Anxiety is arguably the most pervasive and invasive behavior problem we have to deal with. Dogs with separation anxiety don't take time off - they are either with the owner...or they're frantic, desperate, and destructive. Dogs with generalized anxiety seem sure that the world is coming to an end now, and lack the ability to calm themselves down. And dogs that combine fear and anxiety are usually the ones who resort to aggression quickly. During this workshop, we'll examine anxiety, what owners believe about their dogs, and what can be done about it. We'll also look at fear based aggression and behavior modification techniques.

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?

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
WE REQUEST THAT YOU LEAVE YOUR DOG AT HOME AS THERE WILL BE VIDEO AND LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS OF AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR WHICH MAY AGITATE YOUR DOG.

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

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.

VIDEOTAPING
Please, no videotaping or audiotaping is permitted.

BOOKS & TOYS, ETC. FOR SALE
A selection of books, videos and toys will be available for sale.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Friday, October 20, 2006. (Space permiting.)

REFUND POLICY
Full refund issued if requested by email or phone no later than Wednesday October 18, 2006. Refunds requested after Wednesday, October 18 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 Noon, Friday, October 20, 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.

LOCAL: From I-80 or I-61:The Twelve Paws Canine Academy Training Center is located at 4229 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Suite 220. From I-85 take Beaver Ruin Road East, turn right on Steve Reynolds Blvd., turn right into Corner Point Industrial Park, drive straight back to last building. The Training Center is located upstairs.

There are a large number of Hotels and Motels in Norcross and nearby Duluth. Among the closest to the seminar site are the following establishments that represent good value with differing levels of amenities:

Atlanta Marriott --Gwinnett Place 1775 Pleasant Hill Road Duluth, GA 30096 770-923-1775 Full Service Hotel - about $79 per night. NO DOGS Holiday Inn Express--Gwinnett Mall 3670 Shackleford Rd. Duluth, GA 30136 770-935-7171 About $47 to $59 per night. NO DOGS Red Roof Inn -- Atlanta Indian Trail #166 5171 Brook Hollow Parkway Norcross, GA 30071 About $39 per night. (permits one small to medium sized "well behaved" dog)