There has been rapid progress in the shift to positive training, and enough time has gone by now that brand new questions are arising as a result of experimenting with "positive" techniques and thought processes!

Although our intent is to educate our clientele about positive training, we will also revisit a variety of training approaches and behavior problem solving techniques to see what has a place in this modern age of dog training.

This conference will give dog trainers, behaviorists, breeders, veterinarians and dog enthusiasts the opportunity to see and hear different views at one educational dog event.

Our goal at this venue is to create a professional environment for education and learning. We are encouraging you to present your viewpoint and philosophies. However, please take note of the points below.

We welcome:

We will not tolerate:

The panels will vary in format, some will be preceded by a short presentation, some by video clips and others will begin with questions from the moderator. The panel members will be situated on tables facing the audience with separate microphones and a moderator will facilitate each discussion. Staff members will be in the audience to provide microphones for audience questions and comments. A moderator will be in every panel session to make sure all discussions remain productive and that disagreements in approaches are handled professionally.

This program will be very different than anything we have organized in the past, and we anticipate some very lively discussions as panelists come together to present their viewpoints. Although we have scheduled time frames for each discussion, we will keep the panel schedule fluid and flexible. Some may require less time while other panels may demand further discussion.

We will offer one track of panels and another track of lectures so you will have some choices on what to attend. The entire track of panel discussions will be videotaped and a selected number of the lectures will be taped.

If you have been questioning what you have heard or have done about aggression, punishment, training methods or your viewpoints about dogs, etc...this is an event to attend. So join us for a day of discussions that will keep you at the edge of your seat!!

Over the last 10-15 years there has been much controversy over the breeding of so-called "wolf-hybrids" or more correctly "wolf-dog crosses." There are numerous stories about these animals and their behavior, most of which serve to inflame public opinion and shed heat rather than light. Ray will discuss the meaning of the term hybrid, and why it is often misapplied. He will also discuss the evolutionary history of dogs in relation to wolves and explain why the scientific name Canis familiaris is no longer considered to be appropriate by biologists. He will show how even experts can sometimes be confused over the identity and pedigree of particular animals and explain how some breeders are trying to generate wolf-like appearance in animals by crossing different breeds of dog.

Over the last 20 years, the private ownership of wolfdogs has grown in popularity. In connection with this popularity there have been many "Big Bad Wolf" tales that have circulated throughout the media. These stories have led to many negative stereotypes that have actually seemed to cause more harm than good. Mace Loftus will give a slide presentation and tell his story of how he and his family have shared their lives with wolves and wolfdogs and their experiences along the way.

In the brave new world of dog training, puppy socialization classes are considered a must. Pups should, we say, learn that the world is a varied, interesting, non-scary world. But sometimes what we teach doesn't turn out to be what they learn. In this panel, we will discuss the pros and cons of puppy socialization classes, and explore ideas about how best to set up classes.

...more barks coming soon.

"Corrections" are nothing more than a reaction to incorrect behavior. When correcting your animal, many people misinterpret the animals's "intentions" as obstinence or disobedience and react in a harsh or violent way. Verbal reprimands, physical manipulation, compulsion, swatting, jerking of the lead are all forms of corrections or punishment.

Whether official or impromptu, dog parks are very popular these days. Owners love them because their dogs get a chance to exercise and socialize with other dogs. Dog parks also provide an opportunity for owners to socialize with each other. But are dog parks always good for dogs? In this panel, will discuss the Good, the Bad and the Ugly of dog parks.

Why are dogs so different from one another? Most agree that at least some of the variability we see in dog behavior is heritable, and therefore genetically determined. This would certainly come as no surprise to most dog trainers. Dogs have been bred specifically to reinforce certain behavioral or personality traits. Some dogs, ranging in size from tiny terriers to massive pit bulls or Dobermans, have been bred for their aggressive nature. Others, such as collies or spaniels, faithfully transmit a docile, loving nature from generation to generation. Still others have been bred to carry out specific tasks related to hunting, or managing flocks of animals. How much is "nature" and how much is "nuture"?

