Let’s all take a deep breath and let out a well-deserved, long-suffering sigh. It feels like a thousand years have passed, but we made it through the first year of our recycled (and appropriately named) Roaring ‘20s decade.
A lot led us to the events that culminated in 2020 and there’s plenty more to come. For the sake of safety, a number of dog training conferences that the community regularly looked forward to got cancelled in 202. But the initial shock of it all has worn off and — as humans and dogs alike do — we’ve adapted! And that means that we as a community have some cherished events returning in cleverly redesigned ways.
NOTE: Only conferences that provide updated information online at the time of writing this article are included.
Top Dog Training Conferences of 2021
This year’s list of events may be different than past years’ (2020, 2019, 2018, 2017), but some fan favorites have come up with incredible virtual events. There are even potential in-person dog training conferences, depending on how things change over the coming months.
The Karen Pryor Academy (KPA)’s annual ClickerExpo event has taken an innovative digital approach for 2021 in the form of ClickerExpo LIVE!
The popular conference offers over 70 courses available for you to explore freely during the three-day event. Attendees get access to all conference videos for a full year. This year’s topics include “This One, Not That One: Discrimination Tasks,” “Building Behavior: Shape the Future,” and many more!
CEUs available from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), KPA, and the American Association of Veterinary State Boards’ RACE program.
Previously held in the UK, 2021 will be the Dog Behavior Conference’s second online event. In 2020 they made the quick switch to a global virtual conference with the appearance of COVID-19 and decided to keep it online this upcoming year.
This science and research-focused conference by the Victoria Stilwell Academy (VSA) will feature presentations such as “Home Alone, Separation Without Anxiety,” and “Science Talk — Puppy Edition.” Registering for the conference also grants you access to downloadables, special promotions, and recordings of the presentations.
CEUs available from the CCPDT, IAABC, the Pet Professional Accreditation Board (PPAB), and VSA.
The Lemonade Conference is a collaboration brought to you by Fenzi Dog Sports Academy (FDSA) and the IAABC, both of which cancelled their annual dog training conferences in 2020. They created a digital conference with a little sprinkle of the hope and confidence that dog trainers need right now.
“When COVID-19 shut down […] in-person training conferences, we took those lemons, squeezed them, added some water, sugar, and a splash of attitude and we made … lemonade!”
The Lemonade Conference will be an international “online educational extravaganza” featuring classrooms open for 18 hours a day, 40-plus presenters, and access to the recording library after the event.
CEUs are pending, and more details about this event — including speakers and schedules — will be dropping on Jan. 15. Scholarships for this conference will be available for financial hardship, 4H leaders and volunteers, and junior handlers.
According to a recent and succinct tweet from the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), you should mark the end of September on your calendars for the 2021 APDT Conference!
More details are presumably to come, but the illustration shared by APDT on Twitter listed Riverside, CA as a possible location.
The Loose Leash Academy’s second annual Aggression in Dogs Conference is planned for the tail-end (pun intended) of October. They’re currently aiming for both virtual and in-person events in Chicago, IL if COVID-19 allows for it.
The 2021 program details aren’t out yet, but speakers include Denise Fenzi of FDSA and Grisha Stewart, developer of the Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) technique. Tickets are going on pre-sale on Mar. 1 for those that get on the waitlist now, and on Mar. 15 for the general public.
CEUs are pending for this event. If the in-person event is cancelled, all those who registered for it are switched to the digital event automatically.
Do you know of other upcoming conferences we didn’t touch on here? Drop the info in the comments!
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As all dog trainers eventually discover, dog training is more about training their humans; and good communication is critical to ensuring your human clients are set up for success.
Facebook Live Webinar by Ines McNeil and Megan Wallace (Dogs Deciphered), Transcribed by Gem Sheps
I’m joined again this week by Megan Wallace B.S., CPDT-KA, CNWI, owner of Dogs Deciphered to discuss one of her personal specialties — communication!
1. Human Training Requires Stellar Communication
“If your goal is to help a lot of dogs,” Wallace said, “then you have to help their people. When you hit a wall with a client and you start to feel frustrated, you need to keep in mind that someone else’s behavior is not in your control. You can, however, control your response, which is often more important.”
Manage Your Expectations to Remove Roadblocks to Client Success
Communicating your expectations and the value of the work you’re assigning are all crucial to success in training. Your human clients need to understand what you’re teaching even more than your dog clients in order for the dog to progress in training.
“One of my early mentors told me that if you give clients exercises that they can’t accomplish, you haven’t helped their dog at all,” Wallace said. “You’ve spent both parties’ time and nothing has happened because, for whatever reason, the client feels like they can’t follow your instructions. And that comes back to how you communicate and manage your expectations. Try to remember that there’s a reason they aren’t professional dog trainers; if you manage your expectations for clients, then you won’t feel as disappointed if their progress looks different than expected. Are they happily living with their dog, do they feel less frustrated on a daily basis? Those should be your real goals.”
The way you communicate and the space that you set up for your client to reciprocate that communication is important in order for the dog to excel.
“If your client says that they just haven’t been able to practice, try to get to the root of the problem,” Wallace said. “Sometimes I just ask clients directly, ‘what do you think is getting in the way of you practicing?’ If they say they’re busy, find a way to fit short one to three minute lessons into their schedule; if they say they’re afraid they won’t do it right, find a new way to explain the exercise to them to increase their confidence. Instead of getting frustrated, help them adapt!”
Create successes for your clients; if you have to back a concept up ten steps because the client can’t succeed at it yet, think about how you’d do the same thing for a dog that struggles with understanding. Make them feel great about accomplishing tasks that may feel tiny to you. A lot of this is second nature to us; don’t make clients feel self-conscious because they haven’t handled hundreds of dogs over the years.
2. Unclear Communication Leads to a Training Standstill
“It’s important to recognize that even what we consider to be the most basic management tasks can be too much for your client to handle up front,” Wallace said. “If you want them to use a crate and they’ve never touched one before, you have to take a few steps backward for them to succeed. Otherwise, you’ve potentially given them too much to think about and the overwhelming feeling can lead to them simply not doing the training.”
Being able to explain your methodology can also help clients to overcome personal barriers to success like conflicting beliefs. What kind of assumptions or fears does the client have about your management technique? Do they understand what the result could be if they decide not to follow your instructions?
“Communicating consequences in a professional way is also incredibly important,” Wallace said. “You don’t want to use scare tactics or hyperbole — just be honest and clear. These are the things that could happen if your dog continues to escape out the front door, or jump on guests; they need to be able to hear and understand what is potentially at stake. That way, they learn that what you’re requesting of them isn’t arbitrary or simply a personal belief — it’s a crucial part of altering their dog’s behavior.”
