos and has taught at 29 of these popular conferences since 2003. She also has traveled extensively educating students about the science of animal training. Her first book, Plenty in Life Is Free: Reflections on Dogs, Training and Finding Grace, was published in 2012.

        • Thursday, March 21, 2019
        • 1:00 PM
        • Thursday, March 21, 2024
        • 2:00 PM
        • Recorded Webinar
        Register

        CEUs: PPAB 1, IAABC 1


        As professional dog trainers and behavior consultants, we know that training a dog requires a combination of knowledge and mechanical skills.

        One of the main skills we teach is how to effectively use a bridging stimulus. Some of us use a verbal ‘marker’ word; some of us use a clicker, and some of us use both, depending on what we are teaching. We use terminology such as clicker training, using a behavior marker, a bridging stimulus…

        Join Louise Stapleton-Frappell as she examines one of The Top Ten Dog Training Concepts©, delving into the world of ‘clicker’ training.

        This presentation is suitable for pet owners, shelter workers and all those starting out on their training journey but will also prove useful for professionals already paving their way in the world of dog training.

        Learning Objectives:

        • Understand one of the Ten Most Important Training Concepts
        • Deepen your understanding of the term ‘clicker training’ and why you don’t necessarily need a clicker to ‘clicker’ train!
        • Understand the benefits (and drawbacks) of using a clicker
        • Acquisition versus generalization – a quick look at the 2016 study “Can Clicker Training Facilitate Conditioning in Dogs?”
        • Learn the ‘clicker’ training rules
        • Learn how to use a variety of behavior markers to ‘click’ the behavior you would like to see more of
        • Gain some quick tips for Incorporating ‘clicker’ training in the home, in group classes and in rescue shelters! – No clicker necessary.

        About your presenter

        Louise Stapleton-Frappell - B.A. Hons, PCT- A, PCBC-A, CAP3, CTDI, DN-FSG, DN-CPCT, CWRI

        Louise is a Partner and Faculty Member of DogNostics Career Center and Board Member of The Pet Professional Guild. Louise has constantly built on her knowledge and furthered her education in the field of force-free, rewards based, science-based pet training. The creator of the DogNostics’ Dog Trainer Certification Program, Louise has presented at conferences internationally and has gained a reputation for expertly teaching and training humans and canines at her own establishment, The DogSmith of Estepona, in Southern Spain, where she offers a wide range of both group and private classes and pet dog services.

        • Wednesday, May 15, 2019
        • 2:00 PM
        • Wednesday, May 15, 2024
        • 3:30 PM
        • Recorded Webinar
        Register

        Presented by Yvette Van Veen

        CEUs: PPAB 1.5, IAABC 1.5

        Dog training of course is simple, but not always easy.  But there are strategies and techniques that can make what looks like a challenging problem much easier to address.  Avoid the common stumbling blocks to make this a problem you look forward to fixing!

        Objectives:
        • What is leash reactivity?  Define the problem to create a clear training path.

        • Yes you can beat distractions with a cookie!  Here’s how.

        • Why some leash reactive dogs snub food.

        • The importance of creating the right cue.  Teach the dog to do an incompatible behavior when they see what triggers them.

        • What drives the problem?  It’s not fear.

        • Understand the importance of not training in the context until ready.

        • How to build powerful behaviors that stand up to distractions.

        • Avoid bad behavior chains.  It’s not bark then look at me!

        • Clear criteria.  Training is a progression, not a one step skill.


          About The Presenter



          Yvette Van Veen has two decades of experience training dogs, lives and works in London Ontario. She offers both group and private sessions. She has worked extensively with formerly feral dogs. Yvette’s writing has been a long-standing feature in Ontario’s newspapers, currently appearing in the Toronto Star.  Her life is shared with her son Jordan, her formerly feral dog, “Kipper the ex-crotch ripper”, border collie, “Karma” and Icarus the cat. You can reach Yvette at info@awesomedogs.ca or follow her at:  https://www.facebook.com/londondogtrainer/

          • Thursday, June 20, 2019
          • 2:00 PM
          • Thursday, June 20, 2024
          • 3:30 PM
          • Recorded Webinar
          Register

          Presented by Yvette Van Veen

          CEUs: PPAB 1.5

          Learn the steps that you can use to teach a dog to go to their bed, not because you say so, but because the dog hears someone at the door. Have the dog stay there until released!  Imagine life with a dog that runs away from the door, not towards it!