Trainers know that one technique won't work for all dogs or all people. All aspects of training will be candidly discussed, including available equipment and the use, timing and appropriateness of punishment and other consequences.

Trainers can place themselves in danger when they work with dogs, especially dogs with a history of aggression. Owners walking their own dogs can be at risk from loose dogs who approach them, even if the oncoming dog is "friendly." And pedestrians, joggers and cyclists - without dogs themselves - can attract unwanted canine attention or aggression. This panel will discuss various methods that can be used to respond to potentially aggressive dogs.

So, the debate rages on: E-collar, electric collar, shock collar, modern day medieval torture device, life saver, no matter what YOU call it, get the straight scoop about this training device. Attend this panel of trainers, for and against collar use, learn proper usage, places it's effective and places it definitely is not...or is there such a place in your training program? Is this the right way to go with your clients or yourself, is it the end-all beat-all training device? Stop, listen, ask questions, get some answers, or just more things to contemplate, isn't that what learning is all about?

Every trainer has had to deal with the difficult problem of dog to dog aggression. How does one deal with lunging dogs on leash, household aggression, aggressive dogs in dog parks and the many variations of dog to dog aggression? What environmental or genetic conditions may be causing this problem that seems to be growing in epidemic proportions? It is a human tendency to try to punish the unwanted behaviors, so what are some of the approaches that should be considered? And....how do you break up a dog fight?

The term "environmental training" stems from teaching a pet through a variety of experiences. This method does not involve a learned behavior by means of direct contact with the owner, in fact the owner is often out of sight. The word "punishment" is only used here as a general reference to the more appropriate term "correction". The goal of environmental punishment or avoidance behavior modification training is to teach the pet to decrease, avoid or cease inappropriate behavior. The method that is used is typically not visible to the dog and the avoidance behavior occurs at the time or location when the undesirable behavior occurs.

This concept, though sometimes viewed as controversial, is in many cases extremely effective. Punishment and other corrective training techniques require careful assessment and enforcement. These techniques should only be considered after educated judgment and only then combined with ethical restraint and compassion.

A discussion will ensue drawing from the following list, which represents a small sample of the techniques and devices commonly used in environmental training:

• Remote electronic training collars
• Invisible fencing
• Scat Mat
• Sofa Saver
• The Scraminal Critter Gitter
• Smart Bowl
• Taste and odor aversion
• Spring loaded cap devices
• Sneezing powder
• 9 volt battery

Since it's beginning, in 1942, Guide Dogs for the Blind has provided more than 7,500 dogs to people with vision loss. Their mission is to provide enhanced mobility to the visually impaired through partnership with dogs whose unique skills are developed by dedicated volunteers and a professional staff.

Guide dogs provide safe travel in many environments for a visually impaired handler by reliably responding to trained guiding behaviors. Responsibility in performing guiding behaviors and intelligently disobeying commands is imperative for the safety of the handler. Training dogs in being responsible guides is an ongoing challenge in the everchanging world these dogs must work effectively in.

This presentation will discuss both historical and modern techniques used to consistently produce over 30 working guide dogs every month to serve the needs of the blind community. Over the past 6 years GDB has made major changes in techniques to enhance and improve service to the blind while making the training process more positive for staff and dogs. The results has been the introduction of the B.E.S.T. program (A Balanced Educational System of Training) guide dogs. Short introduction by Aerial Gilbert with her German Shepherd "Deanne".

The purpose of this presentation is to give people a different prospective on dog "aggression". This troublesome aspect of dog behavior will be presented from THE THIRD WAY'S new, interesting and provocative point of view that when conflicts arise between people and dogs or between dogs and dogs, they result in "defensiveness" rather than "aggressiveness".

Once these terms are clarified making the real problem more identifiable and palatable, people's expectations of how defensively a dog should respond to an uncomfortable or threatening situation will be explored. THE THIRD WAY'S belief is that dogs are perfect at being dogs and perfect at being themselves. And also whatever defensive behaviors a dog exhibits are natural, normal and necessary because defensiveness is part and parcel of the survival process. Even dogs whose nature or nurture has gone seriously askew resulting in abnormal or exaggerated responses still must be considered perfect at being themselves and are thereby perfect in their responses. Problems only exist because people either do not like or are fearful of a dog's defensive response. To the dog, it is the way to respond. So one part of the solution to defensive problems will have to be changing people's expectations of how any given dog should respond to accepting how any given dog will respond. The next step is to discover if a person will be able to influence the dog's response in any way.