Additionally, giving your clients an alternative if they feel they aren’t making progress can be incredibly helpful. Often, we make the assumption that clients will reach out to us if they’re struggling, but that’s not true.
They may be falling back on old habits or taking advice from less-experienced friends — give them a path to follow if things aren’t working! If you don’t give them specific expectations and guidelines for how and when to contact you, they may assume they aren’t allowed to, or that they’d be pushy or intrusive for reaching out.
“I often give my clients a specific amount of time to practice,” Wallace said. “Try this for X amount of time and if you’re not seeing progress, let’s re-evaluate. One of the reasons people stop trying is because they think the training method isn’t working. Let them know by when they should start seeing change — not that the problem will be fixed in that amount of time, but that they should notice specific (if small) behavior changes by that time. And, if they don’t, then it’s time to re-evaluate, not give up.”
How Do You Make Sure Training is Progressing?
“One of the only great things to come from this time of social distancing is that now, almost everyone knows how to communicate digitally,” Wallace said. “Video calls are an excellent platform for check-in sessions that only have to last 15 minutes. It gives me an opportunity to make sure that things are progressing, and if not, provide the client an alternative in a timely manner. I definitely intend to keep doing video check-ins once this is over.”
Of course, properly communicating the purpose for the check-ins is equally important — you don’t want clients to feel like you’re doing it because you don’t trust them, you want them to know you’re checking in because you want them to succeed. Let them know during lessons that you’ll be doing regular check-ins.
How Often Should You Check In?
There’s no specific interval you should set for every client. Instead, ask your clients how often they’d like you to check in.
“I’ll see what they prefer — are they the kind of person that wants accountability?” Wallace said. “I’ll check in with them every few days. Are they a self-starter and more independent? I’ll give them the space they need to be successful. As you get to know your clients and get more comfortable talking with them, talk to them about what they prefer in terms of an instructor.”
3. Being Up-Front With Expectations Reduces Confusion
Good communication of your expectations is critical for your client’s experience with you as a customer. You want clients to know what to expect from you logistically during training, and how to encourage them to give word-of-mouth referrals, leave reviews, and buy another package once lessons are over.
“If you’re not clear on what you want,” Wallace said, “how can you possibly expect someone to know what information they’re supposed to be giving you? It’s important to do that self-reflection and know what you expect of your clients and yourself, and then you can set up expectations in the beginning of the client relationship.”
Consider Your Client’s Expectations
“The client’s experience is crucial to take into account,” Wallace said. “We as trainers need to remember that oftentimes when a client comes to us, they’re going through something troubling. They had a different image in their mind of what living with a dog would be like and this isn’t it. Jean Donaldson nailed it when she said that people have this ‘Disney Dog’ in mind when imagining life with a dog. And sometimes dogs really subvert that expectation. We have to take this into account when we communicate with clients.”
Acknowledge Outside Factors That Affect Progress
Navigating family relationships is also something dog trainers need to learn to do. Unless the client you’re working with is a single dog owner, you’re going to communicate with more than one person. A lot of people are stressed out when they decide to sign up for dog training. Understanding what additional factors your client is navigating in their home life can be a major piece of the puzzle that is their dog’s behavior.
“Keep in mind, however, that changing the home dynamic is not your job,” Wallace warns. “ It’s okay to discuss with them that everyone will need to be on the same page, but sometimes we get too much in our minds about what success has to look like. I’ve seen trainers who say they’ll only work with a family if everyone can be at every session, but that can be so hard for people to schedule at times. It makes training inaccessible. Whereas if you’re flexible, usually one person is usually willing to step up and take on the majority of the training responsibility and teach it to their family and you may be able to train everyone together every few lessons instead of every lesson.”
People’s lives are complicated — be flexible!
Looking for a way to strengthen or freshen up your digital communication skills? Join Ines McNeil and Megan Wallace on May 27th at 7 P.M. EDT for their upcoming FREE webinar: Communicate With Confidence Online! Register today to receive a copy of the recording (even if you can’t attend live)!Unsure of how to apply your communication skills to your digital marketing technique? Sign up for The Modern Dog Trainer Academy’s “Clicks to Clients” social media marketing course!
In previous years (2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015) we’ve compiled lists of the top 10 conferences and events for professional dog trainers. But this year, we’re providing you with the ultimate list of continuing education opportunities and conferences for dog professionals.
NOTE: Only conferences that provide updated information online at the time of writing this article are included.
Conferences, seminars and other events are the best way for dog trainers to share tips and solutions with one another, network, further their education, and even make lifelong friendships!
We don’t limit these conferences to domestic pet related conferences since you can learn a lot working with less domesticated species. Working with other species is a great way to improve your understanding of learning theory, management techniques, handling techniques and much more that can be applied to the various situations you can come across working with domestic animals.
Whip out your bookmarking fingers and have a gander at these stellar events.
One of the most well-known names in the game, Karen Pryor Academy (KPA), hosts annual Clicker Expos with educational courses on clicker training and behavior modification. Clicker Expo has already sold out both events, but those still interested can join the waitlist for refunded tickets!
Though this conference is already sold out, you can put yourself on their waitlist for refunded tickets and the mailing list for the 2021 conference. This science-based event is a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in learning more about behavior analysis and innovative technologies in animal behavior.
Another immersive experience from the KPA can be found on “The Ranch” — their national training center in Washington state. The five day course focuses on the skills needed to have a successful career working with animals. As suggested in the name, this course from KPA is not dog-centric and teaches using the animals housed on the ranch for live handling.
If you’re looking for incredible resources for running a day training or dog daycare practice, the Dog Gurus Summit is the place for you. Learn from trick dog trainer Sara Carson Devine and Dog (and Business) Gurus Robin Bennett, CPDT-KA and Susan Briggs, MA, CPACO about ethical dog daycare and boarding practices, generating sales, and solving behavioral challenges.
Mar. 29 – Apr. 2, 2020 | Hilvarenbeek, Netherlands
The Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA) is a nonprofit that focuses on behavior management as a core component of animal welfare. The conference is not species specific and takes place at Beekse Bergen this year, a safari park in the Netherlands. Learn about enrichment and positive reinforcement taught in nurturing, non-threatening environments — for animals and people.
Science-based trainers will get an in-depth experience at the Canine Science Symposium hosted at San Francisco State University. The program includes topics like “The dog-human bond: the basics of attachment behavior” and “Canine odor detection: The latest science on the capabilities of the dog’s nose.”
No one does conferences and events for dog trainers like The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). The IAABC hosts an annual animal behavior conference on the topics of advanced behavior, science, training, and community building.