          Objectives:

          • Learn the breakdown, all the steps required to get this skill despite distractions at the door.
          • Understand how training this problem “when guests arrive” can be the wrong approach.
          • Learn why some dogs snub cookies when guests arrive and how to overcome it.
          • Why some dogs get worse not better even when families think they are reinforcing good behavior.
          • Learn the value of weakening the power of the sound of the doorbell.
          • Why it’s important to cut yourself some slack and decide it’s necessary to focus fully on the dog during training.  You can put your dog away when you’re distracted!


          About The Presenter



          Yvette Van Veen has two decades of experience training dogs, lives and works in London Ontario. She offers both group and private sessions. She has worked extensively with formerly feral dogs. Yvette’s writing has been a long-standing feature in Ontario’s newspapers, currently appearing in the Toronto Star.  Her life is shared with her son Jordan, her formerly feral dog, “Kipper the ex-crotch ripper”, border collie, “Karma” and Icarus the cat. You can reach Yvette at info@awesomedogs.ca or follow her at:  https://www.facebook.com/londondogtrainer/

          • Wednesday, August 21, 2019
          • 2:00 PM
          • Wednesday, August 21, 2024
          • 3:00 PM
          • Recorded Webinar
          Register


          CEUs: PPAB 1

          Behavioral Momentum, The Holy Grail of Skills Training. 


          Powerful distractions, such as squirrels, cats, garbage and other things often seen as “more valuable” than the cookies trainers have in their hands. It’s not true that some chow hounds are more suited to food as a reinforcer than other dogs.

          Learn how to harness the power of behavioural momentum - the ability to create strong, powerful behaviours that persist despite distractions and even when reinforcements are not present.  It’s the holy grail, the magic tipping point of dog training. Once you learn how to create it at will, you’ll be chasing momentum in every skill you teach. You can stop trying to chase the magic high value cookie in favour of creating behaviours that your dog loves to do, despite distractions.


          Learning Objectives:

          • What is behavioural momentum.
          • How does it work?
          • What factors are required to create it.
          • Why does rate of reinforcement matter?
          • Learn about the optimal level of reinforcement.
          • How to add distractions so you can “crush the competition (the squirrel)” with training technique.
          • Why Premack is should not be the go to method of dealing with distractions during initial training.


          About The Presenter


          Yvette Van Veen


          Yvette Van Veen has two decades of experience training dogs, lives and works in London Ontario. She offers both group and private sessions. She has worked extensively with formerly feral dogs. Yvette’s writing has been a long-standing feature in Ontario’s newspapers, currently appearing in the Toronto Star.  Her life is shared with her son Jordan, her formerly feral dog, “Kipper the ex-crotch ripper”, border collie, “Karma” and Icarus the cat. You can reach Yvette at info@awesomedogs.ca or follow her at:  https://www.facebook.com/londondogtrainer/


          • Monday, September 23, 2019
          • 1:00 PM (CDT)
          • Wednesday, January 28, 2026
          • 1:30 PM (CST)
          • Recorded Webinar - Immediate Access!
          Register


          Become a Certified “Fun Scent Games” Instructor

          Updated, Improved & New Learning Platform

          Earn Your DN-FSG

          Approved Continuing Educational Units

          PPAB 4, CCPDT 3, IAABC 2

          Presented by Louise Stapleton-Frappell


           


          On Demand Viewing - Start Your Course as Soon as You Register!

          This is fabulous Certification Program that provides you with the tools, skills and knowledge to run Fun Scent Games classes. You will learn all about canine olfaction and scent games, along with the what, how and why of operating a successful Fun Scent Games class.

          Offering "Fun Scent Games" group classes, private classes or workshops will broaden your service offerings as well as helping to build client loyalty and supporting the needs of your pet owning community.

          Dogs have an amazing natural scenting ability. Dogs participating in your Fun Scent Games classes will have fun, build confidence and burn lots of mental and physical energy!

          Level One Fun Scent Games Instructor Program Learning Objectives:

          • Canine Olfaction history and scientific facts
          • The training environment, philosophy and methodology
          • Effects of air current
          • Scent contamination
          • Detection thresholds
          • ORNs
          • Olfaction streamlines
          • Scent discrimination
          • Canine scent capability
          • Target odors and individual scents
          • Scent amounts & fringing
          • Appropriate training equipment & handling
          • How to play, building criteria and areas of reinforcement
          • Reading dogs during the "find"
          • Recommended course curriculum

          Upon Successful Completion, You Will Receive:

          1. A DogNostics Instructor Certificate DN-FSG1
          2. A Certification Badge to display on your website
          3. A listing on the DogNostics Fun Scent Game Instructor Registry
          4. A PDF copy of the Course Curriculum
          5. A student Certificate for you to co-brand to provide to your “Fun Scent Games” students
          6. Advertising copy describing the program for your website
          7. Artwork for a promotional 8.5 x 11 flyer
          8. Access to the DogNostics Student Common Room - A Closed Facebook Group where DogNostics students can network with each other, exchange ideas and ask questions
          9. Mentoring Support through the DogNostics Faculty Members
          10. The Total Program cost is only $130.00. You will see a full return on your investment after one group class!