The good news is that although dogs cannot be changed from being dogs, and a dog will always be true to what nature and nurture will dictate, their defensive behavior and responses can very often be prevented, modified and/or managed so they are more pleasing and acceptable to people. Revolutionary and constructive THIRD WAY techniques for preventing defensive problems as well as modifying and managing them will be discussed and demonstrated.

CHRIS BACH
Chris Bach's life has been dedicated to learning as much as possible about the true nature of dogs and about how they learn. Her laboratories and classrooms have been training halls, dog show sites, and clientÕs homes. She is a pioneer in her effort to help dog owners stop feeling that they must battle with their dogs for control. She is successfully demonstrating that using wolf behavior as a model for dog to human or even dog to dog relationships results in an atmosphere of conflict and combativeness which she has proven is inefficient and more importantly unnecessary. She has developed a unique, friendly, yet very effective, approach to training called THE THIRD WAY.

Chris gives dog obedience seminars across the United States and Canada in addition to writing articles for Front and Finish dog training magazine. She has visited Wolf Park in Battle Ground, Indiana and dialoged with leading authorities on dog vs. wolf behavior. She has spoken at Association of Pet Dog Trainers conferences and was asked to join the prestigious American Humane Association committee which brought together fifty of the top trainers in the country to build a code of ethics and guidelines for logical and ethical dog training. Chris is currently writing a book on her exclusive method of training. She lives in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin with her husband and their three dogs.

BARBARA DE GROODT
Barbara De Groodt is the owner of From the Heart Animal Behavior Counseling and Dog Training in Monterey County. The motto of From the Heart is "training with knowledge and respect" and Barbara believes this applies to both owners and pet(s).

Barbara has been an animal behavior counselor for over 30 years, learning many years ago it was easier to have an animal do something because it wanted to not because it was afraid not to. Her training practice has made a big difference in how owners interact with their pets. She has been teaching people about respect for their animals and alternate methods of training for the last 20 years. All programs at From the Heart are behavior based. Training without the pain.

Barbara was one of the original founders of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, APDT (under the guidance of Dr. Ian Dunbar), an international organization that educates trainers in all stages of their growth.

She has lectured around the world to veterinary groups, law enforcement agencies, trainers and pet owners. She is a regular speaker at Western Career College each semester, addressing the Animal Health department.

JEAN DONALDSON
Jean Donaldson is the author of The Culture Clash, Dogs Are From Neptune, the interactive CD ROM Dogs Behaving Badly! and MINE!, a soon to be released manual on resource guarding in dogs. In 1999 she relocated to San Francisco, where she directs The San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers, which has gained a reputation as the Harvard for dog trainers.

Before that, Jean lived in Montreal, where she studied at McGill, founded the Montreal Flyball Association and Renaissance Dog Training as well as toiling her way to a black belt in Hung Gar Kung Fu. She has lectured extensively in the US, Canada and abroad. Her dogs and dogs she has trained have numerous titles and wins in various dog sports.

DONNA DUFORD
Donna Duford is an internationally known lecturer, dog trainer, behavior counselor, and instructor. Donna specializes in positive reinforcement techniques for training and behavior modification and is in demand for her innovative, positive techniques for solving behavior problems. She specializes in child/dog conflicts and is a faculty member of the Pryor Foundation, an organization promoting the study and application of marker-based training to influence behavior in humans and animals. One of Donna's passions is teaching and mentoring other trainers. She lectures worldwide on dog training, behavior and instructing. She has recently relocated to San Francisco from the Boston area.

IAN DUNBAR
Ian Dunbar is a veterinarian, animal behaviourist, author of numerous books on dog behaviour and training, and host of the British television series "Dogs With Dunbar". During the past 30 years, Dr. Dunbar has given over 750 one-day seminars and workshops for dog trainers and veterinarians in an effort to popularize the notions of off-leash, puppy socialisation classes, temperament modification and dog-friendly, lure/reward, fun and games dog training.