Look forward to topics like “The Importance of Choice in Animal Training” and “The Human Animal: conversations and presentations about how to reach, understand, and offer success to our human clients.”
Trainers of service dogs, conservation dogs, detection dogs and other working dogs will be especially interested in Penn Vet’s 2020 Working Dog Conference. Meet with other trainers, working dog handlers, veterinary professionals and behavior consultants to get to the core of what makes a good working dog.
Another shelter and welfare focused event, the Shelter Playgroup Alliance (SPA) invites leaders in animal welfare and behavior science to teach progressive techniques to enhance the welfare of dogs in shelters. There will be live demonstrations on managing dog-dog interactions and play groups.
Any dog sports enthusiast will perk up when they hear about Fenzi Dog Sports Academy (FDSA). Those looking for an immersive experience to learn about dog sports training using progressive training methods will fit right in at the FDSA Dog Sports Training Camp. Denise Fenzi herself, among a talented group of other professionals, will be speaking and instructing throughout the event.
Force and Fear Free experts at the Pet Professional Guild host an annual summit on cooperative care and force free training for animals. This event has a focus on animal welfare and the care for and enrichment of animals in shelters.
Oct. 2-4, 2020 | Providence, RI (Tickets go on sale 01/01/2020)
Aggression is one of the top reasons that owners seek out dog trainers, and the Aggression in Dogs conference aims to shed light on the difficulties you may face with an aggression client.
Speakers with backgrounds in veterinary behavior, applied ethology, and applied animal behavior will provide insight on getting to the root causes of an aggressive response and safe, cooperative solutions.
Service dog trainers and evaluators can look forward to enjoying a weekend abroad because Assistance Dogs International (ADI) is taking their annual conference to Split, Croatia. Learn more about the powerful ways assistance dogs are able to impact the lives of their handlers and how dogs help heal us.
The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) hosts an annual conference that’s returning in October of 2020. The program and schedule have yet to be released, but the APDT proves time and time over to be a solid conferences with incredible resources. Check out their online forum to find someone to share a room with to cut down on travel costs!
Stay up to date with the latest dog training business tips and resources!
Each year we do our best to put together a fresh list of conferences that interest professional dog trainers. (You can see previous years here: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015.)
We take a look at what recurring and new conferences are coming up that will provide excellent continuing education opportunities for amateur and professional dog trainers located in the United States. We also include some outside the US since conferences are the perfect reason to travel outside the continent! (And we know a few of you are located outside the US as well.)
NOTE: Only conferences that provide updated information online at the time of writing this article are included.
We don’t limit these conferences to domestic pet related conferences since you can learn a lot working with less domesticated species. Working with other species is a great way to improve your understanding of learning theory, management techniques, handling techniques and much more that can be applied to the various situations you can come across working with domestic animals.
I attended my first APDT conference back in 2014. I was impressed with the friendliness of the staff and with how approachable all the attendees were. I used their online forum to find roommates for my stay and am still close with them today. (I highly recommend you find roommates for at least your first animal training conference!)
February 23 – 24, 2019 | Hurst, Texas *Fewer than 50 tickets remain!*
This conference is one of the most respected and science-based conferences available. Trainers of all kinds of species attend this conference. This year Dr. Alliston Reid will be the keynote speaker presenting on his research studying how animals acquire behavioral skills in a similar way to humans. Other speakers include: Ken Ramirez, Steve White, Alexandra Kurland, Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz, Barbara Heidenreich, Emily Larlham, Dr. Joe Layng, and Hannah Branigan.
May 17-19, 2019 | Lebanon, Pennsylvania *Registration opens in January 2019*
Top trainers in Obedience, Rally, Agility, Nosework, Freestyle, Rally-FrEe and other dog sports teach online courses at the Denise Fenzi Dog Sport Academy. I have personally taken several of these classes and cannot recommend them enough for any trainer looking to up their game at any skill level. Once a year they gather in one place to teach, play, and learn in person at the Training Camp.
May 17-19, 2019 | Nottingham, UK *Fewer than 50 tickets remain!*
If you live on the other side of the pond, this is a great opportunity to see some amazing presenters. The presenters at Woof! 2019 include: Dr. Julie S. Vargas Ph.D, Chirag Patel, Eduardo J. Fernandez Ph.D, Emelie Johnson Vegh, Eva Bertilsson, Kay Laurence, Ken McCort, Marty Becker DVM, and so many more brilliant minds in the animal behavior world. This conference is also highly focused on the science behind behavior and states their mission as “Empowering learners through the understanding and ethical application of behavior analysis.”
ClickExpo, run by the Karen Pryor Academy, is a great place to learn how to apply clicker training techniques to a variety of situations and species. I attended the Southern California expo in January 2018. I stayed at the conference hotel and it was extremely convenient to sleep, eat, and attend lectures in the same place. ClickerExpo offers basic registration with the option to upgrade a few things.
You can choose to add-on organized events such as lunches, dinners, and round table discussions for exclusive access to the teachers and presenters that attend the conference. (I chose not to add on extras when I attended, but would highly recommend it as I felt like I was missing out. Many attendees attend most or all of these extras. I should also note that some meals are restricted to KPA graduates as well.)
ClickerExpo offers certain tracks you can choose from including “Aggression” or “Foundations” if you want to hone your skills in a certain topic.
Animal welfare is often a topic that is not commonly discussed in dog training, but is an enlightening and empowering topic to dive into. As professionals, we ultimately are responsible for improving the welfare and management of dogs and we have a lot to learn from the leaders in this subject matter that work with other species. When you work with species that are not domesticated, there are certain considerations and assumptions that you can’t take. Seeing these different perspectives can be eye opening for dog trainers.
With the 2018 conference already sold out, I thought I’d include the next conference to give you advanced notice. Among the presenters are some recognizable names from the pet dog training world such as Patricia McConnell, PhD, Leslie McDevitt, and Laura Monaco Torelli. You’ll also hear from university researchers, service dog training experts, and military and police dog training industry leaders.
From breeding to nutrition to puppies transitioning to working dog status – no topic is off limits at this highly respected working dog conference. This is a great opportunity to learn from the best of the best out in the field.
This event with Ken McCort at Wolf Park offers the unique experience of learning about the science behind training methods while also giving you the unique and exhilarating experience of interacting directly with their wildlife – including wolves. This even offers 3 days of full of activities. Events at Wolf Park and Ken McCort are highly sought after because of this amazing experience.
At this conference you can learn about the latest scientific research in animal behavior as well as the practical application of those findings and theories. This is among one of the most affordable conferences available and gives you the opportunities to learn from some of the best in the industry. You don’t have to be an IAABC member to attend, but you will receive perks like a discounted rate and free online streams of the conference (and other online webinars).