          Please Note:

          • Level 1 will be a prerequisite for Level 2

            • You do not need to enroll in more advanced levels.
          • Each applicant has 12 months to complete each program.
          • Study at home in your own time!
          • Easy access and progress tracking of your modules

          Program Certification

          1. Attend the online course lessons

          2. Successful completion of your open-book on-line lesson quizzes

          3. The submission of 6 short 30 second videos to demonstrate your mechanical competency in the key scent dog training skills


          Louise Stapleton-Frappell - B.A. Hons, PCT- A, PCBC-A, CAP3, CTDI, DN-FSG, DN-CPCT2, CWRI


          Louise  is a partner and faculty member of DogNostics Career Center and board member of The Pet Professional Guild. A professional canine trainer and behavior consultant – accredited via the Pet Professional Accreditation Board, Louise is the regional coordinator of Doggone Safe in Spain, the membership manager of The Pet Professional Guild British Isles and the owner and head trainer of The DogSmith of Estepona.

          Louise Stapleton-Frappell’s experience, her background as a teacher and her impressive pet industry credentials means she is uniquely qualified to share her skills and knowledge with both the public and pet industry professionals. Louise gained her CAP3 with distinction and holds verified certification in Animal Behaviour and Welfare (Edinburgh University) and Dog Emotion and Cognition (Duke University). Louise’s professional credentials also include: Certified Trick Dog Instructor, Certified Whistle Recall Instructor, Level Two Certified Pet Care Technician, and Certified Fun Scent Games Instructor. Louise is proud to be a Pet Dog Ambassador Instructor and Assessor, a programme that acknowledges the hard work and commitment that guardians and their dogs undertake to make their shared lives enjoyable.

          Louise is the creator and instructor of the DogNostics Dog Trainer Certificate Course; Dog Trick Instructor Program; Fostering Collaborative Care Program; Walk This Way Instructor Program, co-author of The Top Ten Dog Training Knowledge Concepts and the instructor and assessor of the DogNostics Fun Scent Games Instructor certification courses

          Louise has published numerous articles on dog training and dog behavior and is also the published co-author of the following titles, A Lexicon of Practical Terms for Pet Trainers and Behavior Consultants and Pet Training and Behavior Consulting: A Model for Raising the Bar to Protect Professionals, Pets and Their People.

          • Wednesday, October 30, 2019
          • 1:00 PM (CDT)
          • Wednesday, October 30, 2024
          • 2:30 PM (CDT)
          • On Demand - Access the Program as Soon as You Register!
          • 481
          Register


          with Rebekah King

          Sponsored by DogNostics Career Center

           PPAB  3 CEUs and IAABC - 3 CEUs

          Presented on a professional platform. access the program from any device,

          whenever you like

          The original contents of this program were developed in conjunction with a Licensed Veterinarian and a Licensed Veterinary Technician in Florida, USA.

          Group and Team Discounts Available! Email Rebekah King to inquire how to secure yours


          You Owe it to Yourself; You Owe it to Your Customers; You Owe it to Your Pets - Be Prepared –

          Whether you are a pet owner or a pet professional you owe it to yourself and the pets you care for to be prepared for any emergency. And being prepared is as simple and easy as turning on your computer and attending the DogNostics Pet First Aid Program.

          Join our extensive Pet First Aid Certification program delivered through multiple individual bite size lessons via your computer, or any electronic device, in the comfort of your own home.

          Certification requires the completion of an open-book test and the submission of four short videos. Both technical skills and knowledge are assessed to ensure a specific level of competency.

          This program does not just cover the typical pet emergencies, it also covers the following common problems that you may encounter when caring for a pet:

          • Choking
          • Gastrointestinal
          • Toxicities
          • Insect Bites & Stings
          • Dehydration
          • Vomiting & Diarrhea
          • Seizures
          • CPR & Triage
          • Dog Breed Medication Sensitivity
          • The Pet First Aid Kit
          • Heat Stroke
          • Lacerations
          • Wound Care
          • Hot Spots
          • Broken Toenails
          • Bandaging
          • Burns
          • Corneal Abrasions
          • Prolapsed Eyes
          • Fractures
          • Luxations (Dislocations)
          • Hypoglycemia
          • Diabetes

          Keep growing in your profession – As Pet Owners and Pet Professionals, we all know how important it is to keep up on the cutting edge of new information, methods and techniques. Science continues to provide us with better and easier ways to perform our job. Studies of best practices often reveal improved techniques that can help us be more effective and even save lives. The DogNostics Pet First Aid Program provides you with the necessary skills to manage a pet emergency covering topics from heat stroke to snake bites, CPR, wound management and how to safely transport a pet to the care of a veterinarian professional.