SONNY HENEGAR
Sonny Henegar offers board & train programs, obedience classes and protection training in the Suisun, CA area.

TERRY JENKINS
Terry Jenkins was raised on a small California farm, graduated early but spurned further formal schooling. Instead, she chose the "school of hard knocks". Her first involvement with wolves and hybrids was in the early 1970's when she was still a teen. Within two years, she had launched into approximately a decade of breeding wolf hybrids - trying to produce an animal that looked like a wolf but was actually a dog. Terry stopped breeding in the early 80's but still kept all her animals and took in a number of rescue hybrids over the ensuing years and currently has one older low percent male hybrid that was rescued as a stray in Wiemar, CA about 8 years ago. The Folsom Zoo, where Terry works, will continue to maintain a small "pack" of hybrids, separate from the wolves, as long as it is of educational value to the public. The zoo's motto is to "teach and promote responsible human behavior toward all animals" (wild, feral or domestic).

CLAUDIA KAWCZYNSKA
Claudia Kawczynska is the editor-in-chief of The Bark, a national cultural arts magazine that had its beginnings as a advocacy newsletter for a local dog park. She helped to organize a park community group in Berkeley and helped to spearhead the political action effort that lead to the establishment of the 17 acre off leash area along that city's waterfront. She has written extensively on the subject of dog parks, with her particular field of expertise covering public policy matters. She is a nationally recognized expert in this field and her work on the subject has appeared in a variety of publications, including the Washington Post and the Utne Reader.

TRISH KING
Trish King is the Director of the Animal Behavior & Training Department at the Marin Humane Society in Marin County, California. Department programs include personal and telephone 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 10 instructors and behavior counselors and 45 volunteer assistants. King consults with owners of dogs with problems ranging from separation anxiety to excess barking to aggression towards humans or other dogs.

Ms. King teaches workshops on behavior, canine management, temperament assessment, and handling difficult dogs. She established the Dog Training Academy at the Marin Humane Society for new or interested trainers a weeklong school that covers training techniques, handling dogs and teaching people. She is also an instructor for the Officers Training Academy at MHS. A charter member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, an international dog training organization, her training methods are geared towards "positive discipline", always taking into consideration temperamental and breed differences in her students, both canine and human.

THAD LACINAK
Thad Lacinak has more than 29 years of marine mammal training and management experience. Thad is currently Vice President and Corporate Curator for America's foremost marine parks. He oversees 220 animal trainers, the training of hundreds of marine and zoo animals, animal shows, animal husbandry (physical care), behavioral modification techniques and animal enrichment programs. He has won numerous international training awards from the International Marine Animal Association and has written and co-authored 37 published scientific papers on training and behavior. Thad has received professional recognition from the Austin Police Department for his analysis and technical recommendations with their search and rescue dog programs. He currently assists the Texas Hearing & Service Dogs with their training protocols.

Thad is cofounder of Behavior International, a company dedicated to teaching proactive positive reinforcement techniques to the public. He was an invited guest speaker for the Assistance Dogs International Conference in 1999 and has been a keynote speaker for Ken Blanchard's (author of The One Minute Manager) International Client Conference, The Association for Behavior Analysis National Conference, and numerous other state and local dog clubs and organizations.

MACE LOFTUS
Mace Loftus has lived with wolves and wolfdogs for the last 15 years and has worked with animals in general for the last 30 years. What started out as fun hobby raising animals many years ago has turned into a full time career for the Loftus family. Mace uses his animals for wildlife photography, art and documentary work. When the animals are not modeling for the cameras they have a busy life with him doing children's educational programs. Mace cares for and maintains about 18 wolves and wolfdogs of which several are rescues cases, that came from unsuitable situations. He has also worked in conjunction with many wolfdog rescue groups to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned wolfdogs. Although Mace has worked with a wide variety of animals throughout his career he mainly specializes in wolves. Various wolfdog rescue groups and sanctuaries frequently use Mace as an information resource.