This three day event will help you take a deep dive into aggression in dogs (and cats) with a variety of highly qualified presenters with specialties in aggression. Some interesting topics that will be covered are the liabilities of working with aggression, neuroscience, resource guarding, behavior modification procedures, and much more. For anyone looking to work with aggression cases with a force-free approach or learn about bite prevention strategies, this looks to be a must-attend conference.
Stay up to date with the latest dog training business tips and resources!
We’ve compiled the Best Dog Conferences for you to attend in 2018 and beyond because we’ve done that every year (2017, 2016, 2015). Explore science topics, learn better training skills, concentrate on motivation or the human-animal bond. It’s all here. Let’s go!
Conferences are listed in chronological order due to the author’s inability to decide which should be first.
1. ClickerExpo
ClickerExpo will be held in 3 locations throughout 2018. This year ClickerExpos have slightly different labs and workshops depending on the location.
Irvine, CA
When: Friday, January 19-21, 2018
Where: Irvine, CA
Why: Educational Themes are back for 2018. Themes are labs and presentations focusing on a certain concentration. Themes include: Trainer Skill Development, Teaching People, Aggression and General Behavior Management, and Veterinary Environments. Feel free to follow a single theme or skip around and explore a variety of topics. There’s something for everyone! CCPDT, IAABC, and KPA Continuing Education Units are available for professionals attending this event.
Why: Educational Themes are back for 2018. Themes are labs and presentations focusing on a certain concentration. Themes include: Trainer Skill Development, Teaching People, Aggression and General Behavior Management, and Veterinary Environments. Feel free to follow a single theme or skip around and explore a variety of topics. There’s something for everyone! CCPDT, IAABC, and KPA Continuing Education Units are available for professionals attending this event.
Why: The Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA) specializes in animal care and training through enrichment. This year’s theme is “History in the Making: The Future of Behavior Management and Its Role In Conservation”. Conference locations include the San Antonio Zoo and Sea World.
Why: Bringing together professors of Psychology, Anthrozoology, Behavioral Neuroscience, and Behavior Analysis, this symposium covers the science of welfare for shelter dogs, training, and canine aggression. Enjoy two days with some of the leading canine science minds with Julie Hecht, Monica Udell, Kathryn Lord, PhD, and Clive Wynne, PhD. CCPDT and IAABC Continuing Education Units are available for professionals attending this event.
IAABC Conferences will be held in 2 locations throughout 2018.
Boston, MA
When: Thursday, April 19-22, 2018
Where: Burlington (Boston), MA
Why: The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants has creatively merged their multiple species Conferences into one event. Choose to follow the Dog, Cat, Parrot, Horse tracks or Business tracks, or pick and choose which presentations you’d like to join. The conference features speakers discussing the latest science, treatments, and protocols for managing and modifying behavior in all species. Some Continuing Education Units are available for professionals attending this event.
Why: The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants UK conference concentrates on dogs and horses. Topics include aggression, client compliance, and presentations of case studies. The conference features speakers discussing the latest science, treatments, and protocols for managing and modifying behavior.
Why: You may have seen this conference’s DVD’s on TawzerDog. Did you know you could attend the Penn Vet Working Dog Conference? This year’s theme is “Creating the Working Dog: Puppy to Professional” with Patricia McConnell, PhD, CAAB as the keynote speaker discussing resilience in working dogs. Individual topics include breeding, health and nutrition, and training for reliability and confidence.
Why: Four days of lectures and hands-on clinics on the Location: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary campus. With industry experts in multiple species, sessions include stranger fear, relationship building, and husbandry skills.
Why: It’s back! The Ultimate Dog Sports Training Camp covers Obedience, Rally, Agility, Nosework, Freestyle, and Rally FrEe! Join 16 energizing dog sports goddesses for 3 days of fun and learning. Work on heeling, utilizing play to build motivation, clean cuing, and so much more. Priority registrations will be given to students that have previous enrollments in FDSA online courses.
8. International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ) Conference
Sydney, Australia
When: Monday July 2-5, 2018
Where: Sydney, Australia
Why: The International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ) annual conference covers new and intriguing ideas in Human-Animal Interactions. This year’s theme is “Animals in Our Lives: Multidisciplinary Approaches to the Study of Human–Animal Interactions” The speakers and program for 2018 is pending, but topics include grief, shelter animals, and the ethics of animal use.
Why: This is a Two-Day Seminar with Professor Daniel Mills, Lincoln University, United Kingdom presenting the latest research on dog cognition and emotion as well as how these findings can be applied in clinical practice. Topics include attachment, anxiety, dysfunctional relationships, separation disorders, and puppy development.
Why: The Clinical Animal Behavior Conference is a collaboration between AVSAB, SVBT, and AVBT, giving members and non-members the opportunity to learn about clinical behavior of multiple species. Topics include husbandry, development, and behavior modification for horses, cats, and dogs. The 2018 website isn’t available yet, but the Facebook event page below has details.
Some of the best conferences and seminars fill within days of registration opening. Following these organizations on social media or signing up for newsletters will give you a heads up when registration opens.
Ever wish you had a group of local, friendly dog trainers to talk to? What about a group of dog trainers you felt comfortable bouncing ideas off of?
A networking event, or better yet a Mastermind Meetup (otherwise known as a peer advisory board), can be extremely useful to gain traction when you’re first starting out or even if you’re stuck in a rut in your current businesses. Getting an outsider’s perspective from someone that’s been in your shoes can be the best way to open new opportunities for you and your business.
A mastermind meetup is a group of like-minded individuals that get together from time to time to share their goals, obstacles, experiences, and insights to benefit the group as a whole. You learn from each other, you keep each other accountable, and you support and help each other. There are many benefits, both tangible and intangible, to having a group like this to turn to as you start your own dog training business or grow a business you already have.
1. You Can Make Life-Long Friends And Partnerships
When you’re meeting with like-minded people that are passionate about the same things you are, you’re able to connect on a whole new level. You’ll feel like you’ve found “your people” and share business and personal challenges, goals, or experiences that are helping you succeed or inhibiting your progress. You’ll have an instant, reliable, supportive network to turn to as you start and grow your business.
Not to mention, the endless opportunities for collaboration and cross promotion that will result in having a strong support network of like-minded trainers in your area! Just because a group of trainers service the same area doesn’t mean you necessarily overlap in target audiences, skillsets, availability, types of services, and more! These days, there is usually more business coming in than many dog trainers can handle. The mindset you should have if you’re looking to network and find a mastermind group is that there truly is an abundance of business and dog training clients that need your help.
