The Insurance Information Institute reported Dog Bite Cases as soaring to these levels:

• Bite cases account for nearly 25% of all homeowners insurance claims.
• Seven out of ten dog bite victims are children (www.dogbitelaw.com).
• Since 1997 three defendants have been successfully charged with murder as a result of a dog's actions (the latest, of course, in the tragic Diane Whipple case in San Francisco).
• The N.Y. Times (March 9, 2004) quoted a study indicating that 20% of reported bite victims had medical bills exceeding $17,000 and 10% had medical bills exceeding $75,000.
• In 2002, claims paid in bite cases totaled $345 million and averaged $16,600 per claim.
• There were 4.7 million bites in 1999 (latest data), 800,000 involving medical attention.

In order to live with, work with and safely handle dogs you must be able to read their body language and facial expressions. This session will take you step-by-step through the process of interpreting the often complex and subtle signals dogs give us.

Aggressive dogs tell us they are going to bite long before they growl, snarl or bite. You will develop and hone your skills by viewing extensive video footage and viewing live demos.

Learn how to keep yourself safe when dealing with aggressive or potentially aggressive dogs. Live demonstrations with unknown shelter dogs will enhance your observation skills, and you will get to see examples of quick muzzling techniques, leash handling, signs that a dog is ready to blow, what to do when a dog blows, how to figure out if a dog is dangerous even if he is not showing signs of overt aggression.

Live demonstration of figure 8 cloth/noose leads and other emergency techniques

What are your legal risks when you adopt out a dog that exhibits aggressive behavior or that has an aggression or bite history? What's your duty to disclose the background? Why a waiver from your adopter won't protect you when a third party is bitten. When are the owners personally liable when their dog bites. When could the trainer be liable if a bite occurs after training for "behavior modification" or "aggression management"?

Behavior of Shelters, Trainers, Owners and Rescue Groups that jeopardizes insurance protection: by increasing the risk that their existing insurance carrier will seek to deny coverage on a claim or non renew coverage. Guidelines for preventing 3rd party claims and protecting employees, volunteers and the existing liability coverage.

Dangers for the industry from fewer carriers willing to write bite coverage. Why it's happening. Specific threat posed by this trend for Shelters, Rescuers , Trainers and Owners. Actions they can take to counter the trend. Kinds of coverage to seek, and recommended liability limits.

Effect of bite cases and aggression on adoptions and at home experience with behavior management & modification training: which kinds and degrees of aggression can be managed or modified--and which cannot (including latest data).

WES ARTOPE the former Director of Operations at New York City's Center for Animal Care & Control, is currently Executive Director of the J. Tyler Foundation. Wes also serves as a behavioral consultant, trainer and lecturer on animal care throughout the New York/Tri-state area. He is a licensed vet tech, certified lab animal technologist and licensed animal rehabilitator.

SHARON BENDER Is the principal insurance representative of the Kennel Pak Animal Shelter program at Gentzler & Smith Assoc., Inc. She provides coverage for nearly 500 non profit humane societies, animal shelters, spca's and rescues nationally. Her colleague covers some 2500 kennels, groomers, veterinarians, professional trainers and kennel clubs nationally.

Kennel Pak started 20 years ago by agency owners who realized the need for professionals and entities in animal care to have a reliable source for insurance needs.

Sharon has been with kennel pak for 12 years, assisting shelters not only in the property/casualty area, but also writing life, health and disability insurance.

She has attended animal care conferences for many years including hsus and aha, and has been a speaker at the federated humane societies of pa. Conference.

STEVE DILLER is the owner of the Center for Animal Behavior And Canine Training in Elmsford, N. Y. and is the author of the book DOGS & THEIR PEOPLE (Hyperion Publications, 1998). He is also a licensed veterinary technician and has had the benefit of working along side various veterinary specialists such as board certified, neurologists, dermatologists, surgeons and internal medicine specialties. Steve has been teaching at Mercy College in New York since the early 1980's and has been training dogs for over 30 years.

Steve is frequently consulted on serious behavioral matters especially those involving aggression. Steve has been retained for his testimony in numerous dog bite cases and has been qualified as an expert in Supreme Court, State of New York.

DR. PAMELA REID is a certified applied animal behaviorist, received her Ph.D. in Psychology, specializing in animal learning and behavior, from the University of Toronto. She established a successful referral practice, Animal Behavior Services, Inc., in Toronto and served on the faculty at the University of Guelph. Dr. Reid has been Vice President of the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center since 2001. The Center provides many services for the public and shelter including obedience classes and consultations with pet owners, veterinarians, and lawyers regarding animal behavior problems. They work with ASPCA shelter dogs, seized from neglectful and abusive conditions, providing behavior evaluations, enrichment, and rehabilitation for those with problem behaviors. They aid in selecting suitable homes for the "behavior dogs" and provide follow-up support for those adoptions. The Center also supports research on shelter animal welfare including the efficacy of rehabilitation, the predictive validity of behavior evaluations, counter conditioning to reduce barking, and methods for reducing stress in fearful dogs.

Dr. Reid lectures on animal behavior, learning theory, and agility training throughout the U.S., Canada, and Japan. In addition to many scholarly works, Dr. Reid's writings appeared regularly in Dogs in Canada from 1997-2002 (Dog Writers Association of America award for Best Column), and now in Clean Run, Animal Watch, and Petfinder.com. Her books include: Excel-erated Learning! Explaining (in plain English) how Dogs Learn and how Best to Teach them (James & Kenneth Publishers 1996), and a work in progress: Dog InSight: Essays on the Essence of the Dog.

