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Companion Animal Behavior Connection The (Mis)Behavior of
Dogs and Cats: I Want My Dog to be My Best Friend Let’s Go Visit! (Basic Handling Skills) Let’s Go Visit! II (Intermediate Handling Skills) Let’s Go Visit! III (Advanced Handling Skills) What is the Difference Between a Service Dog and a Therapy Dog? |
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The (Mis)Behavior of Dogs and Cats:
Introduction to Applied
Animal Behavior
The application of modern animal behavior (ethology) to problems of companion animal behavior, conservation biology, and livestock production has generated a fast-growing new sub-discipline. Applied animal behavior has become a rapidly expanding new career path for animal behavior specialists. In this talk, I provide an introduction to the field and its differences in approach from dog trainers and veterinarians. In addition, I discuss specific approaches to dealing with companion animal behavior problems, and illustrate these approaches with actual case studies from my own private clinical practice. Finally, I discuss the process of a clinical practice in applied animal behavior, and what to look for in hiring an animal behavior specialist.
Discover how marine mammal training techniques have revolutionized dog training. Also known as clicker training, this approach is simple, fun and addicting for both the trainer and the dog. Kid-friendly and force-free, clicker training is effective whether your goal is a winning agility dog, a reliable service dog or an obedient pet dog. See some live demonstrations, learn the basic principles and get your questions answered.
There are approximately 65 million owned dogs in the United States and nearly 40% of U.S. households own at least one dog. Yet most of us know little about the true nature of the social predators with whom we share our homes and lives. Popular media have portrayed dogs as moral, able to solve complex cognitive problems, capable of spite and revenge, and motivated by the need to be alpha dog in our family "packs." Come hear what animal behaviorists tell us about dog social development and learning patterns. You'll see your four-legged pal in a new light, and gain insights about ways to communicate with Spot more clearly.
The experiences a puppy has during the first 16 weeks of life are critical to normal behavioral development. Yet many puppy parents are unsure about how to ensure their pup's physical safety while allowing sufficient exposure and socialization to the outside world. Discover how much a puppy can actually learn in the first few months of life, and how your investment of time and effort early on will avoid subsequent problems with your adult dog.
I Want My Dog to be My Best Friend
If Lassie will get Timmy out of a well, why won’t my dog to come to me when I call him? Have you ever wondered why some people have dogs that seem “perfect” and other people are so frustrated with their dogs that they give them away? The answer is not always the dog, but is often the person. This two-hour presentation gives you practical techniques to help you build a mutually beneficial relationship with your dog.
What? My Dog is Stressed?
Is it possible for dogs to feel stress? If so, how do they show it? Do I need to worry that my dog might be stressed out? This two-hour presentation provides an overview of common things we do that stress our dogs and ways dogs behave that show their stress. Don’t worry – we’ll also include what you can do to help your dog cope.
You’ve heard the stories and seen the photos: hospitals and nursing homes are recognizing the benefits of having patients interact with therapy dogs. This two-hour presentation helps you decide whether or not this is the right “job” for both you and your dog.
Let’s Go Visit! (Basic Handling Skills)
You’ve decided to participate in a visiting animal program. Now you want to make sure you have the skills you need to keep both you and your dog safe and happy in the midst of all the patients’ needs. This four-hour program teaches you the basic skills you must posses before taking your dog into a school or hospital or nursing home. (Yeah, that’s right: you need skills more than your dog needs skills!)
Let’s Go Visit! II (Intermediate Handling Skills)
This program is for people who are currently participating in a visiting animal program and who have completed the Basic Handling Skills course. This four-hour presentation teaches you how to enhance your relationship with your dog and thus enhance people’s experience of your visits.
Let’s Go Visit! III (Advanced Handling Skills)
This program is for people who are currently participating in a visiting animal program and who have completed the Intermediate Handling Skills course. This four-hour presentation teaches you advanced-level skills that demonstrate your expertise in working with your dog to help people.
Therapy dogs are asked to interact with people more than any other type of working dog. Even though they’ve passed their test, is it possible for a dog to change his mind about being a therapy dog? This four-hour presentation shows you common characteristics of visiting environments that are extremely difficult for dogs to handle and teaches you what to do when you encounter those situations.
What is the Difference Between a Service Dog and a Therapy Dog?
You’ve seen some dogs in hospitals, and some in public with people who have disabilities. What is the difference? Does that mean you can take your dog everywhere with you? This two-hour presentation explains the difference between service and therapy dogs and reviews the law about each type of dog. Suitable for the public and for business owners.
