Breed Specific Behaviors, Puppy Development, Behavior Modeling, Risk Assessment, Anxiety & Aggression

*Breed Specific (genetically based) behavior: Why is innate behavior so important? Because very few clients have dogs that were specifically genetically developed to be household companions. Why certain genetically based behaviors influence success as a family pet.

*Puppy Socialization: An in depth look at "socialization": Why is anti-social behaviour in dogs getting worse in the UK and the USA? Everyone seems to know about the socialization period. But there are actually TWO socialization periods that advisors to puppy owners must know about.

*Behavior Modeling & Testing: Measuring the way a dog behaves and interacts with its owner when entering a new and novel environment. The dog is measured against a standard model and observations are made about the relationship between dog and owner- a vital link in understanding the dog and devising a training or behavior modification program.

*Risk Assessment: Which dogs do we work with to try to modify behaviour? Which do we advise only management programs for? The assessment of risk to staff, other dogs, trainers, the public, the owners and their families must be considered before attempting to work with the dog and owner. This is especially important now to avoid expensive lawsuits.

*Anxiety & Aggression Behaviors: *Fears and phobias *Separation elicited problems *Dog-dog & Dog People Aggression

*Managing the 4 stages of a Behavior Modification Consultation:  Information gathering; Behavior testing; Constructing a hypothesis, and Presenting owners with multiple options

For most dog behavior problems there are many possible solutions, as with simple dog training exercises. For example, there are many ways to teach a dog to lie down. Almost all dog behavior problems follow a set pattern and simple solutions are usually the ones that work best. During the seminar many different solutions will be given for common and uncommon behavior problems. For example, there will be 7 different strategies given for how to stop a dog from grabbing the lead in its mouth.

Presenting owners with one of four viable options: ultimately, the emphasis will be on practical vs. theoretical advise.

*Dog Behavior & Training Around the World: A review of what is happening in other countries, including the dog scene in India and China.

John Rogerson is the founder and principle lecturer of the Northern Centre for Canine Behaviour in the United Kingdom. He is widely acclaimed as one of the world's leading trainer behaviorists, having pioneered many of the techniques that have now become standard practice in behavior therapy and training. John is the author of eight books and has produced two videos. John is in great demand as a training and behavior consultant and in this capacity runs many courses worldwide to impart his skills and knowledge to others. The organizations that he has run courses for and lectured to include:

• Guide Dogs for the Blind
• Central Scottish Police Dogs
• U.S. Air Force Dog Section
• Hearing Dogs for the Deaf
• Dog Aid
• Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
• The National Canine Defense League
• The Blue Cross
• The R.S.P.C.A.
• Illinois State University
• Southampton University
• Bombay Vet School
• Defense Animal Centre
• Cyprus Defense Animal Support
• Dog AID(Assistance in Disability)
• Australian Territories
• Washington State Vet School
• Indian National Kennel Club
• Cuban Ministry of the Interior
• Miami Fire Department
• The National Animal Welfare Trust
• The Univ. of Pisa, Italy

DOG STUFF
Due to space limitations and subject matter we will not be permitted 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.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Novato (San Francisco Area), CA: Thursday August 21, 2014
Olympia, WA: Thursday September 4, 2014

REFUND POLICY
All deposits are fully refundable.

PARKING
Novato, CA: Please do not use the facility parking lot immediately adjacent to the facility which are reserved for adopters and related uses. Other nearby facilities, including right across the street are available.

Olympia, WA: Parking is readily available at the site.

SEATS
The lecture hall provides metal folding chairs. If you prefer, you may bring another chair or cushion for your comfort.

FROM H101 SOUTH: Exit Bel Marin Keys Blvd., turn left at first light toward Bel Marin Keys Blvd., turn right at Bel Marin Keys Blvd. Humane Society is on your left.

FROM H101 NORTH: Exit Bel Marin Keys Blvd., go east over the freeway. Humane Society is on your left at the first light.