It is easy to find information about teaching a dog to sit or lie down or come when called. But there has not been a coherent plan for teaching someone how to reliably evolve a sounder / deeper relationship with their dog. Get Connected Exercises are designed around bodywork and a series of relationship-based exercises to teach dogs about personal space, and teach owners about observing and guiding "micro-behaviours".

(Note: The order of topics may vary a bit to allow for individual interests.)

A. Body Language Background -
Body language that is friendly or non-threatening as a starting point:

• Relaxed & neutral stances
• Confidence and curiosity
• Excitement and play behaviors;
• Greeting and friendly postures (e.g. "I love you stretch")
• Calming and negotiation signals.

B. Foundation Exercises For Every Dog -
Exercises that every pet, performance or competition dog should have.

C. Get Connected Exercises: A Coherent Plan For The Relationship -
Relationship based exercises, as well as some learning theory topics; body language and how to use the dog's own body language during the training process and as feedback to the handler.

These exercises become a venue for trust and respect between dog and handler. They are designed to negotiate with the dog in his own language about instinctive behaviours (impulse control and the opposition reflex).

The teaching emphasis is on watching "micro-behaviours" -- using them to predict what will happen next and as the dog's feedback in the training conversation. Learn how to manipulate "air space"- and use the dog's body language as effective feedback. The dog's own language thereby enhances communication with people.

D. Learn The "Be Still" Switch -
A protocol to condition the dog to RELAX and plant his feet using touch in specific patterns. A few uses: Great for husbandry work and the obedience Stand For Exam; also used to calm the stressed Agility dog. Advanced: Use the Be Still cue to teach a dog to calmly accept human approaches.

Move Into: a protocol to teach the dog about personal space and teaching fearful dogs to be more comfortable with people. Also used to teach pushy or "over-friendly" dog types how to be polite.

Walk Nicely: using a variety of techniques (including Move Into and a Stop Cue, as well as a Stand By cue) to teach basic loose leash walking.

E. Dealing With Errors -
Why the dog makes errors: Technical Screw-Ups and how to avoid the common training pitfalls - the ones where we all find ourselves at the bottom, looking up.

F. Positive Reinforcement And Boundaries:
Learn how to place proper structure and apply boundaries in a humane, ethical way for your positive reinforcement training program. We all love positive reinforcement, but many trainers seem to have a lot of trouble figuring out that boundaries are the only safe way for learning to take place.

G. How To Stay Out OF Your Own Way:
Emotions and the training process. One of the all time biggest training problems is always the trainer! A discussion about how your attitude and emotions affects your body language, preventing effecive communication.

BRENDA ALOFF is a professional dog trainer specializing in problem behavior. Much of her practice consists of dogs referred to her when traditional techniques have failed. She often works with owners on re-socialization of fearful and aggressive dogs, Brenda's childhood love was training & showing horses.

She has taken this knowledge about working with large, potentially dangerous animals and applied it to training problem dogs.Unsatisfied with the results of "traditional" dog training, Brenda studied marine mammal training, exotic animal training and wolf pack behavior. developing expertise in behavior modification and positive reinforcement.

Brenda's Newest Book: Canine Body Language - A Photographic Guide. Canine body language thoroughly documented with photographs and text! Hundreds of images in this 390 page book illustrate the incredible variety of postures, behaviors and situations the typical dog manifests or encounters. Her first book: Positive Reinforcement: Training Dogs In The Real World, was a finalist for the 2001 Dog Writers Association of America Award. Brenda's Second book was: Aggression In Dogs-Practical Management, Prevention & Behaviour Modification.

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, March 20, 2008.

REFUND POLICY
A full refund (excluding food orders) will be issued if requested before Wednesday, March 19. No refunds or credits issued after 12:00 pm on Friday, March 21. All refunds must be requested by email or phone. There are no exceptions to this policy.

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.

SUPERLODGE At Exit 19, NYS Thruway Kingston, NY 845-338-4200 15 miles away NO DOGS ECONO LODGE At Exit 18, NYS Thruway New Paltz, NY 845-255-6200 NO DOGS ALLOWED HOLIDAY INN - KINGSTON 503 Washington Avenue Kingston, NY 12401 845-338-0400 Toll free: 800-HOLIDAY (465-4329) PETS ALLOWED www.hikingston.com QUALITY INN 114 Route 28 Kingston, NY 12401 845-339-3900 Toll-free: 800-2-RAMADA (272-6232)

HIGH FALLS MOTEL Route 213 High Falls, NY 845-687-2095 4 miles away DOGS ALLOWED SPARROW HAWK BED & BREAKFAST Route 209 Accord, NY 845-687-4492 Walking Distance NO DOGS ALLOWED Mention Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption for special room rates. SKY TOP MOTEL 30 Forest Hill Drive Kingston, NY 12401 845-331-2900 Dogs Allowed