Slides and discussion.

PART 1.
The Genetic Basis for Domestication
This section is designed to look at the process of evolution that makes it possible for the wild wolf to be transformed into the domestic dog. The Pinocchio Hypothesis of Dog Evolution, long a favorite of dog lovers everywhere, will be contrasted with the biologically sound and exciting theory of destabilization, which results from selecting for tame behavior. We'll focus on a population of African dogs isolated on the island of Pemba in the Indian Ocean. These dogs live among, but without the aid of, people. The object of this study is to draw a baseline of basic proto-dog behavior, and show thereby the intermediate step between the ancestral wolf and the modern dog.

PART 2.
The Proto-dog is Transformed into Natural Breeds
The proto-dog changed over the ages by natural selection into races, varieties, and proto-breeds. Today's adult dogs vary in size, shape and behavior more than any other species of mammal. What were the conditions that led to these various changes in physical and behavioral conformation? How can it be so easy to change a breed's conformation? Again, the task here is to show what the biological mechanisms of change are.

Breeds are transformed again into new shapes and new behaviors. Here we will look at the physical transformation by "artificial" selection of working breeds into companion and show dogs. We will discuss the various consequences to these dogs of inbreeding, deformation of conformation, and environment. We will consider in more detail the relationship between form and behavior. This discussion on Physical Conformation is required to understand Behavioral Conformation presented in the afternoon.

Sled dogs excel at running, a behavioral conformation that is in large measure dependent on their specialized physical conformation. We'll now look at how the behavioral shapes of a breed evolve, and how those shapes affect the dog's performance. Drawing from the behaviors of herding dogs, retrievers and pointers, we'll see how the pieces of a behavior, that is, the motor patterns, are what give us a clue about a dog's genetic makeup. By gaining insight into a dog's motor patterns, you'll find your appreciation of a dog's behavior is greatly enhanced.

Raymond Coppinger, PhD majored in literature and philosophy as an undergraduate at Boston University. His Ph.D. thesis in biology (at the University of Massachusetts) is on the effect of experience and novelty on avian feeding behavior. He joined the founding faculty at Hampshire College in 1969, where he is professor of biology. He teaches and does research on animal behavior, especially the behavior of canines.

Ray's first professional studies of dogs occurred on the runners of a dog sled. During a twelve-year mushing career, he progressed from a five-dog to a sixteen-dog team, won many races on the northeast (USA) circuits, and developed a new strain of fast, responsive sled dogs. Many of these were sold to drivers bound for the Alaskan championship races. His research projects with sled dogs include responses of racing dogs to the stress of heat retention, and the amount of energy required to pull a sled and driver.

In 1976, Ray and his wife Lorna founded the Livestock Guarding Dog Project at Hampshire College. This long-term investigation into the behavior of a new kind of dog for farmers and ranchers in the United States has resulted in greater understanding about early developmental behavior of dogs, and how early experience (or lack of it) can affect adult behavior.

For the past several years, Ray has turned his attention to assistance dogs. His first-hand knowledge of harnesses for dogs, the mechanics and physiology of pulling, and the relationship between experience, training and behavior give him a unique insight into the lives of the dogs which are being asked to enhance the lives of people with special needs.

Ray (and his colleagues and students) have published over fifty papers on his dog research. His favorite publication, however, is the book Fishing Dogs, a humorous and iconoclastic look at dogs, fishermen and professors. His latest book, co-authored with Lorna Coppinger, is DOGS: A Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior, and Evolution, to be published by Scribner, NY, in 2001. His lecture trips around the world to talk about dogs are always supplemented by a day or two searching the waters for the perfect fish.Photo

DOG STUFF
Dogs may lay by your chair in the seminar room as long as they remain quiet, leashed and under control at all times. Crates are allowed in the seminar room on a first come, first serve basis. Availability limited to 20 crates. If your dog can't be confined and remain quiet, please don't bring your dog. Any dog that is disruptive or behaves in an aggressive manner as determined by event staff will be requested to leave. Any dog that has "personal space issues" is not allowed in the seminar room. Remember chairs are right next to each other and people and dogs may be stepping over your dog. It is not a nice experience to be snarled at when dogs/people have to walk "over" your dog.

DOG ETIQUETTE
You are responsible for cleaning up after your dog. There are no excuses for not picking up after your dog EVERYWHERE.

PEOPLE ETIQUETTE
During the seminar, please turn off all cell phone and pager audio alerts. Please take all private conversations outsides while the speakers are presenting.

VIDEOTAPING
Audiotaping is permitted... but, no videotaping, please. You may order some of Ray Coppinger's lectures taped this past July in California.

BOOKS & TOYS, ETC. FOR SALE
Books, videos and toys will be available for purchase. Checks and cash only will be accepted.

YOU MAY REGISTER AT THE DOOR

REFUND POLICY
Full refund issued if requested by email or phone no later than Thursday, April 25th. Any refunds requested after Thursday, April 25th will be issued a 50% credit slip that may be applied to future Puppyworks educational events.

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.

New York State Thruway to Exit 19 Kingston, after toll, traffic circle bear farthest right, follow signs for "Route 28 to route 209" Go through one light (almost immediately) and take Route 209 South/Ellenville. Stay on 209 South for exactly 13 miles,on your right. Seminar will be held in the large blue training building near road.

Super Lodge
at Exit 19, NYS Thruway
Kingston, NY
15 miles away • NO DOGS ALLOWED
845-338-4200

Econo Lodge
at Exit 19, NYS Thruway
New Paltz, NY
NO DOGS ALLOWED
845-255-6200

High Falls Motel
4 miles away
New Paltz, NY
DOGS ALLOWED
845-687-2095

87 Motel
At Exit 18, NYS Thruway
New Paltz, NY
DOGS ALLOWED
845-255-9220

Sparrow Hawk Bed & Breakfast
walking distance
New Paltz, NY
NO DOGS ALLOWED
845-687-4492
Mention Rondout Valley Kennel for special rooms rates.

For registration inquiries, contact:
events@puppyworks.com


For local information, contact:
Rondout Valley Kennel
info@suesternberg.com
phone: 845-687-7619