Do the risks outweigh the benefits of puppy training and socialization classes? A well-run puppy kindergarten class can definitely get puppies off to a good start. Understanding dogs' social behavior is a crucial part of conducting a successful class. But, who is teaching these classes and what advice is being given? Are trainers interpreting the behaviors and interactions correctly? Do they truly know the definition of socialization? Have trainers gotten cold feet about using the word punishment in their repertoire? Are puppies leaving class ill mannered, fearful or even worse, an accident waiting to happen? We've seen a massive increase in dog- dog aggression. Where have we gone wrong and how can we make it right? Are puppies coming in with high risk problems? Who are they and what went wrong?

A dog leaves puppyhood and enters adolescence at about the age of 5 months, and doesn't leave it until 2 and a half or 3, depending on the individual dog. The most challenging age is usually between 8 and 18 months (which is when most dogs are surrendered to shelters). Some dogs pass through this phase with little trouble, but most drive their owners crazy! During this phase, it can be hard for owners to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Many small behavior problems can become large ones, and large ones can get much worse. Dogs learn to repeat behaviors that are successful - including bullying, fearful snapping, escaping, and mouthing, to name a few - until they become perfect. In this session, we'll use video to help recognize potential problem behaviors and problem dogs. We'll also discuss prevention, intervention and modification methods geared for this age group.

When the joy of living with more than one dog is replaced with a 24-hour referee job, one must sit down and think whether the constant conflict between resident dogs is taking a toll on the entire "pack." Is the fighting affecting the quality of life of one or more dogs? Can the average pet owner begin to learn about canine social behavior to better understand the triggers that may be causing the fights? So-called "sibling rivalry" is an on-going struggle between two or more dogs who reside together. They may range from scuffling and toxic play to serious fights. One or both may require medical attention. Is the fighting "clean" or "dirty?" Is the owner always present or absent? These are just some questions which we need to look into to help resolve the problem. Case histories and videos will be reviewed as well as a variety of behavioral protocols for each type of case.

Aggression is the most common serious behavior problem that we face as canine professionals. There are a variety of kinds of aggression, activated by different kinds of stimuli. For each kind there are preferred methods of behavior modification, including - but not limited to - habituation, desensitization, counter-conditioning, and abandonment. In this workshop, using both video and live examples, we'll discuss several different types of aggression, and appropriate behavior modification techniques for each, including abandonment training for leash aggressive dogs.

TRISH KING is the Director of the Animal Behavior &Training Department at the Marin Humane Society in Marin County, California. Department programs include behavior consultations with the public, dog training classes (including classes for aggressive dogs), evaluations of adoption dogs, and training classes specifically geared for dogs up for adoption.

She has been instrumental in implementing innovative programs to help screen incoming animals, and train dogs while they wait for adoption. Department staff includes 15 instructors and behavior counselors and 45 volunteer assistants.

Ms. King teaches workshops and seminars on behavior, canine management, consultations, temperament assessment, and handling difficult dogs. She established the Canine Consultant/Instructor Academy at Marin Humane for new or interested trainers, a weekly program which covers training theory and, handling dogs and teaching people.

She is a member of the panel that put together the Delta Society's Professional Standards for Dog Trainers: Effective, Humane Principles. She has spoken nationally at several well-known venues, including APDT Conferences, HSUS and AHA. She wrote the Dog Training Manual, Dog Sense, and has just completed the book "Parenting Your Dog" (TFH Publishing 2004).

PIA SILVANI is Director of Training and Behavior at St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center, Madison, New Jersey. Through research, continuing education, and enthusiasm she developed a pet training curriculum focusing on positive, reward-based techniques, enhancing the bond and relationship of the dog and her human companion. The result is an astounding 75+ classes per week, including 8 levels of pet training classes and specialty courses for dogs with extreme behavioral problems. She has written five training manuals used around the country as a resource guide for other trainers, and developed a behavioral department, offering a wide range of private consultations for canine and feline behavioral problems. She is also co-Author (with Lynn Eckhardt) of the book "Raising Puppies &Kids Together " (TFH Publishing 2005).

