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... An aversive is presented below threshold to the dog--generating sub-threshold stress signs. Any decrease in stress leads to withdrawal of the aversive. Gradually the calming is shaped as they patiently move the aversive closer--reversing the prior aggressive reactions.

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 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, videos and toys will be available for sale.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Thursday, October 30, 2008

REFUND POLICY
A full refund (excluding food orders) will be issued if requested before Wednesday, October 29. No refunds or credits issued after 12:00 pm on Friday, October 31. No refunds for lunch orders after Monday October 27. 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.

PLEASE BRING THESE DIRECTIONS WITH YOU ON YOUR FIRST VISIT TO THE FACILITY. MAPQUEST OR SIMILAR SITES WILL HAVE YOU DRIVING AROUND IN CIRCLES! It is not that easy to find...

From Route 208:

• To Goffle Road Exit (Hawthorne/Paterson) Careful - there are TWO Goffle Road Exits!
• Follow for 4 traffic lights (road splits at one point - bear left)
• Make a left on to Wagaraw Road (Land Marks: Triangle Diner & Lukoil Gas Station)
• Parking lot will be on left just past Kitchen Elegance #73 (small beige building) and directly across the street from the new Bottagra Restaurant
• Building is directly behind Kitchen Elegance #73 Wagaraw Road.
• Large brown warehouse (marked "85") Walk down the lit alleyway - Professional Auto Body Shop will be on your right and our Entrance is on your left at the Yellow Beams. There is a sign on our door. We are located on the second floor - RED door.