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.

Leash laws, suburban life, and inadequate socialization can lead to awkward negotiations between dogs, as they try to figure out how to react to another. Though we inept human beings can never hope to teach some of the subtle greeting behaviors that dogs SHOULD know, we can help with some of the gross motor movement. In this presentation, we'll view discuss how dogs communicate, including the different way breeds play. We'll talk about what dogs should be saying to other dogs, and what they are saying, and what owners can do to prevent problems and help their dogs learn.

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

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?

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, October 20, 2005.

REFUND POLICY
Full refund issued if requested by email or phone no later than Wednesday, October 19, 2005. Any refunds requested after October 19th will be issued a 50% credit slip that may be applied to future Puppyworks educational events. No refunds or credits after 9:00 am October 21st.

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.

From the North:

1. I-95 Southbound to Exit 161, Route 1, South (Jefferson -Davis Highway)
2. Go approximately 3 miles and take a left onto Featherstone Road
3. Go approximately 1.0 mile and take a right onto Persistence Drive
4. The building is on the left hand side at the end of the road.
5. Additional parking in back

From the South:

1. I-95 Northbound to Exit 156, Dale City/Rippon Landing
2. Left onto Route 1, North (Jefferson-Davis Highway)
3. Go approximately 1.3 miles and take a right onto Featherstone Road
4. Go approximately 1.0 mile and take a right onto Persistence Drive
5. The building is on the left hand side at the end of the road.
6. Additional parking in back

QUALITY INN AT POTOMAC MILLS (10 minutes away) 109 Horner Rd Woodbridge, VA 22191 1-800-228-5151 www.apluslodging.com/va400/index.htm PETS ARE WELCOME IN SELECTED ROOMS, $20 charge per day ECONO LODGE (12 minutes away) 13317 Gordon Boulevard Woodbridge, VA 22191 1-800-55E-CONO PETS ACCEPTED, $10 charge WYTESTONE SUITES OF POTOMAC MILLS (7 minutes away) 14525 Gideon Dr Woodbridge, VA 22192 1-888-747-8100 www.wytestone.com NO DOGS ALLOWED