As we know, many dog owners are ignorant about what aggression is and is not. They don't understand that temperament and early experience can have a strong influence on all dog behavior, including aggression, and it's our job to help them differentiate between types and address possible modification techniques. The earlier we can analyze what is causing the behavior, the more effective our intervention can be. During this discussion, we will evaluate video examples of the principal types of aggression, as well as some subsets. As the weekend progresses, we can address behavior modification of individual types. These include:

• Dominance aggression
• Territorial aggression
• Conflict aggression
• Excessive arousal
• Predatory behavior
• Facilitated aggression
• Possession aggression

A dog 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.

Can we change dogs' behavior? We humans have a difficult time even changing ourselves when we are motivated, so addressing a dog's behavior - especially when it is well-practiced - can be difficult. Perhaps a more realistic question is "can we change the relationship between dog and owner to help modify a dog's behavior?" Given the realities of life, what techniques for behavior modification are truly effective on which specific kinds of aggression? And what percentage of the time? What kinds of aggressive behavior can be "managed" but are not likely to be really "modified." And what kinds of cases are not even manageable, given the circumstances of a client's life?

Leash aggression is a common complaint from our clients. A dog lunges at other dogs when he or she is on leash, but not when he is free. Because they're afraid the dog will actually attack another dog, most owners spend a lot of time trying to tell the dog what NOT to do when they should be teaching the dog what TO do. Using this technique in combination with others often leads to rapid improvement, especially when done under optimal conditions. In this presentation, we'll discuss which dogs are appropriate candidates, how to prepare to use the technique, how to do it and the follow ups.

Trish King, CPDT 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.

DOG STUFF
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR CANINE FRIENDS AT HOME. NO ATTENDEE PET DOGS ALLOWED. PRE-SELECTED DEMONSTRATION AND CASE STUDY DOGS ONLY.

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

VIDEOTAPING
Audiotaping is permitted... but, no videotaping, please.

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

REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Thurscay, May 19, 2005.

REFUND POLICY
Full refund issued if requested by email or phone no later than Wednesday, May 18, 2005. Any refunds requested after October 13th will be issued a 50% credit slip that may be applied to future Puppyworks educational events. No refunds or credits after 9:00 am May 20th.

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.

Station #3 is located on Mercer Ave & Maple Drive in Hermitage, PA.

Hermitage is a short drive from Pittsburgh (One and 1/4 Hours) and close to Ohio cities such as Akron (One Hour) and Cleveland (1.5 Hours)

HOWARD JOHNSON
835 Perry Hwy
Mercer, PA
724-748-3030
Dogs allowed, 15 minutes away

COMFORT INN
Rt 18 & Wilson Rd
West Middlesex, PA
724-342-7200
No dogs allowed, 2 minutes away

SUPER 8 MOTEL
3369 Newcastle Rd
West Middlesex, PA
724-528-3888
Dogs allowed with $10.00 pet fee, 2 minutes away

RADISSON HOTEL
Rt 18 & I80
West Middlesex, PA
724-528-2501
Dogs allowed, 2 minutes away

For registration inquiries, contact:
events@petworkshops.com
phone: 917-699-6440

For local information, contact:
Nanci Takash
nancitakash@hotmail.com