2. You Discover New, Creative Solutions For Your Business
The benefit of speaking to others who have been in your shoes and are like-minded is that you can collect valuable, honest, and relevant feedback about your business choices and initiatives. You can hear how others of similar backgrounds and passions would approach your challenges and generate ideas to overcome them.
When you’re surrounded by other like-minded individuals, you’ll feel validated that you’re on the right path to reach your goals and your dream. Seeing others succeed will help to motivate you to keep going as well.
Additionally, a facilitator or someone who hosts/organizes the mastermind meetup, also has a wealth of knowledge and resources to share with the group and is going above and beyond to help others grow and succeed as well. They bring their own skill set and experiences to the table.
3. You’ll Be Accountable To Make Improvements
Ideas are great, but taking action is better!
One of the most valuable aspects of having a mastermind group is that you can hold each other accountable so you all make progress in your businesses.
Mastermind groups are more than just a networking event. You actually sit down, share your goals, and work together to make actionable plans to make improvements within your businesses. When you share your goals and action items with someone else, you’re more likely to take those steps and reach your goals!
The connections you make in a mastermind group go much further than a handshake at a networking event. You’re truly in it together to help each other stay accountable so everyone in the group can succeed.
4. You’ll Gain Industry Insights Found Nowhere Else
When you get together with other people from within your industry, you can gain insights you won’t find online, in books, or in seminars. Each person brings their own unique learning experiences to the table for all to learn from. One person’s challenge becomes a learning experience for everyone in the group. There is just nothing like it! There is nowhere else to find this kind of knowledge.
5. You Find Relief In Knowing You’re Not Alone
Typically, when you’re starting your own dog training business, you’re considered a “solopreneur” or solo-entrepreneur. It can be isolating when you have no one to turn to or relate to. You have to figure everything out on your own and while you should always trust your gut and do what feels right, you don’t know what you don’t know. Speaking to others who are or have been in your shoes is a great way to build connections and find relief in knowing you aren’t completely alone in this adventure. Others might bring up experiences or insights that you hadn’t thought of or experienced yourself. Mastermind groups help you expand your awareness of what it takes to run a successful dog training business.
6. You Get To Work ON Your Business Instead Of IN Your Business
While learning how to post on Instagram or writing up thorough client notes is important, mastermind group discussions should focus more on the bigger picture. You’ll be able to take a step back, reflect, analyze, learn, and plan your next big business goals.
Many times as solo business owners we spend a lot of time working in our businesses – creating documents, sending emails, working directly with clients. This time away from the office allows you to refresh and reinvigorate yourself for your next business steps.
7. It’s Electrifying
When else will you be able to be completely honest with a group of people? Share the highs and lows of starting your business. Share your expectations versus the reality of what it actually is like. Vent about the challenges your experiencing or share your success with others who understand what it means! Finding your “kind” of people is invigorating! You don’t have to go at it alone.
One of my main missions with this blog is to help other positive dog trainers (or whatever you want to call dog trainers that follow Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) principles in training) succeed with their businesses. There is often a ton of focus on learning the science of training dogs with little acknowledgment of how to run the business side of things. However, if you’re in this profession for the long haul, you have to pay attention to both. Without a thorough understanding of how to run a business, you will not be able to take your passion for dog training full-time or be able to sustain it full-time for many years.
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With the registration date for ClickerExpo coming up, I began to think about what learning goals to concentrate on this year, who I wanted to hear speak, and if there should be a theme or if I should just see whatever sounded interesting. I then began to think about the other part of going to conferences; meeting people and networking. So many times I’ve seen someone I haven’t seen in years passing by in between sessions and had that 7 second drive-by conversation, “Hi! How are you doing! Great to see you! Let’s meet for lunch or something!” The other person responds, “Great!” and then that’s the end of it. This year, I really want to make a plan.
1. Put people you want to meet on your schedule.
I always have the best of intentions and every conference I fail. This year I’m putting people on my schedule. Message people and ask them for a time to meet or share a meal or have a drink. Put the appointment on your schedule with a reminder so you don’t become that person that stood someone up at a training conference. You have 3 meals a day, after conference drinks, breaks in between speakers, and skipped session periods you can fill. Fill them. If meals are coordinated and prepaid you might consider skipping one and doing a DIY lunch at least one day to accommodate people who aren’t purchasing meals.
Related: Are drinks after the conference your favorite part of attending conferences? Do you like meeting online friends in-person? Ever wish you had a group of local, friendly dog trainers to chat with to continue the conversation? Check out our latest project: Mastermind Meetups for Modern Dog Trainers
2. You don’t have to fill every session.
I actually learned this when I got violently ill at a conference. Fatigue set in and I needed to prioritize my energy instead of my desire to see everything. There were some session slots where there just wasn’t anything that really perked my interest or I had seen all the presentations already. I skipped that period and took a nap, waking up refreshed for the speakers I really wanted to see. When I skipped and didn’t take a nap, I met a bunch of people that were also skipping! If you’re just trying to fill time by seeing a speaker, meet up with people instead.
3. Introduce yourself to people sitting or eating alone.
If you haven’t filled a meal period with a scheduled meet up then scan the dining area and look for people wearing the conference badge who are sitting alone. Go introduce yourself and ask if they want company. Please don’t push in if the person says they’d rather be alone. Conferences can be overwhelming and some people need quiet time. I’ve had many amazing conversations eating with strangers. Meeting and talking to people way outside your normal circle can be more educational than some presentations. This practice also makes everyone feel welcomed and interesting. Which brings us to number 4.
4. Remember to get cards or contact information for people you meet.
I’m putting this on a post-it note on my forehead this year, “Please give me your business card.” After introducing myself and eating with a stranger and having a lovely conversation, it inevitably happens that the conference bell rings and you’re off and running to the next session. The number of times I’ve grabbed my things and said, “Thank you for the wonderful lunch!” then sprinted away is embarrassing. Take a moment, get a card or have the person put their email address in a note for you. When you get seated at your Must Get To session, make a note of where you met them, what you did together, and the general topic of conversation. Even if you never message them you will have a reminder if you see them at the next conference.
5. Organize meetups with your virtual friends.
We all have them, people we “know” from Twitter, Facebook, certification organizations, clubs, and schools. Schedule a meetup and get a few people you want to meet in one place. On Twitter you can create a hashtag and have people retweet or reply they’d like to join. You can create calendar and Facebook events so other people can invite other people. While it may seem fun to set these up for dinner at a restaurant, some trainers are on a budget. You might consider doing these in hotel common areas instead of restaurants so everyone can bring their own food yet still have dinner together. Remember to send reminders to everyone who was interested when you get to the conference.
