1. Camp R.E.W.A.R.D. (Realizing Excellence With Attention, Redirection & Desensitization) for Aggressive / Reactive Dogs
   
   How to manage, train and start the desensitization process with the aggressive dog in a positive, pro-active and effective manner. Foundation behaviors and enrichment programs will also be discussed and demonstrated (video).
   
   Summary of Presentation
   Our job as positive trainers is to help identify problems before they start, and teach specific exercises in our pet classes designed to eliminate the need for aggressive dog classes. The aggression we see is often due to a lack of simple foundation behaviors or use of punitive methods in training. Humans can create aggression by punishing dogs, using a leash incorrectly or using electric devises to stop unwanted behaviors.
   
   Ten Foundation Behaviors: Camp R.E.W.A.R.D. addresses aggression using counterconditioning and systematic desensitization, along with positive training for a base core of ten foundation behaviors. We add additional foundation behaviors for the more advanced dog and handler, Enrichment training is also utilized: e.g. competition obedience, agility and Rally skills, Freestyle, free-shaping, swimming- anything to keep the dog busy and not aggressing.
   
   Additional Components:
   • Understanding the causes of aggression, including the human related factors we can most easily control: inappropriate reactions to dog behaviors, scheduled induced aggression, poor timing, physical stress, pain, observational learning etc.
   • Breaking down behaviors into small approximations, always setting the dog up for success.
   • Staying focused and concentrating under pressure.
   • Turning off the environment and tuning into the dog.



2. Setting Up Your Own Aggressive Dog Classes The need for aggressive dog classes is on the rise. It is a good testament to our society that more and more people want to help their dogs instead of euthanizing them. Many trainers may benefit from added knowledge of how to run these types of classes. The risk for a bite incident or further stress to the dog may be high if the class is handled inappropriately. Specific protocols and criteria on prerequisites for joining a class and management of a class will be addressed and demonstrated. How to judge which dogs are and are not appropriate for a group class will be discussed.

1. Concept: We teach aggressive dogs core/foundation behaviors before working on systematic desensitization. But there is another aspect of a solid foundation--the dog's "inner" foundation,--self-assurance, ability to cope or lack thereof, and motivation to act in certain ways. How do we tap into that canine "inner foundation?"
   
   Free shaping seems to help. It teaches the handler how to break behaviors into very small approximations, capture them with precise clicking and food delivery and to be quiet allowing the dog to think. The dog learns that it's okay to problem solve and offer behaviors (for which he's rewarded), and that he can influence his environment.
   
   Seeing their aggressive dog learn to solve mental puzzles is exciting for the handler. They often start to think, "Maybe my dog really can learn to be more like other "normal" dogs." They become immersed in the free-shaping process and extremely tuned into their dog. The growing connection between dog and handler generates enthusiasm and dedication to stick with the long haul of systematic desensitization.



2. Basic Technique of "Free Shaping" --Click and reward the smallest step in the direction of a desired behavior. Then wait for the offer of the next tiny increment in that direction. Reinforce each step totally without luring or prompting. (Video Demo)



3. Free Shaping Exercises for Aggressive Dog & Handler Alone (Video Demos.): Dogs appear to become totally engaged in the learning process with free-shaping. Once they grasp the concept, they start to pick up all new behaviors faster and faster. Even if they are not working on free-shaping for a particular session, the dogs give their owners much more attention then they did before learning how to free-shape.



4. Free Shaping Exercises for Aggressive Dog & Handler- with other dog / handler teams present (Video Demos): Free-shaping in the presence of other dogs that are also busy free shaping creates a climate of concentrated attention to their owner, and the dogs are not reacting to provoking stimuli.



5. End Game: In free-shaping a dog is more likely to problem solve by trying new and different things, which can lead to learning alternate and acceptable behaviors faster. Coupled with the desensitization process, they will then learn to react in a more appropriate, non-aggressive, manner for our human society.

PAM DENNISON is the author of five books: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Positive Dog Training; Bringing Light to Shadow; A Dog Trainer's Diary; How to Right a Dog Gone Wrong: A Roadmap For Rehabilitating Aggressive Dogs; Click Your Way to Rally Obedience and Civilizing the City Dog. She has 4 DVD's including: Positive Solutions for Standard Behavior Problems, and Camp R.E.W.A.R.D for Aggressive Dogs (Barkleigh Productions). She runs Positive Motivation Dog Training in NJ. and lectures and leads seminars both nationwide and internationally.

DOG STUFF
Due to space limitations and subject matter 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.

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

REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Thursday, September 10, 2009

REFUND POLICY
A full refund (excluding food orders) will be issued if requested before Wednesday, September 9. No refunds or credits issued after 12:00 pm on Friday, September 11. No refunds for lunch orders after Monday September 7. All refunds must be requested by email or phone. There are no exceptions to this policy.

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I-290 west (Eisenhower Expwy.--14 miles) keep left to I-88 west (Regan Expwy.)via exit 15A toward IN (17mi) Take IL 59 exit and left onto IL 59 South (3 1/2 miles) Right onto 95th St. (1.0 miles), then Left onto S. 248th Ave (.1 mile), then right at Wolf's Crossing (.8 mile) and left onto Clow Creek (.3 mile to bldg. on left).

FROM MADISON WI (145 miles; 2 1/2 hours)
I-39 south toward Janesville / Chicago (89 miles) into i-88 east (Regan Expwy.) toward Chicago (30 3/4 mi.) to IL -47 Exit & right onto IL -47 south (7 miles) to left on to US-30 (8 1/4 miles) then left onto US-34 /30 (1/2 mi.) then right onto US-30 (3/4 mi.) Follow US 30 (2.0 miles) left at Wolfs Rd. (213 ft.) and continue on W. Wolfs Rd. (1.3 mile) and right on Clow Creek (.3 mile to bldg. on left)

FROM MILWAUKEE WI (112 miles; 2 hours)
I-43 south toward Chicago (63 3/4 miles) to I-294 south toward Indiana / O'Hare (21 3/4 miles); merge onto I-88 west and follow directions above for going from Chicago after getting on to I-88 west.

FROM DAVENPORT IA (146 miles; 2 1/2 hours)
I-80 east toward Chicago (15 miles) to Exit 4B for I-88 east toward Sterling / Rock Falls (109 1/4 miles) to IL -47 south & follow same route after this point as per directions for travel from Madison WI.

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