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 bite. You will develop and hone your skills by viewing extensive video footage and viewing live demos.

What are the temperament characteristics in the ideal pet dog? What are the qualities that make up 'good' dog behavior? These sessions will use video footage to teach participants to recognize the signs and attributes that make up the companion dog. What is sociability? How to recognize it. How does sociability affect the severity of behavior and temperament problems? How to tell what dog is workable, treatable and manageable; which dogs are too risky. What to look for in the performance dog vs. the pet dog.

A look at dog-dog introductions, appropriate and inappropriate greetings, frustration, aggression, matchmaking and compatibility. Setting up playgroups and an overview of differing play styles will be covered. (video and/or shelter dog demo). Also a brief outline of the special issues that develop in the Agility setting when "drive" and arousal may be heightened in classes and trials, where frustration and displays can mimic aggression.

A look at puppy behavior and temperament. Are puppies born clean slates? Are aggressive dogs born, made or both? What is normal puppy mouthing, what is aggressive mouthing? How can we do better for ourselves and our shelter and training clients. What are the characteristics and behaviors we should be seeking in the ideal pet or performance puppy. (video or shelter dog demo).

Sue Sternberg is the head of Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption, a community not-for-profit animal shelter which serves both the local (upstate New York) community as well as runs national programs, such as Training Wheels, dedicated to ensuring the quality of life of animals in their community and at animal shelters as well as 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. Since 1993, she has operated a not-for-profit animal shelter in rural New York called Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption, which is featured in an HBO documentary called Shelter Dogs (www.shelterdogs.org). Her most 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 on adopting a great dog was published in September '03, through Wiley Publishing. Sue has five dogs and two cats (all adopted), and shares her yard with a host of adopted farm animals. She is an accomplished fiddle player, a mineral and fossil collector, loves Earl Grey tea, and is a major Star Trek fan. Photo

DOG STUFF
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR DOG AT HOME. No dogs attendees' pet dogs are allowed in the seminar room. If you cannot leave your dog at home, your dog must be confined safely and quietly in your vehicle (weather permitting). Sue will be working shelter dogs and presenting video clips of dogs throughout the seminar. We will set up a stage for easy viewing of the speaker and dog demonstrations

PEOPLE ETIQUETTE
During the seminar, please turn off all cell phone and pager audio alerts. Please take all private conversations outside while the speaker is presenting.

VIDEOTAPING
No videotaping or audiotaping, please. You may order videotapes of Sue's past lectures.

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. Checks and cash will be accepted only. Sue will also have her items for sale. Go to www.suesternberg.com for a list of her books and videos.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Thursday, November 3, 2005

REFUND POLICY
Full refund issued if requested by email or phone no later than Wednesday November 2, 2005. Refunds requested after Wednesday, November 2nd 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, November 4, 2005.

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 near 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.Ê 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.Ê The Training Center is located upstairs.Ê

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)