We’ve compiled the Best Dog Conferences for you to attend in 2017 because we’ve done that every (2016, 2015). Explore science topics, learn better training skills, concentrate on motivation or the human-animal bond. It’s all here. Let’s go!
Conferences are listed in chronological order due to the author’s inability to decide which should be first.
1. ClickerExpo
ClickerExpo will be held in 3 locations throughout 2017. This year ClickerExpos have slightly different labs and workshops depending on the location.
Portland, OR When: Friday, January 27-29, 2017
Where: Portland, OR
Why: Educational Themes are back for 2017. Themes are labs and presentations focusing on a certain concentration. Themes include: Trainer Skill Development, Teaching People, Aggression and General Behavior Management, and Veterinary Environments. Feel free to follow a single theme or skip around and explore a variety of topics. There’s something for everyone! CCPDT, IAABC, and KPA Continuing Education Units are available for professionals attending this event.
More Information: http://www.clickertraining.com/clickerexpo/portland/registration
Stamford, CT When: Friday, March 31-April 2, 2017
Where: Stamford, CT
Why: A complete Equine Theme which includes Husbandry, Saddling, Trailer Loading, and much more continues for 2017. This is in addition to the Themes listed for Portland above. CCPDT, IAABC, and KPA Continuing Education Units are available for professionals attending this event.
More Information: http://www.clickertraining.com/clickerexpo/stamford/registration
ClickerExpo Europe When: Friday, November 3-5, 2017
Where: Denmark
Why: The ClickerExpo 2017 schedule for Denmark has not been released yet. It will be released by 15 February 2017.
More Information: http://www.clickertraining.com/clickerexpo
2. WOOF!
When: Friday, February 10-12, 2017
Where: University of Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Why: It’s back! It’s’ back! The very successful WOOF! European Behaviour & Training Conference has been on hiatus since 2013, but it’s back for 2017. 3 full days of brilliant seminars with Bob Bailey, Susan Friedman, Kay Laurence, Jean Donaldson, and Clive Wynne.
More Information: http://www.domesticatedmanners.com/woof2017
3. Canine Science Symposium
When: Saturday, March 11-12, 2017
Where: San Francisco SPCA in San Francisco, CA
Why: Bringing together professors of Psychology, Anthrozoology, Behavioral Neuroscience, and Behavior Analysis, this symposium covers the science of welfare for shelter dogs, training, and canine aggression. Enjoy two days with some of the leading canine science minds with Julie Hecht, Monica Udell, Sheila D’Arpino, and Erica Feuerbacher. CCPDT and IAABC Continuing Education Units are available for professionals attending this event.
More Information: https://www.sfspca.org/get-involved/events/CSS2017
4. IAABC Animal Behavior Conference
When: Saturday, April 8-9, 2017
Where: Culver City, CA
Why: The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants has creatively merged their multiple species Conferences into one event. Choose to follow the Dog, Cat, Parrot, or Horse tracks, or pick and choose which presentations you’d like to join. The conference features speakers discussing the latest science, treatments, and protocols for managing and modifying behavior in all species.
(Read about our experience at the 2015 IAABC Conference.)
More Information: https://iaabc.org/conference/2017
5. DogEvent 2017
When: Thursday, April 14-17, 2017
Where: Rambouillet, France
Why: 4 days of dog training, behavior workshops, and demos on the outskirts of Paris! Each day has a theme: Clicker Training, Motivation, Aggression, Canine Sorts, and more. Speakers include Emily Larlham, Chirag Patel, Nando Brown, Denise Fenzi, and Lori Stevens. Presentations will be given in English.
More Information (in French): https://www.weezevent.com/dogevent-2017
More Information (in English): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dogevent-2017-tickets-27382612130?aff=es2
When: Sunday, April 23-28, 2017
Where: Cincinnati, OH
Why: The Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA) specializes in animal care and training through enrichment. This year’s theme is “Back to Basics: Crossing The Bridge Between Training and Conservation.” Conference locations include multiple zoos. This year’s keynote speaker will be Megan Parker, PhD, Co-founder & Director of Research, Working Dogs for Conservation discussing ways to use dogs’ extraordinary sense of smell to protect wildlife and wild places.
More Information: https://theabma.org/abma-annual-conference/
7. Fenzi Dog Sports Academy Training Camp
When: Thursday, June 22-25, 2017
Where: Linn County Expo Center, Albany, Oregon
Why: It’s back! The Ultimate Dog Sports Training Camp covers Obedience, Rally, Agility, Nosework, Freestyle, and Rally FrEe! Join the energizing dog sports goddesses Denise Fenzi, Deb Jones, Hannah Branigan, Julie Flanery, Loretta Mueller, Nancy Gagliardi Little, Shade Whitesel, Amy Cook, Julie Symons, and Stacy Barnett for 4 days of fun. Work on heeling, scenting, retrieves, utilizing play to build motivation, and so much more. Priority registrations will be given to students that have previous enrollments in FDSA online courses.
More Information: http://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/camp
8. International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ) Conference
When: Thursday June 22-25, 2017
Where: Davis, CA
Why: The International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ) annual conference covers new and intriguing ideas in Human-Animal Interactions. The speakers and program for 2017 is pending. Stay tuned to the link below to keep up as this conference program develops.
More Information: http://www.isaz.net/isaz/conferences/
9. International Society for Applied Ethology (ISAE) Conference
When: Friday, August 7-10, 2017
Where: Aarhus, Denmark
Why: The International Society for Applied Ethology (ISAE) annual conference covers the presentation and discussion of advances in applied animal behaviour science and education and. The speakers and program for 2017 is pending, but topics include, Animal learning and cognition, Social behaviour of animals, Animal stress responses, and Human-animal interactions. Stay tuned to the link below to keep up as this conference program develops.
More Information: http://conferences.au.dk/isae2017/
10. APDT Annual Conference and Trade Show
When: Wednesday, October 18-21, 2017
Where: Richmond, Virginia
Why: You’re a professional dog trainer, this is your Association. The Association of Professional Dog Trainers Annual Conference is full of prestigious speakers and engaging seminars. The speakers and schedule for 2017 is still pending. This entry will be updated as information becomes available.
(Read about our experience as a volunteer APDT Border Collie.)
More Information: https://apdt.com/conference/
This post is written and provided by Lisa Gunter, MA. Lisa is a PhD student at Arizona State University in the Department of Psychology and conducts her research under the mentorship of Clive Wynne in the Canine Science Collaboratory. She has presented her research at numerous conferences including the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, the Interdisciplinary Forum for Applied Animal Behavior, the Veterinary Behavior Symposium and the International Society of Anthrozoology.
What Breed is That Doggy in the Shelter Window?
