Thursday,
September 19

Special morning event to be announced soon.

Have you ever found yourself wondering why a dog is barking–or how to make it stop? Excessive barking can be a challenge to deal with. One reason it’s hard to reduce excessive barking is that not all barking is the same. Dogs bark fora lot of different reasons. That means there is no one-size-fits-all answer for barking. This presentation will take a fresh look at the topic of barking. It will go over several different categories of barking and how to differentiate among them. It will also cover a variety of humane, pet-and-client-friendly training techniques that can be used to reduce barking. You will learn how to determine which type of barking is happening, as well as how to address it. If you want to know more about barking–or just want to hear less of it–this session is for you!

We know that providing for dogs with separation anxiety in the shelter/rescue system has been a challenge for quite some time, and we have listened to and learned from so many shelters and rescues about the challenges they face caring for dogs with this issue. In 2023, we launched a survey to gather as much data as possible about these challenges and how to better support shelter/rescue staff and volunteers in responding to them. We know the tireless work that they devote to these dogs (and all animals) in their care, and it is our mission to support them in that work. In this presentation, we will delve into what we have learned from our 2023 survey, share some of the new resources we have developed in response to that learning, and discuss best practices for successfully adopting out a dog with separation anxiety. This session will include some interactive components, and participants will leave with ideas and free resources to take back and implement in their local contexts.

Whether you participate in dog sports or not, they provide an extensive curriculum of body language lessons from human to dog. Dog sports, whether you are actively training, competing, or even just observing, can serve as a university in which to teach the human how to speak more clearly to their dogs. When we get it right, in timing and vocabulary, nothing feels quite as good! When we inadvertently say the wrong thing, or make some unbidden body language faux pas, dogs will respond in various ways, from displacement behaviors (common and not-so-common), waning enthusiasm, loss of gumption or initiative, all of which can be misinterpreted.

In this session, you will learn how to provide general guidance to your clients to protect yourself and them. Things to watch out for as a business owner when dealing with difficult clients.

Whether you're a seasoned trainer or just starting out, building successful relationships with your clients is essential. By breaking down the complexities of client interactions into manageable components, this presentation empowers dog trainers with strategies to foster positive relationships, skillfully manage client expectations, and navigate challenges with grace

Join us for "Muzzle Mastery Made Easy Learning Lab" and embark on a journey towards confident and effective muzzle training for all dogs. It's time to make muzzle training a positive and rewarding adventure for both you and your clients!

Exhibit Hall is open! Join us for special events and more!

More information coming soon.

Concessions are available for purchase at the Riverside Convection Center.

In a world where more pet owners are choosing to keep their dogs intact, the landscape of canine care is evolving. The COVID era brought delays in elective surgeries that have not seemed to end. It has prompted a surge in intact dogs. Join us for an eye-opening presentation that explores the benefits, dispels myths, and redefines how to approach welcoming intact dogs into your business. •Why Now? The aftermath of pandemic-related surgery delays and more research into the health benefits has led to a rise in intact dogs. It's time for trainers, walkers, and daycare providers to reassess their policies and embrace the changing dynamics of more clients having intact dogs. •Biological Insights: Dive into crucial biological information about intact dogs that every animal care professional should know. Equip yourself with the knowledge to confidently handle and train intact dogs, debunking common misconceptions along the way. •The Myth-Busting Journey: Let's unravel the myths surrounding intact dogs! Dispelling fears and uncertainties, this presentation will empower you with facts and practical insights, transforming intact dogs from enigmas to valued clients in your care. •Boost Your Business: Discover how being welcoming and understanding of intact dogs can actually enhance your business. It's time to foster an environment where intact dogs are not feared but embraced. From training classes to daycare services, embracing intact dogs can broaden your clientele, elevate the quality of your offerings, and build a more inclusive and knowledgeable canine care community.

Session description coming soon.

High drive dogs are often the most misunderstood group of dogs on the planet. They can present as overexcited, frantic, frenzied, over-aroused, out of control, and appear as if they can't seem to think and don't want to listen. There's so much we can do through shaping and the astute use of positive reinforcement to help these dogs be brilliant, reducing not only their frustration but also the frustration we might feel with our dog.

Bring your devices and questions to a hands-on lab with Bill. He'll review the top ten things to do to secure your machines (computers, mobile, or tablets) and then take questions showing people how to do things. Or, you can book a 10 min time while networking with others in case you want the privacy!

Join us for tricks and treats in the Exhibit Hall!

To be positive reinforcement-based dog trainers, we need mastery of all that is reinforcing. Recognizing the real sources of reinforcement in a dog's life will empower people to bypass situations where punishment may be considered necessary. It starts with awareness because seemingly innocuous interactions shape a dog's learning. Understanding the timing and nature of reinforcement for dogs significantly enhances creating a positive, harmonious relationship centered on mutual trust.

Session description coming soon.

Many of the dogs that trainers see are referred to as “reactive” or “lacking impulse control”. Some of these dogs can present as a real challenge because they become rather difficult for the handler to regain the dog’s focus once an eliciting stimulus is present. If the dog develops a history of this over reactive response, the challenge for the behavior specialist can become even bigger. In order for the dog to lessen or stop the response pattern, they need the neurological ability to accomplish this emotional control. This session is designed to discuss the basic neurology and offer the trainer exercises in the form of behaviors to help the dog build the neurological structures to better control its emotions.