Pia conducts behavior/temperament testing as well as runs a Canine Coach training program for shelter dogs. She writes quarterly behavior articles for the shelter's newsletter; has been written up many times in national, state and local newspapers and made numerous guest appearances on television and radio. She has spoken at various conferences and forums around the country and routinely consults with various shelters (including San Francisco SPCA) to assist them in improving and expanding their programs.

Other accomplishments:

• Member of the American Humane Association Task Force for Humane Dog Training
• Business Practice chairperson of the Delta Guidelines for Humane Dog Training, which was published in 2001.
• Past V.P. of the APDT and charter member
• Restructured the training curriculum with five team members for over 500 PETsMART stores in North America
• Staff instructor of the ITC and AITC training program for the past 3 years
• Subject Matter Expert for the first national certification program for dog trainers
• Board of Directors of Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers

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).

We will be working with shelter dogs and presenting video clips of dogs throughout the conference.

Our main concern continues to be the care and safety of the dogs. Due to past compliance difficulties, Puppyworks reserves the right to remove any dog or person from Marin Humane Society property if our dog rules are not adhered to or if individuals put their dogs at risk. Please note, the property of the Marin Humane Society is under the control of the Marin County Animal Service Officers who act independently of Puppyworks.

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.

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, videos and toys will be available for sale.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Thursday, April 6, 2006.

REFUND POLICY
Full refund issued if requested by email or phone no later than Wednesday, April 5, 2006. Refunds requested after Wednesday, April 5, 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 12:00 noon (EST) Friday, April 7, 2006.

PARKING
Please park your vehicle in the dirt parking lot to the right of the Humane Society or on the side streets. NO PARKING IN THE MAIN OR BACK LOTS ALLOWED. These lots must be made available to shelter visitors and employees.

FROM H101 SOUTH: Exit Bel Marin Keys Blvd., turn left at first light toward Bel Marin Keys Blvd., turn right at Bel Marin Keys Blvd. Humane Society is on your left.

FROM H101 NORTH: Exit Bel Marin Keys Blvd., go east over the freeway. Humane Society is on your left at the first light.

BEST WESTERN NOVATO OAKS 215 Alameda del Prado Novato, CA 415-883-4400 or 800-625-7466 www.renesonhotels.com DOGS ALLOWED All rooms have refrigerators, coffee makers, hair dryers, irons and boards. Complimentary continental breakfast buffet each morning. Novato's newest destination restaurant, The Wild Fox, on property with room service available. ***Complimentary van shuttle service to Marin Humane Society and return. HOTEL PET RULES: Dogs are allowed however with a $50.00 refundable deposit at check in. If no damage is done to hotel property they refund this deposit. Dogs should be crated while in hotel guest room when left unattended. Dog walking areas outside of hotel, clean up expected. COURTYARD by MARRIOTT 1400 N Hamilton Pkwy Novato, CA 415-883-8950 NO DOGS ALLOWED

INN MARIN 250 Entrada Dr. Novato, CA 800-652-6565 www.innmarin.com DOGS ALLOWED Pet friendly property with pet walking areas and waste stations on 5 acre site. Exercise room, guest laundry and complimentary shuttle to and from the Marin Humane Society is available. Guest room features include hair dryers, coffee makers (new) irons & boards, speaker phones with 2 lines, data ports, and guest room DSL. HOTEL PET RULES: Any damage sustained to the hotel rooms as the result of an unmanaged pet will be the responsibility of the guest renting the room and appropriate repair or cleaning charges will be levied. They require that any pets left in guest rooms unattended be crated. BOARDING KENNELS Atherton Acres, 415-897-7311 Bridewell Hilltop, 415-897-5471 Country Inn, 415-897-6022 Happy Pets Inn (in Sonoma), 707-939-1919