Chihuahua. Chow Chow. Pointer. Irish Wolfhound. When thinking about unique breeds and the range of physical differences that exist with man’s best friend, it’s hard to believe that a tiny toy lap dog and another that’s as tall as a human are of the same species [1].
For centuries, we’ve bred dogs for the purpose of aiding us in our work, such as in hunting (Labradors), herding (German Shepherd), and livestock protection (Great Pyrenees) [2]. Our influence on how dogs look and act brings along with it expectations about different dog breeds. When I say “Golden Retriever,” you likely think of a fluffy blonde dog that enjoys playing with children. When I mention a Border Collie, you probably imagine a wickedly smart black & white dog that plays fetch for hours.
In the United States, there are a little over 80 million dogs living with us with 20% of those dogs adopted from shelters [3]. As many of you have experienced firsthand, the way animal shelters operate today has changed from what homeless animals experienced just fifteen years ago. Before 2000, dogs usually stayed on average for about 10 days at the shelter. Then, over half were euthanized, and the others were either adopted or redeemed [4]. Today, the situation is better. While almost 4 million dogs are entering animal shelters each year, only 30% are euthanized [5]. While we’re pleased with these improvements, one of our main foci of research in the Canine Science Collaboratory at Arizona State University is to further increase adoptions and reduce euthanasia rates for pet dogs.
Given the importance placed on appearance in our culture, it should come as no surprise that looks matter in canine adoption, too! Researchers from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) [6] found that appearance was the single most important reason people gave for why they adopted the dog they did. In our own lab we found that when potential adopters were presented with photographs of dogs that had been either adopted or euthanized they were able to distinguish which dogs had met which fate solely because the adopted dogs were more attractive than those that had ended up euthanized [7].
The Pit Bull Label
If you work in animal sheltering, you’ve likely heard of the term “pit bull.” While there is a specific breed of dog known as the American Pit Bull Terrier, more conventionally this label has been applied to many breeds that are short-haired, muscular and blocky-headed such as American and English bulldogs, Staffordshire bull terriers and American Staffordshire terriers as well as mixes of these types of dogs [8].
Recent studies into dog adoption [11, 7, 12-13] have found breed to be associated with different outcomes, including but not limited to increased euthanasia and length of stay. With the big role that physical appearance plays in dog selection, our lab was interested in understanding how breed labels could influence how attractive a dog seemed to be.
So what is the basis for the negative perceptions about pit bulls? The pit bull terrier does have a past that includes bullbaiting and dogfighting (which still occurs illegally in some areas of the US), and reports of aggression towards humans, specifically dog bite injuries and even deaths, have likely contributed to the unfavorable public opinion of these dogs as well [14-18]. Yet while an association may exist between certain types of dogs and aggression towards people, the reliability of breed characterizations in positively identifying dogs involved in these types of incidents is hotly debated [8, 19].
Labels vs. DNA Analysis
Photo by Erin Bessey
Which leads us to wonder what breeds of dogs are there shelters? It’s a more complicated question than it may appear, because breed assignment is usually based on the way the dog looks. Yet, researchers from Western University of Health Sciences [20-21] have found discrepancies between breed identification and the results of DNA analysis, and researchers in Florida found at one shelter that 50% of dogs that were labeled as belonging to a pit-bull-type breed lacked the DNA breed signature [22].
In our own lab, we’re wrapping up a multi-shelter study using the MARS Wisdom Panel. While it’s too early to talk about our specific findings, what we can say is that these shelter dogs show a range of breed diversity (over 150 breeds were identified at each shelter!), there are much fewer purebreds than we anticipated, most dogs have more than two breeds in their breed heritage and correctly identifying the breeds of a mixed breed dog via visual identification alone is an extremely difficult task.
Canine Science Symposium
Research questions like the ones I’ve mentioned here are just some of the questions we attempt to answer in the Canine Science Collboratory. If you enjoy learning about the latest research in canine science, you may want to consider attending our Canine Science Symposium. Now in its fourth year, the Symposium will be taking place at the San Francisco SPCA on April 16 & 17.
While most of the speakers at the Canine Science Symposium are former or current students of Clive Wynne (the director of the Canine Science Collboratory), our research interests are diverse as evidenced by this year’s Symposium topics. Our presentations include decoding dominance in dogs; canine sociability and attachment; using advanced behavioral principles in dog training; applying cognitive, behavioral and physiological measures to improve shelter dog welfare; using play as training and enrichment; understanding visitor behavior in shelters to increase adoptions; exploring canine olfaction and interpreting canine body language. We want those that come out to learn with us to be able to walk away with new techniques and approaches to try in their interactions with shelter dogs, dogs that they train and the dogs they live with.
For more information on the research studies I mentioned above, check out the journal articles references below. If you’re interested in attending the Canine Science Symposium, head on over to the SFSPCA website for all the details including speaker bios, presentation descriptions and online registration (at the bottom of the page). Our early-bird registration ends March 2nd, so those that want to attend should sign up now!
References
1. Coile DC. The dog breed bible. Hauppauge: Barron’s Educational Series; 2007.
2. Serpell J. The domestic dog. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 1995.
3. American Pet Products Association. U.S. pet-ownership estimates from the APPA for 2012. Available: http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/ pet_ownership_statistics.html#.U0oh8uZdW_A. Accessed 30 January 2014.
4. Wenstrup J, Dowidchuk A. Pet overpopulation: Data and measurement issues in shelters. J Appl Anim Welf Sci. 1999;2(4): 303-19.
5. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. FAQ, Pet statistics, 2012. Available: http://www.aspca.org/about-us/faq. Accessed 19 September 2014.
6. Weiss E, Miller K, Mohan-Gibbons H, Vela, C. Why did you choose this pet?: Adopters and pet selection preferences in five animal shelters in the United
States. Animals. 2012;2(2): 144-59.
7. Protopopova, A, Gilmour, AJ, Weiss, RH, Shen, JY, & Wynne, CDL. The effects of social training and other factors on adoption success of shelter dogs. J Appl Anim Welf Sci. 2012;142(1): 61-8.
8. Lockwood, R, Rindy, K. Are “pit bulls” different? An analysis of the pit bull terrier controversy. Anthrozoos. 1997;1: 2-8.
9. Posage, JM, Bartlett, PC, Thomas, DK. Determining factors for successful adoption of dogs from an animal shelter. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1996;213(4): 478-82.
10. Lepper, M, Kass, PH, Hart, LA. Prediction of adoption versus euthanasia among dogs and cats in a California animal shelter. J Appl Anim Welf Sci. 2002;5(1): 29-42.
11. Brown, WP, Davidson, JP, Zuefle, ME. Effects of phenotypic characteristics on the length of stay of dogs at two no kill animal shelters. J Appl Anim Welf Sci. 2013;16(1): 2-18.
