Lunch will be provided both days. A question and answer segment will be included after each topic.
SATURDAY
8:15am-Registration
9:00am-CONFERENCE STARTS: Dog Communication
Michael Shikashio, CDBC
Dogs are excellent at communicating their wants and needs, and even their emotions…if we know how to listen. Mike will highlight the body language and behavior of dogs that can help us understand training and behavior issues.
What are the signals that come before growling, snarling, snapping, lunging, and biting? What might a dog display when they are anxious, fearful, or even angry? We will explore the subtle signals, as well as advanced concepts in dog body language and communication through a variety of interesting videos.
10:30am-Defensive Handling and Leash Skills
Trish McMillan, MSc, CPDT-KA, CDBC, ACCBC and Michael Shikashio, CDBC
Are you currently working with aggressive dogs or have an interest in learning more about how to safely work with aggressive dogs? Do you want to learn what to do if attacked by a dog or prevent a dog that you are handling from biting others?
Mike and Trish will be showcasing a number of defensive handling skills that you will be able to incorporate effectively in your work with dogs to maximize safety.
12:00pm-LUNCH, included in registration fee
1:00pm-Don’t Shoot the Dog
Laura Monaco Torelli, KPA CTP/Faculty, CPDT-KA, TAGteach Level 2 and Michael Shikashio, CDBC
Mike will discuss the behavior change strategies that can be effectively used in aggression cases, and the importance of recognizing underlying motivations and emotions in dogs.
A common question I ask my client teams is “Are you willing to change a few of your habits to help achieve our behavior goals with your dog?”
This important question sets the stage of behavior change for the entire care team. Laura will take our seminar guests on a closer look into fun aspects within behavior science. We will delve deep into real-world dog owner challenges, and showcase case examples from baseline to current success points.
2:30pm-All About Rescue Dogs
Trish McMillan, MSc, CPDT-KA, CDBC, ACCBC
“Adopt, don’t shop” has been a mantra in the shelter world for a long time now, but are all shelter and rescue dogs equally suited for all homes? Of course not – all dogs are individuals, and it’s important to set emotions aside as much as possible, and choose a dog that suits your lifestyle. Learn about the possibilities that come with fostering, Trish’s “Survivor Island” trick to building a peaceful blended family when you have pets in the home already, the best time of the week to go dog shopping, and so much more!
3:45pm-Enrichment and Meeting Dogs’ Needs
Trish McMillan, MSc, CPDT-KA, CDBC, ACCBC and Laura Monaco Torelli, KPA CTP/Faculty, CPDT-KA, TAGteach Level 2
The “Three E’s” of having a new dog in the family: Excitement, Exhilaration, and Exhaustion. Now that we have a new canine companion, constant challenges unfold in real-time while we adjust to life together. What does ‘enrichment’ mean? What does it look like for each dog team day-to-day? Meeting our dog’s needs evolve while we factor in the medical, behavior, and genetic model. Crafting a comprehensive care plan should include flexibility that meets the needs for all involved; the dog, owners, veterinary and grooming team, dog walker, and pet sitter. We will go over some options of activities to try with your dog, and help you gauge which types of activities they find most reinforcing.
5:30pm-DINNER WITH PRESENTERS (optional) at Hoppy Gnome, 203 E Berry Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
SUNDAY
8:30am-Registration
9:00am-Developmental Stages, including the Critical Socialization Period
Laura Monaco Torelli, KPA CTP/Faculty, CPDT-KA, TAGteach Level 2 and Trish McMillan, MSc, CPDT-KA, CDBC, ACCBC
Is adult dog behavior really just “all how they’re raised?” What important stages do you need to know about while you guide your puppy through those important first months? From house training to caloric needs to healthy exercise to adjusting to new stimuli in their environment; it’s a lot of work for a dog to navigate canine developmental periods. Plus, consequences from the environment play a critical role in whether behavior will increase or decrease in frequency. This is a lot to juggle as an owner. Imagine how it feels for the dog! Join Laura and Trish to learn tips and techniques that complement each other while we explore developmental periods.
10:30am-Husbandry 101
Laura Monaco Torelli, KPA CTP/Faculty, CPDT-KA, TAGteach Level 2
What is ‘husbandry’ and why is it a part of everyday care for the dogs in our life? How do we support the average pet owner to ensure their comfort level? It can be overwhelming to hear the need to administer allergy shots, ear drops, or place a basket muzzle on their canine companion. We wouldn’t flood the animal learner with too many approximations or expectations. How can we arrange the teaching environment so it includes empathy, education, and empowerment for those that collaborate in our pets’ care?
Join Laura to learn more about how she integrates exotic animal experience into a curriculum for her client teams that support comfort level coupled with skill level.
12:00pm-LUNCH, included in registration fee
1:00pm-Behavioral Medication
Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, DVM, DACVB
While careful environmental management and behavior modification are the foundation of any behavior change program, some dogs may require additional support via medical therapy. Antianxiety or antidepressant medications can help to decrease the intensity of a dog’s fear, anxiety, or arousal, putting them in a better mental state to learn and improving their quality of life. Dr. Ballantyne will review commonly prescribed daily and situational medications as well as their indications for use and expected therapeutic benefits.
2:20pm-Behavioral Euthanasia
Trish McMillan, MSc, CPDT-KA, CDBC, ACCBC and Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, DVM, DACVB
Is behavioral euthanasia just a matter of convenience for the owner, or are there truly some dogs who are beyond help? Which behavior might warrant humane euthanasia, and which dogs might be suitable to return to the source, or to rehome? What about dogs who don’t have an owner attached already? Are there enough sanctuaries or behavior rehab facilities for us to “save them all?”
Trish and Dr. Ballantyne will review considerations for behavioral euthanasia, including medical, behavioral, and environmental factors, as well as techniques to support clients through this process.
4:00pm-Compassion Fatigue
Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, DVM, DACVB
Do you think you might have compassion fatigue? Or are you doing all of the self-care things and still struggling? Compassion fatigue is common in many caring professions, including animal training, sheltering, and veterinary medicine. We’ll review common symptoms of compassion fatigue and burnout (and how these differ), self-care practices and why sometimes self-care just doesn’t cut it, and evidence-based practices for processing stress.
Please note this is an informational session, not medical or therapeutic advice, and Dr. Ballantyne is not a licensed human mental health professional.
5:30pm-OPTIONAL TOUR FORT WAYNE ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL at 3020 Hillegas Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
We have the unique opportunity to tour the area’s largest open admission shelter, which aids thousands of animals each year. The facility has an in-house veterinarian as well and has completed several renovations recently to accommodate their ever-changing needs. The shelter is fear-free certified and their adoption department is managed by Lindsay Pease, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA. They use human training methods and work hard to reduce the stress of the animals in their care. They work so hard to make great matches for their animals and families, while knowing that not every animal is adoptable and sometimes the kindest option is euthanasia. They also have educational programs for their community. Play groups are utilized to reduce stress and encourage healthy socialization for their pups and their amazing foster department, which helped over 1100 animals in 2021 and has over 300 volunteers. Their director is progressive and innovative and the organization is a model for any other shelter to learn from!