SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th

CONFERENCE STARTS 8:00am

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8:00-8:10am Welcome

BREAKOUT SESSION  8:10-9:10am
(choose one 60-min session)

Low Stress Handling for Horses
Dr. Jill E. Sackman, DVM, PhD, DACVS, DACVB, KPA-CTP
Non-confrontational handling methods based on positive reinforcement are not only more humane, they are also far more efficient and safe than traditional forceful restraint. Use of low stress techniques in large animal restraint and handling in general lags behind that for small animals because of 1) perceived inherent danger in foregoing aggressive restraint with horses, and 2) that there is not enough time to implement behavior modification, especially in emergencies. This talk will focus on sensory perception and resultantant behaviors in the horse and how they relate to a horse's response to handling and stress. We will also cover implementation of behavior modification for low-stress handling of equine patients. In addition to reviewing basic principles of behavior modification, examples will be provided of various approaches and tips specifically for equine healthcare procedures and handling.

Reducing Fear in Dogs at Vet Visits

Dr. Erica Hawker, DVM

In this lecture we will cover a wide range of topics as it relates to fear-free vet visits for dogs including both medication protocols as well as tips, tricks, and easy to implement techniques that you can start using today to make your clinic or patients happier, healthier, and more successful both in and out of the office. 

BREAKOUT SESSION  9:20-10:20am
(choose one 60-min session)

Psychotropic Medications and Nutraceuticals for Fear Free Veterinary Visits – Pre-treatment for dogs and cats before the vet visit

Dr. Theresa DePorter, DVM, MRCVS, DECAWBM, DACVB

In this session we will look at how we can prepare our patients to have a better experience at the veterinary clinic by strategic use of situational medications and nutraceuticals.

Hands-Off! Working With and Treating Resource Guarding in Dogs 

Angela Schmorrow, MSW, CSB-D, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA

Resource guarding is one of the most frequent causes of dog bites in the home, yet much of the conventional wisdom about handling it ranges from ineffective to downright dangerous.  We will discuss strategies for recognizing, preventing, managing, and modifying this common issue..

BREAKOUT SESSION  10:30-11:30am
(choose one 60-min session)

Equine Behavior and Common Behavior Problems

Dr. Jill E. Sackman, DVM, PhD, DACVS, DACVB, KPA-CTP

This talk will cover normal equine behavior and common behavior problems in the horse. We will also discuss the importance of management in preventing and solving behavior problems as well as understanding the role that pain and fear play in equine behaviors.

Consent Behaviors: "Yes!" from Both Ends of the Leash

Laura Maihofer, CBCC-KA

Consent behaviors are trained behaviors that serve as communication between the animal and handler to signify readiness to proceed. These behaviors help build trust and reduce the risk of aggression during procedures. In this presentation we will demonstrate different consent behaviors as used for a variety of husbandry and vetting procedures, including ear cleaning, nail trims, vaccinations, and blood draws. We will outline the steps of teaching these behaviors and provide tips for getting your pet’s consent.

LUNCH 11:30-12pm

BREAKOUT SESSION  12-1:30pm
(choose one 90-min session)

More Than Just a Naughty Cat: Understanding Feline Nuisance Behaviors

Dr. Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC

"Not quite a behavior problem, but not exactly well-behaved either..." Do you have any feline patients that fit that description? Normal cat behaviors aren't always appreciated, they may be creating discord in your clients' homes, and they may even be risking the surrender or euthanasia of your patients. Knowing how to respond to client questions about everyday behavior patterns, efficiently (!), can mean the difference between frustration and enjoyment, and potentially between life and death.

Understanding and Working With Reactivity in Dogs

Abigail Knue, MFA, CPDT-KA

Barking, lunging, growling- does this sound like something your dog or the dogs you work with experience? This lecture will help you better understand aggression and reactivity (specifically barking, lunging and/or growling on leash) in dogs and how to best treat and modify it. Topics covered will range from potential causes and contributing factors to prognosis for various types of cases and how to create and set training plans. Reactivity training methods will be discussed and compared with lots of examples to build your reactivity training toolbox!

Fractious, Fearful, or Frustrated? Uncover Causes of Human-directed Feline Aggression

Dr. Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC

Cat behaviors are commonly misunderstood, and their patterns of human-directed aggression are no exception to that rule. This presentation will take a deep dive into the "why" behind these aggression patterns and what you can do about them. Cases will be used to illustrate the various types of aggression and the intervention options that you can share with your clients. 

Puppy Socialization and Learning - Working Together

Laura Perkins, MS, CPDT-KA

When we think of puppy socialization, we often think of all of the experiences our puppies should have during this critical developmental time. In this session, we’ll review what we know (and what we don’t know) about those developmental periods and we’ll briefly cover the basics of operant conditioning. I will share examples of how we can use these two sciences together to support puppies through those experiences in their first 20 weeks and beyond!  

The Two-Legged Animal: Working with the Human Side of Animal Welfare – Effective and Positive Communication, Empathy, and Compassion Fatigue

Angela Schmorrow, MSW, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, CSB-D and Lowell Zuckerman, MSW, CPDT-KA, CDBC

Whether we work in animal training, shelter and rescue work, veterinary medicine, or any animal welfare-related field, the animals we most frequently work with are still humans. Yet while we strive to continue to build our skills and knowledge in working effectively with the four-legged animals in our care, we too often neglect the importance of working with the human component effectively, efficiently, and compassionately. In this workshop, we will discuss skills related to working with our colleagues and clients, such as using effective, non-violent communication and positive methods for shaping behavior. We will also discuss extending that kindness to ourselves, and talk about how to recognize compassion fatigue, and know when and how to look for help.

CLOSING REMARKS
4:20-4:30pm