1:30-3:00 PM
Rethinking Reactivity- Understanding and working with reactive behavior from the inside out with Victoria Stilwell
Living or working with a reactive dog is hard on everyone and it is understandable that people are often frustrated, embarrassed and exhausted with their dog ' s reactive behavior. Trainers are often brought in when the ' problem ' has become too difficult for guardians to manage, and this makes it even more challenging for trainers to find effective, workable solutions that are easy for clients to understand and utilize. In this presentation we will look at what reactivity is and how trainers and guardians can use Positively ' s comprehensive and innovative approach to work successfully with reactive behavior.
1:30-3:00 PM
LEARNING LAB: The Wolf in Your Kitchen: How your dog is a wolf, and how it is so much better by Tim Lewis, Ph. D.
This hands-on Learning Lab will allow you to see what sets carnivores, including wolves, apart from other mammals like bears and weasels; how wolves are distinct from other wolf-like mammals such as coyotes and foxes; and how domestic dogs are wolves, and yet better than that. Ten thousand years of deliberate selection had to make some things better for us, right? In this lab, we will use real skulls and furs to better understand wolves and their kin, but note that all domestic skulls will be plastic reproductions.
* 3:15-4:45 PM
Love Bites: Dog Aggression Directed at Family or Friends with Michael Shikashio, CDBC
Have you recently introduced a new dog to your family, only to witness unexpected aggression directed towards your partner or visitors? Or, has your long-time companion suddenly displayed hostility toward a family member you live with? Perhaps you ' ve observed your dog reacting aggressively when you and your partner express affection or approach each other? Maybe your dog just doesn ' t want anyone in the home except for you?! Join Michael Shikashio CDBC as he dives into the underlying reasons behind this often puzzling and stressful type of aggression.
3:15-4:45 PM
Building Reinforcement Systems that Lead to Improved Communication and Accelerated Learning by Mary Hunter, M. S.
Why is it that some dogs learn slowly and seem so disengaged, even when the trainer has what should be an effective reinforcer? What is often missing is a reinforcement system.
This presentation will look at the elements of a reinforcement system and discuss step-by-step procedures that can be used to design and teach new reinforcement systems. Understanding the concept of a reinforcement system will help you maximize the effectiveness of your reinforcers and accelerate your training progress.
3:15-4:45 PM
Canine Colors: Personality Testing for Clients and Dogs by Beth Bowers, CPDT-KA, CMPTI, CPPS, CTD
CANINE COLORS ® personality test will introduce you to yourself, your clients, and the dogs in a way you never imagined. Are there clients that you don ' t seem to connect with? Are there dogs that stress you in different ways? This workshop will open doors to how you work with clients and help them to understand what ' s working and not working with their dogs and how to appreciate the dog that ' s in front of them. CANINE COLORS ® also gives a compelling view of how we can help our clients find their perfect canine companion.
5:00-7:00 PM
Welcome Reception and Exhibit Hall Grand Opening
End the first day of conference with hors d’ oeuvres and a cash bar. Please join us for the grand opening of the exhibit hall and meet our many exhibitors. Come for treats and see some tricks in the Demo Area during the reception.
THURSDAY, NOV. 6
* 8:00-9:00 AM
Skully and Mulder: Weird, wild, and wonderful cases with the Dr. Detectives by Dr. Amy Pike, DVM, DACVB and Dr. Amy Learn VMD, DACVB, CABC, FFCP-elite
In this talk, veterinarians Amy Learn and Amy Pike will discuss cases of theirs that have over the years either stumped their veterinary colleagues, or just plain fascinated them!
8:00-9:00 AM
The Sensory Savvy Trainer: Adapting Methods for Blind and Deaf Dogs by Deb Bauer, KPA CTP, HTAP, TT-CAP2, LFDM
Join internationally recognized expert Deb Bauer, celebrated for her groundbreaking work with blind and / or deaf dogs, as she takes you on a journey into the often-overlooked world of dogs living with sensory differences. This engaging presentation is designed specifically for dog trainers and professionals who are eager to expand their knowledge, grow their client base, and ensure that no dog or family feels left behind. This session is more than an educational opportunity; it ' s a chance to broaden your impact as a trainer and make a meaningful difference for dogs who need your skills the most.
The APDT Chronicle of the Dog | Summer 2025 51