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 snap. You will develop and hone your skills by viewing extensive new video footage. Issues to be discussed will include degree of sociability or a lack of it, hard staring, distinguishing between friendly and overly assertive behavior and the many different signals generated by tail position combined with body posture such as freezes, stiffening up, muscling up, muzzle bops etc.

What are the temperament characteristics in the ideal pet dog? What are the qualities that make up 'good' dog behavior? This session 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 which dog is workable, treatable and manageable; which dogs are too risky.

A look at dog-dog introductions, appropriate and inappropriate greetings, frustration, aggression, match making and compatibility. Setting up play groups 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. .5 CEU's per day

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. How to Tell a Dog is Going to Bite Before it Bites You

Sue Sternberg is the head of Rondout ValleyAnimals for Adoption, a community not-for-profit animal shelter serving the local (upstate New York) community, whichwas featured in an HBO documentary called Shelter Dogs (www.shelterdogs.org).Shehas also developed nationalpr ograms, such as Training Wheels®, dedicated to ensuring the quality of life of animals in their community, at animal shelters and in 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. Her 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, Successful Dog Adoption was published in September '03, by Wiley Publishing.

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.

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.

VIDEOTAPING
No videotaping or audiotaping is permitted. A selection of videotapes and books will be available for sale.

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

PARKING
There should be ample parking at the seminar location.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Thursday, June 26, 2008

REFUND POLICY
A full refund (excluding food orders) will be issued if requested before Wednesday, June 25. No refunds or credits issued after 12:00 pm on Friday, June .27. All refunds must be requested by email or phone. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Location is 9 1/2 miles north of Orlando by way of I-4 E (toward Daytona Beach):

From I-4E Take the SR-436 exit, EXIT 92, toward ALTAMONTE SPGS/ APOPKA. 0.2 mi

Turn LEFT onto FL-436 W/ E ALTAMONTE DR/ SEMORAN BLVD. Continue to follow FL-436 W/ SEMORAN BLVD. 0.3 mi

Make a U-TURN onto FL-436 E/ SEMORAN BLVD. 0.1 mi

End at 230 W State Road 436 Altamonte Springs, FL 32714-4223

For registration inquiries, contact:
email: events@puppyworks.com