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Separation anxiety is a challenging problem for dogs,
owners, and sometimes even for trainers. It may not be life-threatening, but it
can certainly be lifestyle-threatening. In extreme cases, separation anxiety can even cost a dog his home.Get the best and latest cutting edge advice from the
woman who literally wrote the book on the subject!
Dog-dog play may seem a
lighter topic, but it is crucial to understand the subtleties of play in order
to prevent aggressive incidents and to keep dogs healthy both physically and
psychologically.
Both segments of this full-day seminar are packed full of
invaluable information that will be applicable whether you are an owner,
trainer, rescue/shelter worker, or other canine professional or enthusiast.
Separation Anxiety: Both Sides Now (Morning)
Many owners become frustrated and
overwhelmed living with a dog with separation anxiety, and some even give up.
While most trainers are aware of standard protocols and approaches, some dogs
just haven't read the game plans, and outside-the-box solutions are needed.
Living with Sierra, a shelter dog who came with a deeply entrenched case of
separation anxiety, has given Nicole an insider's perspective on separation
issues and has emphasized the fact that a cookie-cutter approach does not work
for every dog. Along with a newfound empathy for owners, Nicole developed
creative ways to address separation problems and to support owners. This
presentation includes lecture and video.
Topics include:
- How to accurately
diagnose a separation issue, and how to differentiate separation anxiety from
isolation distress
- Root causes, and how owners can have an influence for
better or worse
- Creative management options, including what to do in an
emergency
- The Alone Zone: Where in the house (or out) to leave your dog when
you're away; what is not recommended and why
- The latest, easy-to-use
technological advances that allow you to monitor your dog while you're away
- Assessing if and when pharmacological intervention is appropriate, and two
natural alternatives to consider
- Complementary products and therapies that may
help
- Separation anxiety myths (You might be surprised at some of the "accepted
wisdom" that is simply untrue!)
- Common questions, such as "Could getting a
second dog help?"
- A structure to help you formulate a customized behavior
modification plan
Whether you are a trainer, owner, or shelter/rescue worker,
you will come away from this seminar with a better understanding of separation
issues and how to modify them in order to lessen stress for both owners and
dogs, and to give dogs a better chance at a forever home.
Dissecting the
Dynamics of Dog-Dog Play (Afternoon)
In the fluid dance we call play, dogs
leap, spin, chase, pounce, and wrestle together. Their interactions range from
joyful romps based in camaraderie and fun, to cautious "discussions" born of
over-arousal and tension, and even skirmishes that can result in bodily harm. If
we are to make accurate behavioral assessments and keep dogs safe
psychologically and physically, we must understand play's subtle dynamics.
Through entertaining lecture and extensive video footage, we will explore the
nuances of canine play. Viewing slow motion playback will reveal split-second
body language, signals, and maneuvers that would otherwise be missed, and will
improve your skills when watching dogs interact in real time.
Topics include:
- What constitutes safe play
- Whether actions like mounting (humping) are
problematic or not
- What the latest studies reveal about gender play
preferences, role reversals, and self-handicapping
- What canine physical
features may confuse other dogs and hamper communication
- Which danger signals
should not be ignored
- When a play bow means something other than, "Let"s
play!"
- How and why redirected aggression occurs
- How play can sometimes be a
displacement behavior
- and lots more!
Nicole's seminars are always upbeat,
fun, and packed with immediately useful information. You'll come away from this
fascinating seminar with increased confidence and improved assessment skills, as
well as an understanding of which situations warrant intervention and how to do
so safely. You'll never look at dog-dog play the same again! Nicole is a
popular speaker and her seminars fill quickly, so register early!
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