          Your Pets Deserve the Best – Whether they are clients or family members, our pets deserve the best. But to provide the best you have to be prepared to take care of those pets you are responsible for and be able to handle all emergencies. Most importantly you need the training and experience to make sound decisions in stressful situations. DogNostics Pet First Aid makes a valuable addition to your pet care toolkit so you can be prepared for any emergency.

          Raise Yourself Above Your Competition – What sets you apart? You’re a pro. You have the confidence, skills and experience to deal with any situation you may face. You are more dedicated to your profession, your career, your business than the ‘here-today-gone-tomorrow’ types you see come and go. You take your responsibilities seriously and make the effort to get the training you need to stay at the top. Make the best investment in pet care you can, by getting your First Aid certificate.

          Certification Requirments: Pass a 50 question open-book test and submit 4 short videos to show your skill competency. Learn more here


          • Monday, November 25, 2019
          • (CST)
          • Tuesday, November 25, 2025
          • (CST)
          • On Demand - Access the Recording as Soon as You Register!
          Register


          On Demand Listening!

          Listen Whenever You Want, From Wherever You Are!

          CEUs: PPAB 1.5

          Register and get immediate access to your audio recording and presentation PDF

          Cats are commonly considered by some to be “aloof,” “standoffish,” or even “spiteful” because their behaviors seem mysterious and nonsensical. But cats and cat behavior are, in fact, none of these things. To the untrained eye, cat communication signals can be obscure and, as a result, cat behavior is often misunderstood. Unfortunately, this can lead to inaccurate assessments of cats’ intentions and negative impact on the cat-human bondBut the great thing about feline communication is, once you learn to see the signals, you cannot not see them. And once you learn appropriate terminology, you will be able to see beyond the labels and accurately describe cat behavior 

          The session will begin with a discussion about the language used to describe cat behavior and its effect on how cats are perceived. This will be followed by a brief history of the domestic cat to give us a full understanding of our subjects. We will then explore feline communication signals and their mechanisms, as well as the biological and social factors that influence how cats communicate. You will also learn the importance of context in determining what a cat is communicating and some of the factors that influence cats’ social behaviors with humans and other cats. We will then take a close look at feline aggression signals, some of which are extremely subtle. We will wrap up with some practice applying what you have learned and using the correct terminology when describing behavior. 

          After the presentation, you will be able to immediately apply what you have learned. Most importantly, you will better understand the cats in your care. You will also be better equipped to help clients understand what their cats are saying, which will improve bonds and even save cats’ livesAn added bonus of learning to speak cat is that cats will suddenly start speaking to you—how cool is that? 

           

          Learning Objectives: 

          • Use language that describes behavior instead of labeling it. 

          • Understand the biological and social history of the domestic cat. 

          • Appreciate the significance of scent in feline communication. 

          • Identify common feline vocalizations. 

          • Observe how cats use their bodies, ears, eyes, whiskers, mouths, and tails to communicate. 

          • Recognize that contextual cues provide important information about what cats communicate.  

          • Identify some specific communication signals used with humans and other cats. 

          • Recognize signs of impending and overt aggression in cats. 

          • Understand the flexibility of feline social behavior and its influences. 

          • Apply your knowledge of cat communicatiosignals and behavior to examples. 

          • Practice using appropriate terminology to describe feline behavior. 

          Your Presenter


          Paula Garber

          Paula Garber is the owner of LIFELINE Cat Behavior Solutions in Westchester County, New York. She is a certified animal training and enrichment professional and certified feline training and behavior specialist through the Animal Behavior Institute. She is also a Fear Free certified trainer and is certified in Low-Stress Handling for Dogs and Cats (Silver-2015). She holds a Master’s in education and is currently earning a diploma in feline behavior science and technology from the Companion Animal Sciences Institute. She is chair of the Pet Professional Guild’s feline division, and also serves on the Cat Protection Council of Westchester and hosts an annual volunteer event to build winter shelters for feral cats in her community.

          .

          • Friday, December 13, 2019
          • 1:00 PM
          • Friday, December 13, 2024
          • 2:30 PM
          • Recorded Webinar
          Register