Basic research results
Research done at the University of North Texas suggests that classical treatments for aggression may have us all barking up the wrong tree. Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz and Kellie Snider have devised a shaping-based, operant approach to treating aggression in clients' homes that is producing stronger and much faster results than classical positive desensitization and counter conditioning.

They show that aggression is learned behavior. Their research results also show that the Constructional Approach can change the consequences for the behavior: turning aggression into friendliness.

The new approach to aggression
At UNT, they explored whether aggression could be reduced by the contingent withdrawal of an aversive stimulus, introduced at low intensities. They ended up with dogs that both tolerated, and were friendly with, the strangers they were once aggressive toward. The dog solicited interaction from the formerly aversive stimulus he was previously attacking. He wasn't just ignoring the stimulus or turning to his owner in its presence, either. He was just not worried about it any more.

This session continues exploring the UNT training procedure, using video and live demonstration. Other topics include the poisoned cue, functional analyses of aggressive behaviors, and stimulus control.

The CAT procedure uses negative reinforcement because positive reinforcement may achieve stillness in the face of aversive stimuli, but rarely produces friendliness toward the aversive stimulus.

Negative reinforcing + low intensity aversives
With CAT the dog gets what he originally wanted. The dog chooses the reinforcer...the negative reinforcement of distancing... but the trainer will differentially reinforce safer and friendlier behaviors with that reinforcer. The result is a decoy that is now a conditioned reinforcer... and thus no longer aversive.

Jesús and Kelli use negative reinforcement -- most importantly, because the dogs have to learn to deal with the aversive stimuli that trigger aggression in order to get past it. They teach the dog that he doesn't have to turn away from fearsome stimuli and hope his owner is on the ball. At a certain point, the dog is simply no longer afraid of the stimuli.

That's what they accomplish with negative reinforcement combined with errorless (below threshhold) learning . They treat a behavior functionally, providing the reinforcer the animal is already working for, but providing it contingently, incorporating safe, friendly behaviors (as part of a carefully controlled shaping process).

That is the behavior modification shaping process that you will learn about, first-hand, in this ground breaking two-day seminar.

Jesús Rosales-Ruiz, PhD   is a behavior analyst who earned his doctorate at the University of Kansas. He is an associate professor of behavior analysis at the University of North Texas, and the advisor for the Organization for Reinforcement Contingencies with Animals (ORCA) which conducts behavior and training research with animals in natural settings outside the laboratory. He mentors students who conduct research in animal behavior and training. He is also a popular instructor at Karen Pryor's ClickerEXPO.

Kellie Snider, MS  is a board certified associate behavior analyst. She has been involved in animal training since 1998 and has been a freelance writer since 1988, with dozens of published magazine articles.

Jesús and Kellie have lectured nationwide on "Shaping Away Aggression" including at the Humane Society, St. Louis, MO., Upper Valley Humane Society, Enfield, New Hampshire. DogTEC; SanFrancisco, CA. & the Riverside Animal Shelter, Riverside, CA, as well as in Ottowa,Canada.

Kellie was also a featured speaker at the International Positive Dog Training Association on the subject of "Beyond Genetics and Dominance: How To Switch off Canine Aggression."

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.

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

REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Thursday, June 5, 2008

REFUND POLICY
A full refund (excluding food orders) will be issued if requested before Wednesday, June 4. No refunds or credits issued after 12:00 pm on Friday, June 6. No refunds for lunch orders after Monday June 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.

EAST FROM CHICAGO (41 miles, approx. 50 minutes) 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 Ogden Ave. / US 34 west (4 3/4 miles) then Left onto US-30 (3/4 mile) then slight right onto Harvey Rd. (1/10 mile).

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 onto US-30 (8 1/4 miles) then left onto US-34 /30 (1/2 mi.) then right onto US-30 (3/4 mi.) & slight right onto Harvey (1/10 mile).

FROM MILWAUKEE, WI (112 miles; 2 hours) I-43 south toward Chicago (63 3/4 miles) to I-294 south toward Indiana / OÕHare (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.