KATHY O'BRIEN
Kathy O'Brien has been passionate about dogs for the last fifty Plus years. She bred her first litter in 1954 with top import hunting breeds from Germany where she saw and started to produce that "special something" that defines working champions. Still working towards that "special something" today with some of the best lines of working Malinois in the world. Kathy's breedings can be seen in police K-9, SAR, cadaver, narcotics, explosives and varied dog sports. With her female Eureka and male Bomber, they have produced the current #1 Schutzhund dog in the country. Before she started to break boundaries at her present job as "Puppy Evaluator" for Guide Dogs for the Blind, Kathy worked as Trainer and Evaluator with the SF/SPCA Hearing Dog Program for 12 years. For fun, Kathy trains and competes in extreme dog sports with her Malinois, "Dyna" who just earned the first leg of her Mondioring 1 title and "Bomber" - AKC, CD, ROM.1, FR3, Mondioring 3, PP2, Pro K9 Professional Division Champion 1999, Grand-Champion 2000, Pro Division 2001. For the last four years, Kathy and "Bomber" have been the only top level team, representing the USA at the World Mondioring Championships in Belgium in 1998, France in 1999, Switzerland in 2000, and Italy in 2001. To see pictures and video of Kathy's program of optimizing genetic potential of each working puppy with imprinting and socialization from birth on, please go to www.freedo.com/obreons.

ART O'KEEFE
Art O'Keefe is a retired Lieutenant of Police, having served 29 years in the San Francisco Police Department. He has been training dogs for more than 40 years He began with A.K.C. competition and then went to Police and Protection training in 1962. At that time he co-founded the S.F.P.D. Dog Patrol Unit. He has trained men and dogs for twenty seven police agencies in California, Nevada, Texas and Utah. He has also trained approximately one hundred fifty private citizens with their dogs in personal protection. He continues to judge police dog trials throughout California, Nevada and Utah and has designed and implemented these police trials as well. He was the National Technical Director for the National Association of Protection Dogs for approximately 6 years. Currently he is the K-9 trainer for Ukiah Police Department.

LEE PATRICK
Lee Patrick has been training dogs since 1967. She owned and operated Pulis/Patrick K-9 boarding and training facility from 1970 to 2001. Lee titled numerous breeds in AKC including four OTCH,s, 9 tracking titles, and she has placed in multiple Gaines competitions. In addition, she has trained and titled multiple dogs in Schutzhund to National and International competion. The highlights were winning the 1992 National DVG National champion Sch. III competition and the 1992 and 1993 National Giant Schnauzer championships. Her German Shepherd "Cam" was the first in the history of the breed to win the Obedience Victris title two years in a row and the Schutzhund victris and obedience Victris at the same Nationals. Lee has been blessed with having wonderful dogs and working with a great community of dog trainers and pet owners!

RAY PIEROTTI, PhD
Dr. Ray Pierotti is a Professor of Evolutionary Ecology in the Division of Biological Sciences at the University of Kansas. His area of research is the study of hybridization in monogamous vertebrates, including the dog family Canidae which are the most consistently monogamous group of mammals. He also studies the evolution of behavior and anatomy of hybrids and how these relate to their ancestral forms. He studies how the process of domestication affects the evolution of mammals. He has published more than 60 papers on these topics, and has given numerous talks before both scientific and lay groups concerning his research, including the US Dept of Aghriculture Rabies information group. He has served as an expert witness on behavior and classification in dog cases in both the US and Canada.

MICHELE POULIOT
Michele Pouliot has been a professional guide dog instructor for 28 years. Michele began her instructor apprenticeship with Guide Dogs for the Blind in 1974, attaining her state license and qualification in 1977. She has held positions of Apprentice Development, Class Supervisor and Dog Training Supervisor authoring the schools first guide dog training manual in 1980. In 1994 Michele was assigned the position of Director of Training for a new Oregon campus in the planning stages, relocating to Oregon to establish dog training and student training programs and staff for the new campus. At that time she was given responsibility for "Standards and Techniques" within the two training departments, ensuring consistency in the programs at each campus. Michele is active chair of the US Dog Guide Council of Directors of Training and an international guide dog School Assessor for the International Federation of Guide Dog Schools. She has completed assessments on guide dog schools in Norway, Austria, and the Czech Republic. She will be assessing 3 schools in Great Britain this March. Beginning in 2001, Michele was appointed to a new position of Research and Development for Guide Dogs for the Blind. This position focuses on developing and researching new techniques for all areas of student instruction, dog training programs, and puppy development.

