WEDNESDAY, NOV. 5
8:30-9:00 AM
Opening Welcome
Welcome to APDT 2025! Kick-off the first day of the conference with APDT International Executive Director Matt Varney and learn more about what to expect with the APDT conference experience.
* 9:00-10:30 AM
Opening Keynote— Behavior in Motion: Why movement cycles matter by Jesús Rosales-Ruiz, Ph. D. Sponsored by Pets for Vets.
A movement cycle is a repeatable unit of behavior. It specifies a starting position and a series of learner-environment interactions that continue until the individual is back at the starting point and can begin the movement cycle again. For example, most people think of the behavior of“ sitting” in terms of the outcome, the dog’ s bottom on the floor. However, one movement cycle of sitting starts with the dog in a standing position, goes through a series of muscle movements and weight shifts until the dog’ s bottom is on the floor, and then goes through another series of actions to return to the standing position. In this talk, Dr. Rosales-Ruiz will explore why movement cycles are still relevant from a theoretical perspective and how they can help you better understand the nature of reinforcement. Thinking in terms of movement cycles will give you a new perspective when you are defining units of behavior for measurement, designing shaping plans, and setting your criteria for reinforcement.
10:45-11:45 AM
What is happening?! Understanding Canine Compulsive Disorders by Fanna Easter, CDBC, CSAT, CPDT- KA, KPA CTP and Colleen Quinn, DVM, LFDM, KPA- CTP, Fear Free Elite, LSH-Silver
Watching a dog spin, chase reflections, consume non-food items and paw at shadows in repetition is frustrating and scary! Canine Compulsive Disorders are not as common as most think, however they do pop up. In this session, Fanna and Dr. Quinn will explain compulsive disorders, discuss common causes and behavior protocols. If working with compulsive disorders is not your thing, learn how to identify the behavior and find a referral system quickly.
10:45-11:45 AM
The Missing Piece: Adding Tellington TTouch to Your Training Toolbox by Deb Bauer, KPA CTP, HTAP, TT-CAP2, LFDM
What if you had a tool at your disposal that your clients could learn easily and put into practice in between sessions, that would increase the relationship and connection with their dog while encouraging the relaxed behaviors they hope to achieve? What if that same tool could help you support leash pullers, fearful reactive behavior, and even cooperative care challenges, in a way that beautifully complements all the wonderful support you already offer? Join Tellington TTouch Practitioner and certified dog trainer Deb Bauer to discover this tool that may be the missing piece to your trainer toolbox. With years of experience blending science-based teaching methods with gentle yet powerful TTouch techniques, she will open the door to a world of possibility for trainers looking to elevate their results, enhance their services, and support both dogs and their humans in a whole new way.
* 10:45-11:45 AM
Cocker-Doodle-doo: What is a dog breed anyway? by Tim Lewis, Ph. D.
Breeds and intentional crossbreeds are both distinct kinds of genetic lines selected for traits. We will distinguish species from breeds based on biological terms( think red wolf). We will look at the biological side of what makes up a dog breed and what we know about how the major breeds came into being based on DNA analysis rather than the written breed histories. We will look at some of the more popular breeds and crossbreeds as examples of artificial selection for specific activities. From this, we can use science to better establish our expectations about breed look and behavior, especially as it applies picking your next dog.
* 1:30-3:00 PM
Canine Sense and Scent Ability by Nathan Hall, Ph. D.
Myths and legends abound about the canine sense of smell. In this talk Dr. Hall will provide the science of the canine sense of smell and describe how it is measured at the Canine Olfaction Lab. Dr. Hall will provide a tutorial on how to train dogs to detect odors and the research conducted to support the performance of detection dogs.
1:30-3:00 PM
Risk Management & Legal Issues Panel- Q & A with Heidi Meinzer, JD, CPDT-KSA, CNW and David Pearsall
Heidi Meinzer, an animal law attorney with the Law Office of Heidi Meinzer, PLLC, and David Pearsall, Certified Insurance Counselor, with Business Insurers of the Carolinas, will answer all your questions on how to best navigate all your legal issues and exposures to risk, and protect yourself( and your business) throughout your career.
50 Better Training Through Education