Assess-A-Pet has been used to evaluate shelter dogs for more than 20 years. It is a gentle test that reveals a great deal about who a dog is and what placement and/or behavior modification or training programs are appropriate. A study involving more than 2,000 dogs proved that the test is predictive of future behavior.

In order to live with, work with and safely handle dogs you must be able to read their body language and facial expressions. This session will take you step-by-step through the process of interpreting the often complex and subtle signals dogs give us.

Aggressive dogs tell us they are going to bite long before they growl, snarl or snap. You will develop and hone your skills by viewing extensive video footage and viewing some live demos. Issues to be discussed will include degree of sociability or a lack of it, hard staring, distinguishing between friendly and overly assertive behavior and the many different signals generated by tail position combined with body postures such as freezes, stiffening up, muscling up, muzzle bops etc.

Now, for the first time the test has been modified for use in private behavior settings. Some key temperament variables are better understood with in-home as opposed to shelter settings: specifically real world interactions with household members as well as strangers. Critically, a more complete picture of sociability is available. How does sociability affect the severity of behavior and temperament problems? What is the behavior around resources such as a squeak toy or a pig's ear? You also learn more in home because the owner can perform some of the handling. You learn how to tell which dog is workable, treatable and manageable; which dogs are too risky.

Limited to 25 people to assure hands-on focus; Saturday's lecture or the equivalent strongly urged as a pre-requisite.

A.M. A comprehensive review of body language and facial expression,within a simulated environment incorporating many in-home attributes. Live dogs and videos will be used to show the range of signals dogs give us, but now you will be fully participating in evaluating these interactions. Dogs often give very subtle signals and you will learn, this time up close and personal, how to develop your observation skills and how to interpret what you are seeing.You will observe how aggressive dogs telegraph a bite long before they growl, snarl or snap. You'll consider degree of sociability or a lack of it, and hard staring. You'll distinguish between friendly and overly assertive behavior and the different signals generated by tail position combined with body posture.

P.M. will have you observing a wide variety of dogs and making your own observations and interpretations. Participants will be divided into groups and you will observe dogs on videos as well as live dogs.

Using Assess-A-Pet's score sheets, you'll learn to read the most subtle signals. One on one critiques of your scoring will be given as you hone your skills.

Sue Sternberg is the head of Rondout ValleyAnimals for Adoption, a community not-for-profit animal shelter serving the local (upstate New York) community, whichwas featured in an HBO documentary called Shelter Dogs (www.shelterdogs.org).Shehas also developed nationalpr ograms, such as Training Wheels®, dedicated to ensuring the quality of life of animals in their community, at animal shelters and in safe animal adoptions,around the world. She has over 23 years of canine behavior experience, including as an animal control officer, a behavior consultant at the ASPCA, a kennel and animal shelter owner, a successful competitor in a variety of dog sports, and a teacher of dog trainers. Her recent shelter guide book is Great Dog Adoptions: A Guide for Shelters (Latham Foundation Press, 2002,www.latham.org). Her first book written for the general public, Successful Dog Adoption was published in September '03, by Wiley Publishing.

DOG STUFF
Due to space limitations, we will not be permitterd to have dogs in the meeting room.

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
No videotaping or audiotaping is permitted. A selection of videotapes and books will be available for sale.

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.

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

REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Thursday, May 1, 2008

REFUND POLICY
A full refund (excluding food orders) will be issued if requested before Wednesday, April 30. No refunds or credits issued after 12:00 pm on Friday, May.2. All refunds must be requested by email or phone. There are no exceptions to this policy.

PARKING
There should be ample parking near the seminar location.

New York State Thruway (I 87) to Exit 19 Kingston (91 miles north of New York City or 51 miles south of Albany, NY). After toll, stay to the farthest right at the round-about, and follow signs for Route 28 to Route 209. After about 1/4 mile on Route 28 go through one light and almost immediately thereafter take Route 209 South in the direction of Ellenville. Stay on Route 209 South for exactly 13 miles, and just past Sparrow Hawk Bed and Breakfast, you will come to Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption on the right. Seminar will be held in the large blue training building closest to the road.