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. These sessions 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, BRAND NEW, video footage.

Issues to be discussed include degree of sociability or a lack of it, hard staring, distinguishing between friendly and overly assertive behavior and the many different signals generated by tail position combined with body posture.

Behavioral evaluations are being implemented in shelters across the country to help staff make more informed disposition decisions about the dogs in their care. This presentation details the results of a research project that looked at the validity of behavioral evaluations based on the work of Sue Sternberg. The research was conducted over a two-year period at an urban New England Shelter. Information gleaned from the evaluation of 2017 dogs will be described.

Behavior of Shelters, Trainers, Homeowners 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 Homeowners. Actions they can take to counter the trend. Kinds of coverage to seek, and recommended liability limits.

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"? Learn how to avoid liability for accidents that happen during and after you train, shelter or adopt-out. Attorney Cappi Weiner covers the legal issues for canine professionals: legal liability for dog bites and negligence; special rules for animal control and humane organizations.

Learn how to keep yourself safe when dealing with aggressive or potentially aggressive dogs. Live demonstrations will enhance your observations and skills in emergency situations. You will see examples of high-speed muzzling techniques, as well as leash and pole handling techniques reserved for dangerous situations. You will get hands on experience at emergency roping for use in a crisis. General Safety Guidelines will also be addressed.

WES ARTOPE is the former Director of Operations at New York City's Center for Animal Care & Control, the City's Municipal open admissions shelter. In this capacity Wes was responsible for staff that might encounter a dangerous dog in that environment. His specialized techniques relate, in part, to that tenure, but can be applied in many situations. Wes is currently Executive Director of the J. Tyler Foundation. He 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 Pennsylvania Conference.

KELLEY BOLLEN is currently the owner of Animal Alliances LLC - Companion Animal Behavioral Services, a consulting business, helping animal professionals learn and understand more about animal behavior related issues. She consults with animal shelters, humane organizations, veterinarians, breed rescue groups, and zoological gardens. Kelley previously headed the behavior program at the Massachusetts SPCA. She implemented many programs there including temperament evaluations of shelter dogs, behavioral and environmental enrichment, clicker training to decrease stress and increase adoptability and educational programs for staff, volunteers, local animal control officers, and the public on animal behavior related issues. She also conducted a 2-year research project on the reliability of shelter dog temperament evaluations, aimed at publication in a peer reviewed scientific journal. Kelley offers seminars focused on behavioral evaluations and her research results to shelters nationally.

Kelley is a certified animal behavior consultant and a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She has a Master's degree in Animal Behavior from U. Mass. and a Bachelor's in Wildlife Biology from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

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, ESQ. 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 NY 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 NYC firm of Diamond, Rutman and Costello, 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
DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE AGGRESSION SUBJECT, PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUESTED TO PLEASE LEAVE YOUR DOG AT HOME. (other than service dogs).

PEOPLE ETIQUETTE
During the seminar please turn off all cell phone and pager audio alerts. Please take all private conversations away from the area the speaker is presenting.

VIDEOTAPING
No videotaping or audiotaping, please.

BABIES
The presence of a baby is likely to be distracting to other participants, so we ask that you refrain from bringing any babies or very young children into the lecture hall.

BOOKS & TOYS, ETC. FOR SALE
A selection of books, DVD's and Roping Devices will be available for sale.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Thursday, November 16, 2006.

REFUND POLICY
Full refund issued if requested by email or phone no later than Tuesday, November 14, 2006. Refunds requested after Tuesday, November 14, 2006 will be issued a 50% credit slip (less food purchases) that may be applied to future Puppyworks educational events. No refunds or credits after 5:00 pm Thursday, November 16, 2006.

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 at the seminar location.

In the range of $61-$65 a night: 1. HAMDEN--DAYS INN 340 Whitney Ave. Hamden CT (203) 288-2505 o miles; gym, restaurant; 2. ECONO LODGE 100 Pond Ave., New Haven (203) 387-6651 6 miles, pool, gym, pets ok In the range of $99 - $119 per night: 1. DAYS INN - NEW HAVEN 270 Foxon blvd, New Haven (203) 469 0343 10 miles, pool, hi-speed internet, pool, restaurant, gym, pets ok 2. FAIR FIELD INN BY MARIOTT 400 Sargent Dr. New Haven (203) 562-1111 8 miles, hi-speed internet, gym & pool. 3. HOLIDAY INN NORTH HAVEN 201 Washington St., North Haven (203) 239-6700 3 miles, restaurant & gym.

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CONTACT
	For registration inquiries, contact: email: events@puppyworks.com
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