We are pleased to announce that we have received CEU (continuing education credits) accreditation from the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers, www.ccpdt.org. In order to receive your credits you must complete the Certified Pet Dog Trainers Re-certification Workshop Attendance Sheet available at the Registration Table.

FRIDAY:  7.5 CEU'S
SATURDAY:  7.5 CEU'S
SUNDAY:  7.0 CEU'S

TOTAL:  22.0 CEU'S

It is your responsibility to hold on to your CEU Attendance Sheet, handouts and certificate of attendance until it is time for you to recertify. At that time, you will submit the material with the re-certification application. If you any questions concerning CCPDT, contact: Teri Mercantante • CCPDT • 12 Teakettle Pl • Norwalk, CT 06850 866-847-4788 • ccpdt01@aol.com

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?

Do small dogs require the same training as their fellow 60 pounders? Is it fair to put a 3 lb. Yorkie in the same class as a 90 lb. Labrador? Are people avoiding class because they are fearful for their little tykes? Or, do owners really think little dogs aren't much of a nuisance and don't require training? We've listened to owners' concerns and as a result, developed a training course specifically designed for dogs 30 lbs. or less. Training is done in an environment designed to make learning more enjoyable and comfortable for both owner and dog. Many small dogs rarely leave the house, especially during the cold weather. This course helps maintain behavioral health as well as continued socialization and mental stimulation. Demos and videos will be shown to get you thinking and SMILING! Oh, so cute!

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.

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 discussion, we'll talk about what dogs should be saying to other dogs, and what they are saying, and what owners can and cannot do about it.

Most trainers come in contact with anxious dogs on a regular basis. There are various forms, the most well known of which is separation anxiety. This workshop will discuss practical, real life ways to help our clients avoid being held hostage by their own dog, and make living with an anxious dog more comfortable for both dog and owner.

Canine consultants spend a lot of time talking about dog behavior. But to whom are they speaking? To women, to men and to children. The advice you give and how you phrase it have a great deal to do with whether your clients actually do what you suggest. This discussion will focus on the differences between the sexes and ages, and tips on successful recommendations.

Afraid? Everyone knows what it feels like. We've all been there at one point in our lives. Whether it's dropping 100 feet in the air after hitting a pocket of turbulence, standing up on stage speaking to 500 people or stepping into a snake pit. We all feel it differently, depending on the situation. But, how do dogs feel fear and can they "get over it?" We'll never really know HOW they "feel" it, but fear-related problems can often be treated with great success. However, if the triggers are not identified and you attempt the "oh, get over it treatment plan" the problem can be exacerbated.

The treatment of fear does not necessarily require knowledge of how or why the fear developed in the first place. For treatment to be successful, your dog must have the fear-related stimulus presented to him without feeling fearful. Dealing with fearful dogs can be quite complex especially when a dog is exhibiting phobic behaviors. Sometimes the fears may involve physiological causes or are so extreme that they may require the use of medication. This lecture will cover the possible causes of fear; determining what type of treatment plan to use; understanding classical and operant counter-conditioning and desensitization techniques; and realizing the risks involved when working with a "Frightened Fido." Videos and case histories will be discussed.

When the joys 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.

Join Patricia McConnell and others for a discussion about what's required to act as an applied animal behaviorist.

Leash aggression is a common complaint from our clients. 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. We call it Abandonment Training. In this presentation, we'll discuss which dogs are the right candidates, and how to find them, how to prepare for the technique, how to do it and the follow ups.