Both have since earned Fear-Free Animal Trainer certification and become an Accredited Dog Trainer through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants ( IAABC ), and plan to continue to earn certifications and titles as they educate themselves with the advances in dog training methods . Besides offering puppy training , advanced training for behavioral issues such as aggression , and a 12-week online course for dog obedience training called Smart Bitch University . One of their missions is to reduce dog bites in their community and beyond , while promoting rewards-based , science-backed methods .
Closing the conference will be world-renowned Michael Shikashio , CDBC , of AggressiveDog . com and the 2020 APDT Member of the Year recipient . A well-received and popular presenter at APDT ’ s conferences , Michael has spoken at every major dog training conference in the United States and Mexico and has presented to thousands of animal professionals in 12 different countries . He is one of fewer than 300 Certified Dog Behavior Consultants worldwide through the IAABC , and the founder of the Aggression in Dogs Master Course that teaches trainers and behavior consultants in more than 25 countries on how to work with aggression cases . He is also Fear-Free and Aggression in Dogs certified .
A native New Englander from Providence , Rhode Island , Michael moved to Mystic , Connecticut , 17 years ago , with his beloved yellow Labrador Retriever Krystal . Prior to finding his true passion as a dog trainer , Michael led an eclectic life as the head butler at one of the world ’ s largest casinos , a sushi chef , and his earliest job as a paper boy . It was his volunteer work fostering Labradors for the American Lab Rescue that sparked his interest in dog training and behavior as his success in finding homes for fosters led to various rescues sending him more and more “ difficult ” foster dogs .
He joined dog training and behavior discussions on Yahoo Groups , attended a local dog training school and sought out mentors . He opened Complete Canines LLC , using the “ balanced ” methods taught to him by one of his first mentors . But after Michael read Jean Donaldson ’ s book on positive reinforcement training , “ The Cultural Clash ,” it changed his training methodology . Another mentor , Barbara Brill , taught Michael how to teach positive reinforcement without criticizing other methods , an approach he still uses . Then 10 years ago , Michael decided to specialize exclusively on aggression cases , rebranded Complete Canines LLC to AggressiveDog . com , and took on more active roles in organizations such as APDT and IAABC , where he served as president for five terms .
The three-day conference session titles that cover all aspects of training : Animal Learning , Human Learning , Canine Behavior , Health and Nutrition , Business and Laws and Regulations . Those who sign up for the full conference may earn 21.5 CEUs that are accepted by CCPDT , CBCC , IAABC , KPA and NADOI . Those who sign up for the On Demand sessions available after the conference may earn up to 30 CEUs . Full registration includes access to all of the conference recordings between 7 to 10 days after the conference when they are uploaded to the LMS .
Register by August 1st for the following Early Bird rates :
• Premium Professional - $ 440 for all 3 days , $ 360 , for two days , and $ 280 for one day ,
• Professional - $ 470 / 3-days ; $ 390 / 2-days , and $ 310 / 1-day
• Supporting Member - $ 485 / 3-days ; $ 405 / 2-days and $ 325 / 1-day
• Non-Member - $ 545 / 3-days ; $ 445 / 2-days and $ 345 / 1-day
After Aug . 1 , however , the rates will be :
• Premium Professional - $ 500 for all 3 days , $ 420 , for two days , and $ 340 for one day ,
• Professional - $ 530 / 3-days ; $ 450 / 2-days , and $ 370 / 1-day
• Supporting Member - $ 545 / 3-days ; $ 465 / 2-days and $ 385 / 1-day
• Non-Member - $ 605 / 3-days ; $ 505 / 2-days and $ 405 / 1-day
A special flat rate of $ 175 has been set for shelter / rescue volunteer , active military / veteran and students . To register at this rate , one must provide a letter from the shelter / rescue owner / manager , proof of military service ( not extended to family members ) and an . edu email for students .
The conference speakers and sessions are still a work in progress and subject to change to fit scheduling needs , but as of mid-February , this is the tentative lineup :
Tuesday , Oct . 18 Pre-Conference Workshops
• Irith Bloom and Kristina Spaulding , Ph . D . “ Improving Outcomes and Promoting Well-Being Through Choice .”
• Mary Hunter , “ Your Portable Operant Research and Training Lab ( PORTL ) to Improving Your Shaping Skills .”
• Beth Bowers , CPDT-KA , CMPTI , CPPS , CTDI , “ Pet CPR and First Aid Emergency Workshop .”
• REGIception
Wednesday , Oct . 19
Opening Keynote Speakers Taylor Barconey , CPDT-KA , IAABC-ADT and Jiovany Alcaide , CPDT-KA , IAABC-ADT will discuss “ Professionalism Bites : “ Being Authentic Online to Promote Your Business .”
Morning
• Session 1 : Mary Hunter , M . S ., Portable Operant Research and Training Lab ( PORTL )
• Session 2 : Irith Bloom and Kristina Spaulding , Ph . D ., “ Choice and Training – Behavior Issues ,” required session to attend the three Active Learning sessions on “ Behavior Issues .”
• Session 3 : Jamie Bozzi , CBCC-KA , “ Adding Dog Sports to Your Business .”
Lunch Power Hour Taylor Barconey , CPDT-KA , IAABC-ADT and Jiovany Alcaide , CPDT-KA , IAABC-ADT
The APDT Chronicle of the Dog | Spring 2022 11