CHUCK TOMPKINS
Chuck Tompkinshas more than 25 years of marine mammal and exotic animal training and management experience. Chuck is currently Vice President and Curator for the largest marine life park in the world. He has experience with over 100 different animal species including killer whales, psittacines, raptors, primates, hoofstock, and canines. Chuck is responsible for the overall training of animals, animal husbandry (physical care), show production, behavioral modification techniques and animal enrichment programs. He is a Florida State certified and federally permitted master falconer. He has won numerous international training awards from the International Marine Animal Association and has written and co-authored 14 published scientific papers on training and behavior.

Chuck is cofounder of Behavior International, a company dedicated to teaching proactive positive reinforcement techniques to the public. He has been the keynote speaker for the International Marine Mammal Symposium, Ken Blanchard (author of The One Minute Manager) International Client Conference, the Dalmatian Club of America, the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors, Inc., and many other state and local dog clubs and organizations.

Chuck is an active member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, the International Marine Animal Trainers Association, the International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine, the Society for Marine Mammalogy, and the Association for Behavior Analysis, International Association of Avian Trainers & Educators, and the National and Florida Audubon Society.

TED TURNER
Ted Turner has been in the animal training field since 1975, having worked with canines, birds of prey, psitticines, marine mammals and a variety of other zoo animals. He served as Vice President of Animal Training for SeaWorld Cleveland, responsible for managing the animal training department and the killer whale shows, and recently as President of the International Marine Animal Trainers Association. He has written, trained and performed in some of the world's most exciting animal shows and has won international awards for his contributions. Ted has been conducting dynamic hands-on pet training clinics and dog training seminars for the past eleven years using a variety of multi-media. His talks and seminars are, "ƒas fun as they are entertaining, and filled with information!" Along with his continuing seminar series, he consults with a number of zoos, marine mammal facilities and kennel clubs. Ted has published over 35 articles and scientific papers on animal training and frequently writes for Soundings, a publication of the International Marine Animal Trainers Association. His most recent book chapter on animal training will be published in The Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals, (Academic Press) and is due out in December of 2001.

SAPIR WEISS
Sapir Weiss is owner and training director of Olivet Kennel's and is internationally respected in his profession. Based on his extensive experience working with dogs and families, Sapir has designed special programs that enable owners to understand their dogs and enjoy satisfying relationships with them. Sapir is a state certified dog trainer who developed PG&E's Dog Bite Prevention Program and currently trains and certifies on duty police dogs. He regularly serves as a seminar speaker on canine behavior and continues to train dogs here and abroad for use in the advertising and film industries. Clients frequently comment how informative and effective the training sessions are. Sapir's personal touch makes Olivet Kennel a unique dog training facility.

Jan Elster, MA
Jan Elster, M.A. has been an Organizational Development Consultant specializing in groups that work with animals for over 16 years. She provides communication workshops on subjects such as customer service, interpersonal styles and techniques, interview skills, team building, working with difficult people, the art of teaching people as well as an array of workshops on leadership skills. She strongly believes that people are harder to train than dogs, so she especially enjoys offering people-training skills for dog trainers and has done so for several years at many conferences and academies. Having been a repeat student in obedience level one many times, she has a good sense of how adults learn best in these situations. She offers a humorous point of view from a perspective of understanding the "mind" of the learner and the dilemmas of the trainer. She enjoys assisting groups that work with animals to design their strategic plans, to facilitate group work and to present workshops at their conferences.