12. DeLeeuw, JL. Animal shelter dogs: Factors predicting adoption versus euthanasia. Doctoral dissertation, Wichita State University. 2010. Available: http://soar.wichita. edu/bitstream/handle/10057/3647/d10022_DeLeeuw.pdf?
sequence=1
13. Clevenger, J, Kass, PH. Determinants of adoption and euthanasia of shelter dogs spayed or neutered in the University of California veterinary student surgery program compared to other shelter dogs. J Vet Med Educ. 2003;30(4): 372-378.
14. Sacks, JJ, Sattin, RW, Bonzo, SE. Dog bite-related fatalities from 1979 through 1988. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1989;262(11): 1489-1492.
15. Sacks, JJ, Lockwood, R, Hornreicht, J, Sattin, RW. Fatal dog attacks, 1989-1994. Pediatrics. 1996;97(6): 891-895.
16. Sacks, JJ, Sinclair, L, Gilchrist, J, Golab, GC, Lockwood, R. Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2000;217(6): 836-840.
17. Kaye, AE, Belz, JM, Kirschner, RE. Pediatric dog bite injuries: A 5 year review of the experience at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2009;124(2): 551-558.
18. O’Brien, DC, Andre, TB, Robinson, AD, Squires, LD, Tollefson, TT. Dog bites of the head and neck: an evaluation of a common pediatric trauma and associated treatment. Am J Otolaryngol. 2015;36(1): 32-38.
19. Patronek, GJ, Sacks, JJ, Delise, KM, Cleary, DV, Marder, AR. Co-occurrence of potentially preventable factors in 256 dog bite–related fatalities in The United States (2000-2009). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2013;243(12): 1726-1736.
20. Voith, V, Ingram, E, Mitsouras, K, Irizarry, K. Comparison of adoption agency breed identification and DNA breed identification of dogs. J Appl Anim Welf Sci. 2009;12(3): 253-262.
21. Voith, VL, Trevejo, R, Dowling-Guyer, S, Chadik, C, Marder, A, Johnson, V et al. Comparison of visual and DNA breed identification of dogs and inter-observer reliability. Am J Sociol Res, 2013;3(2): 1729.
22. Olson, KR, Levy, JK, Norby, B, Crandall, MM, Broadhurst, JE, Jacks, S et al. Inconsistent identification of pit bull-type dogs by shelter staff. Vet J , 2015.
23. Patronek, GJ, Glickman, LT, Moyer, MR. Population dynamics and the risk of euthanasia for dogs in an animal shelter. Anthrozoos. 1995;8(1): 31-43.
24. Salman, MD, New, Jr, JG, Scarlett, JM, Kass, PH, Ruch-Gallie, R, Hetts, S. Human and animal factors related to relinquishment of dogs and cats in 12 selected animal shelters in the United States. J Appl Anim Welf Sci. 1998;1(3): 207-226.
The internet is a powerful resource for continuing education. As our industry progresses into the modern age, trainers are discovering new ways of learning, including online classes. One class that has really struck me is Michael Shikashio’s class on dog aggression through Dog Trainers Connection. The DTC is an online course platform where you can find a variety of mini-webinars by world renowned professional dog trainers.
What Makes an Online Class Great?
While nothing beats a hand-on approach to learning new dog training skills. Online classes allow trainers from all over the globe to access teachers and education they might not otherwise have the ability to access. Additionally, online classes are usually less expensive than in-person seminars.
What makes an online class stand out though? How do you know you’ll get valuable information from it? You’ll want to make sure the class includes some or all of the following:
Video – Dog training is a very visual skill. Most trainers need to see it in action to understand new concepts so video allows people online to watch and learn.
Written Material – Whether the written material is a copy of the slides or additional handouts, written material will help you refer back to what you learned for years to come and is extremely helpful.
Live Instruction – Some of the best online courses offer a live webinar portion. You can learn a lot from watching a trainer work with a dog live – with no edits. Dog training is all about problem solving so watching an instructor problem solve in real time can be very valuable.
In-depth Structured Outline – Just like any class, the online class should also have a structured outline or curriculum of the skills you can expect to learn.
Q&A with the Instructor (Live or Forum) – There is no reason an online class can’t offer you the ability to ask questions to the instructor. Good students will have questions about the material. Questions also help learners process the information they are absorbing.
Transcripts of the Recordings – Transcripts allow you to go back and search for things that were said. Video recordings are great but you can’t easily search for information like you can with text.
CEUs from Certifying Organizations – CEUs are important to track and gain to maintain your certifications. They also are a good representation of the quality of the class your thinking about taking. Lots of CEUs generally mean very high quality material.
How to Work Aggression Cases A-Z with Michael Shikashio
Michael Shikashio is the president of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). He is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and specializes in dog aggression. He is the epitome of a knowledgeable, qualified, and professional dog trainer.
https://youtu.be/p9jWtlbd5Bg
Michael has impressed a lot of trainers with this new course. In fact, before I even got the chance to write this article, the first course has already sold out! How to Work Aggression Cases from A-Z contains all of the qualities of a great online class I listed above. Thankfully, Dog Trainers Connection is opening up a second session so that more trainers can access his in-depth course on working aggression cases.
How to Work Aggression Cases A to Z is a five-part video series. It includes everything you need to know about before taking aggression cases.
Considerations Before Taking Aggression Cases
Initial Phone Call Process
Initial Assessment and Evaluation
Safety Precautions and Protective Gear
Collaborating with Veterinarians
Case Studies
Making a Prognosis
Classical and Operant Conditioning Training Methods
Behavior Modification Plans
Trouble Shooting
and more!
If you’re considering adding aggression cases to your services, this course will set you up for success. Learn more about the course at Dog Trainers Connection.
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4. You’ll Gain Industry Insights Found Nowhere Else
While most of the speakers at the Canine Science Symposium are former or current students of Clive Wynne (the director of the Canine Science Collboratory), our research interests are diverse as evidenced by this year’s Symposium topics. Our presentations include decoding dominance in dogs; canine sociability and attachment; using advanced behavioral principles in dog training; applying cognitive, behavioral and physiological measures to improve shelter dog welfare; using play as training and enrichment; understanding visitor behavior in shelters to increase adoptions; exploring canine olfaction and interpreting canine body language. We want those that come out to learn with us to be able to walk away with new techniques and approaches to try in their interactions with shelter dogs, dogs that they train and the dogs they live with.
Q&A with the Instructor (Live or Forum) – There is no reason an online class can’t offer you the ability to ask questions to the instructor. Good students will have questions about the material. Questions also help learners process the information they are absorbing.
