Pre-Conference Workshops
Register for the Pre-Conference Workshops
Workshops will be held prior to the start of the 2023 APDT/CAPDT Annual Conference on Tuesday, October 17, 2023.
Separate fee is required and limited space is available for each workshop.
Sponsored by Pets for Vets
Workshop 1: Making the RIGHT Canine Connection
Instructor: Karen Deeds, CDBC
Cost: $150 (includes boxed lunch)
Date: October 17, 2023
Time: Depart from Northern KY Convention Center at 8:00am. Depart Shelter at 4:00
Location: Hamilton County Animal Shelter, 4210 Dane Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223
CEUs: Click here
Description:
Many clients of dog trainers are victims of the ‘wrong dog’ syndrome and efforts to put a ‘square peg into a round hole,’ which often leaves the dog owners, as well as the dogs, living a life that lacks joy and fulfillment. Studies show that adopting based on looks versus personality matching is often fraught with problems.
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Making the RIGHT Canine Connection between adopter and dog will help to reduce returns. It is not only important for the dogs themselves but for the adopters who, if they fail and return the dog, may turn to an alternative source for acquisition next time. It is also vital for the community to have the most appropriate dogs in a specific environment.
There are three elements to take into consideration when placing a dog in a home, those same three elements will impact the success and training of that dog. Obviously, we need to know the DOG. This is about understanding the dog’s sociability, handleability, biddability, aggression thresholds, arousal, and resiliency, not only at the shelter but in a variety of environments.
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Getting to know the ADOPTER and what they NEED in a dog, versus what they WANT in a dog will be influenced by their social dynamics, activity levels, and degree of socialness.
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The ENVIRONMENT is a huge factor in the success of a dog's placement. If training and behavior modification becomes necessary, the environment will continue to influence success.
Workshop 2: Master Business Course
Instructors: Heidi Meinzer, JD, CPDT-KSA, CNWI and Megan Stanley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA
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Cost: $125 (includes boxed lunch)
Date: October 17, 2023
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Northern Kentucky Convention Center
Room: Meeting Room 7
CEUs: Click here
Materials: All attendees should bring laptops.
Description:
This is a full-day Master Business Workshop. Everyone is welcome – from those just starting out to the seasoned business owner. This workshop is aimed to give you an overview of everything you need to know to have a successful business. Megan brings over 15 years of growing a seven-figure dog training business to address topics including strategic planning, the importance of effective marketing, managing a team, and how to price your services. Heidi will contribute her expertise as an attorney to cover legally starting and protecting your business, bullet proofing your contracts, and keeping your business in compliance. Heidi and Megan will also put their business and legal minds together to discuss how to tackle difficult clients and situations, when and how to hire staff, and implementing solid policies and procedures.
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This workshop will be interactive, bring your laptops, get ready to do a deep dive, and strengthen your foundation to take your passion to profit.
Workshop 3: Transformation by Motivation: Helping Humans See and Do Things Differently with Their Dogs
SOLD OUT
Instructor: Risë VanFleet, PhD, RPT-S, CDBC, CAEBI, President
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Cost: $125 (includes boxed lunch)
Date: October 17, 2023
Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Location: Northern Kentucky Convention Center
Room: Meeting Room 6
CEUs: Click here
Description:
While most dog trainers acknowledge that the human half of the dog training equation is critical, it can be frustrating to deal with certain outmoded human beliefs, behaviors, and training practices. Canine professionals have much to offer their human clients, but too often it does not seem to be valued or received well. This workshop focuses on the principles and applications of motivation theories to highlight a variety of approaches that can enhance dog training. Demonstrations and lighthearted skills practice will increase participants’ impact on their human clients while simultaneously improving dogs’ lives. How to handle some of the most common frustrations with people while working with their dogs will also be covered. The methods in this workshop have been shown to be very effective, and they can be applied to training for specific roles, such as therapy work. A goodness-of-fit model to help clients develop realistic expectations of their dogs will be introduced.
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Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to:
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Define “motivation” for humans and give a reason why it is important in dog training.
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Identify 2 reasons why “modeling” is important in human learning.
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Give 3 reasons why relationship should be a core consideration in dog training.
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Incorporate at least 4 different human training techniques that have been successful changing human behavior.
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Describe at least 2 reasons why play and playfulness are important in dog training.
Workshop Cancellation Policy
We rely on an accurate attendance count to make arrangements for our workshops. If you need to cancel your workshop attendance, the cancellation must be made in writing and postmarked or emailed no later than September 19, 2023. Refunds will ONLY be made IF we can fill your reservation for the workshop. No refunds will be available for cancellations after September 19, 2023. Please take this into account when you sign up for a workshop.