Rick Johnson
Rick Johnson is the Associate Executive Director of the Marin Humane Society where he has worked on behalf of the animals since 1980. Prior to working at MHS, he worked for animal welfare groups in Oregon and Colorado. He attended California State University at Sacramento and a masters degree program at the University of Oregon. He is past president and current board member of the State Humane Association of CA, Chairperson of the CA Council of Animal Advocates and Director of the Northern CA Animal Law Enforcement Training Academy. He has also held "how to" workshops in favor of dog parks at the Annual National Congress of Park and Recreation, Association of Pet Dog Trainers and The HSUS Animal Care Expo, consulted with park and recreation departments around the country and worked closely to implement five local dog parks.

DOGS AT THE HUMANE SOCIETY
This symposium will take place at the Humane Society's education center which includes their pavilion and auditorium. Please read carefully the rules indicated below concerning dogs. We ask that you follow and respect the rules listed below. These rules have been approved by facility management for the safety of your dog(s).

• NO DOGS are allowed in the auditorium.
• Your dog(s) must accompany you AT ALL TIMES. This means if you want to attend any events in the auditorium, please leave your dog at home.
• Very limited space for crates or x-pens in the pavilion. Space available on a first-come, first-serve basis. You may not leave your dog unattended in the pavilion and participate in activities scheduled in the auditorium.
• Dogs must be quiet, under control and leashed at all times.
• Dogs cannot be confined outside on humane society grounds.
• You can and will be cited by an Animal Service Officer and your dog will be removed from your vehicle if they are confined unsafely or are noisy and under stress.
• No dogs are allowed in the fenced-in gravel area behind the pavilion.
• Dogs may exercise ON LEASH ONLY and potty on the grass adjacent to the pavilion.
• You are responsible for picking up after your dog and disposing of dog waste in the marked boxes. Do not dispose of dog waste in the trash cans.

DOG BEHAVIOR ETIQUETTE

• Any dog that is disruptive or behaves in an aggressive manner as determined by event staff will be requested to leave the conference areas.
• Any dog that has "personal space issues" should not be in the seminar rooms. Remember, chairs are right next to each other and people and dogs may be stepping over your dog. It is not a nice experience to be snarled at when dogs/people have to walk "over" your dog.
• Please report any dog manner problems to the Registration Table so that we may address the problem quickly.

PEOPLE ETIQUETTE: During the lectures, please turn off all cell phone and pager audio alerts. Please take all private conversations outside while the speakers are presenting.

VIDEOTAPING/AUDIOTAPING POLICY: No videotaping or audiotaping is permitted.

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

CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY: A full refund will be issued if requested before Monday, February 18, 2002. Any refunds requested after February 18th will be issued a 50% credit slip (excluding any food purchase) that may be applied to future Puppyworks educational events. All refunds must be requested by email or phone. There are no exceptions to this policy.

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. You may use the parking lots to unload only. There will be Marin Humane Society staff directing you to the appropriate parking area. On the weekends, parking is also available on the street. Rain can make this lot very muddy, so prepare to park on the street if we have a rainstorm prior to the event.

HOTEL ROOM SHARING
In an effort to help those individuals who wish to share a hotel room, a room listing will be compiled and distributed by February 9th. Individuals may contact others seeking a "roomie". To be included on and to receive the room share list, please check the box on the Registration Form.

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 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.

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. You may use the parking lots to unload only. There will be Marin Humane Society staff directing you to the appropriate parking area. On the weekends, parking is also available on the street. Rain can make this lot very muddy, so prepare to park on the street if we have a rainstorm prior to the event.

BEST WESTERN NOVATO OAKS
215 Alameda del Prado
Novato, CA
415-883-4400 or 800-625-7466
www.renesonhotels.com
Dogs allowed with a $50.00 refundable deposit

INN MARIN
250 Entrada Dr
Novato, CA
800-652-6565
www.innmarin.com, complimentary continental breakfast
Dogs allowed

Mention PUPPYWORKS to receive our discounted winter rate of $79.00 per night single/double occupancy. There is a one time $20.00 pet fee and $10.00 for each additional person. Make reservations on or before January 22nd to guarantee hotel rate listed. After the cut-ff date, the hotel will accept our group rate if space is available.

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. We do require that any pets left in guest rooms unattended be crated.

For all airline and car rentals, please contact Diane Polss at All Travel.

For registration inquiries, contact:

events@puppyworks.com