Dr. Reid has served on committees for Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Delta Society, American Humane Association, and Humane Society of the U.S. She was a member of the development team for PETsMART's 2000 instructor training program, served on the ABS Board of Professional Certification and is a special consultant to the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers.

Dr. Reid is also a successful dog trainer. Her Saluki, Shaahiin (1986-2000) Am & Can CDX, AD,FbCH, FCh was the first Saluki to earn a USDAA agility title, and is the only Saluki to hold a Flyball Championship. Her Border Collie, Ciaran (1989-2000) Am & Can CDX, ADCH, AADC FbCH won several classes at USDAA national agility events. Dr. Reid's current competition dog, a Border Collie x Border Terrier hybrid named Eejit, ADCH, FbM is a frequent winner of USDAA agility events across the U.S. Dr. Reid, Eejit and two aspiring agility dogs share their home with a calico kitty, Carmen (soon to be 18).

SUE STERNBERG is the head of Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption, a community not-for-profit animal shelter which serves both the local (upstate New York) community as well as runs national programs, such as Training Wheels, dedicated to ensuring the quality of life of animals in their community and at animal shelters as well as safe animal adoptions, around the world. She has over 23 years of canine behavior experience, including as an animal control officer, a behavior consultant at the ASPCA, a kennel and animal shelter owner, a successful competitor in a variety of dog sports, and a teacher of dog trainers. Since 1993, she has operated a not-for-profit animal shelter in rural New York called Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption, which is featured in an HBO documentary called Shelter Dogs (www.shelterdogs.org). Her most recent shelter guide book is Great Dog Adoptions: A Guide for Shelters (Latham Foundation Press, 2002, www.latham.org). Her first book written for the general public on adopting a great dog was published in September '03, through Wiley Publishing. Sue has five dogs and two cats (all adopted), and shares her yard with a host of adopted farm animals. She is an accomplished fiddle player, a mineral and fossil collector, loves Earl Grey tea, and is a major Star Trek fan. Photo

CAPPY WEINER is a partner in the Ulster County New York law firm of Miller, Weiner & Associates. He is a graduate of American University and the Drake University School of Law. He began his law practice at the Newburgh, New York firm of Finkelstein and Partners representing plaintiffs with claims in all manner of personal injury matters, including dog bite cases. He was also associated with the firm of Diamond, Rutman and Costello in New York City, defending insurance companies in many areas, including dog bite cases. His current practice at Miller, Weiner is limited to trial litigation. Cappy has served on the Board of Advisers of the Ulster County SPCA and lives with 5 dogs and a number of adopted cats.

DOG STUFF
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR DOG AT HOME. No dogs attendees' pet dogs are allowed in the conference room. If you cannot leave your dog at home, your dog must be confined safely and quietly in your vehicle (weather permitting).

Sue and Wes will be working with shelter dogs and presenting video clips of dogs throughout the conference. We will set up a stage for easy viewing of the speaker and dog demonstrations

PEOPLE ETIQUETTE
During the conference, please turn off all cell phone and pager audio alerts. Please take all private conversations outside while the speaker is presenting.

VIDEOTAPING
No videotaping or audiotaping, please. You may order videotapes of Sue's past lectures.

BOOKS & TOYS, ETC. FOR SALE
A selection of books, videos and toys will be available for sale. Checks and cash will be accepted only. Sue will also have her items for sale. Go to www.suesternberg.com for a list of her books and videos.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Wednesday, November 3, 2004

REFUND POLICY
Full refund issued if requested by email or phone no later than Wednesday, November 3, 2004. Refunds requested after Wednesday, November 3, 2004 will be issued a 50% credit slip (less food purchases) that may be applied to future Puppyworks educational events. No refunds or credits after 12:00 noon (EST) Friday, November 5.

BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR
Metal or plastic chairs are available for seating. If you prefer more comfortable seating, we encourage you to bring your own chair. Please no oversized or high back chairs.

PARKING
There should be ample parking near the conference location.

New York State Thruway (I 87) to Exit 19 Kingston (91 miles north of New York City). After toll, stay to the farthest right at the round-about, and follow signs for ÒRoute 28 to Route 209Ó. After about 1/4 mile on Route 28 go through one light and almost immediately thereafter take Route 209 South/Ellenvlle. Stay on Route 209 South for exactly 13 miles, and just past Sparrow Hawk Bed and Breakfast, youÕll come to Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption on the right. Conference will be held in the large blue training building closest to the road.

SUPERLODGE At Exit 19, NYS Thruway Kingston, NY 845-338-4200 15 miles away NO DOGS ECONO LODGE At Exit 18, NYS Thruway New Paltz, NY 845-255-6200 NO DOGS ALLOWED

HIGH FALLS MOTEL Route 213 High Falls, NY 845-687-2095 4 miles away DOGS ALLOWED SPARROW HAWK BED & BREAKFAST Route 209 Accord, NY 845-687-4492 Walking Distance NO DOGS ALLOWED Mention Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption for special room rates.

For registration inquiries, contact:
email: events@petworkshops.com

For local information, contact:
Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption
Phone: (845) 687-7619
email: info@suesternberg.com