We wish for all our client dogs to be healthy, playful, relaxed and well-adjusted.  However, in day-to-day practice we mop up puddles of pee, manage snarky dogs, soothe frazzled clients, and puzzle over puppies.  Register for a one day seminar tackling these topics and more, and enjoy a day of learning and networking with area trainers.  You’ll leave more prepared to think on your feet, make the right call, and be of service to your clients and their dogs in these situations.

Workshop approved by the CCPDT for 5.5 CPDT CEUs & the IAABC for 5.5 CDBC CEUs

Safety and disease control
Dr. Hannah Minsch, DVM

Get the down-and-dirty on keeping your training area clean and hazard free, and your activities safe and healthy for dogs.  Learn about the role you can play in disease prevention by following good sanitation practices and by properly screening the dogs you welcome into your training area.  Who should stay home and what should your policies be?  Prepare for emergencies by having a properly equipped first aid kit; know how to muzzle and transport; and understand what relationships, references, supplies and contacts you should always have on hand.

How to break up a dog fight
Crissa Cummings, CTC

Learn what to do if a serious dog fight occurs. Breaking up a dog fight requires quick assessment, clear-headed action and the right tools. This workshop will cover techniques for intervention, helpful equipment, prevention, and signs of potential trouble. Should a serious dog fight occur, the techniques and tools you learn will help prepare you to break it up while minimizing the risk of injury to all present.

Stress, anxiety and frustration
Traci Shreyer, MA

Learning new skills can be stressful.  High levels of frustration and anxiety often interfere. Recognizing and addressing the early signs of stress in your canine and human learners will help you be a more effective trainer.  Keep the whole team having fun with the skills you learn in this workshop. We’ll cover the body language of stress and techniques to diffuse tension, using small steps and positive reinforcement to keep your learners engaged and successful, and more.

Early intervention for puppies
Dr. Meghan Herron, DVM

When it comes to puppy behavior, “he’ll grow out of it” is dangerously wishful thinking.  While part of a trainer’s job is to normalize normal puppy behavior for clients, it is equally important not to overlook the beginning stages of genuine behavior problems – especially when any degree of anxiety, aggression, or phobia is involved.  Some pups may simply need a little extra guidance and support; but when a more intensive intervention is required, time is of the essence and it is critical that appropriate help is made available to the client.  Discover the basics of normal puppy development and learn to recognize the signs that intervention is necessary, and how to prevent future problems.