1:30-3:00 PM
LEARNING LAB: Shock and Awe: Designing Research Studies about Dog Training Methods by Lisa Gunter, Ph. D., CAAB, MA, CBCC-KA and Erica Feuerbacher, Ph. D., CAAB, CPDT-KA, BCBA-D
Conducting research is a challenging endeavor, and even more so when we ask applied questions. When we consider recent research attempting to investigate the relative impacts of shock collars and food-based training on dog behavior and welfare, being a well-informed consumer of science is critical in order to evaluate studies for their merits and limitations. In this learning lab, we will discuss these essential features in greater detail. We will then facilitate attendees working together in small groups as they design a study investigating their own question about training methods.
1:30-3:00 PM
Puppy Kindergarten: The new science of raising a great dog by Vanessa Woods
What does it take to raise a great dog? This was the question that we hoped to answer when we enrolled one hundred and one Canine Companion service dog puppies in a longitudinal study of cognition and temperament at the Duke Puppy Kindergarten between 2018-2024. With the help of a retired service dog named Congo and hundreds of undergraduate volunteers, we set out to understand the secrets of the puppy mind. Applying the same games that psychologists use when exploring the development of young children, we tested when cognition critical to a dog’ s training success first develops during a puppy’ s final stage of rapid brain development( from approximately 8-20 weeks of age). We also socialized our puppies in two different ways to test which positive early experiences might enhance their abilities and give them a cognitive head-start. The results were surprising- maturational patterns varied greatly between cognitive skills, with puppies showing adult-like performance on some tasks only weeks after a skill emerged, while never achieving adult performance in others. Differences in rearing strategy did not lead to differences in developmental patterns while, in some cases, repeated testing enhanced cognitive development. The results suggest ways to integrate this new developmental understanding into training approaches. Raising dozens of puppies on a college campus allowed us to rigorously ask a host of other questions including how stress physiology, sleep, coprophagy develops and what rearing strategies are most likely to lead to a positive outcome. We use all the discoveries to ultimate provide science-based recommendations on how to best help our puppies grow up to be the best dogs they can possibly be.
* 4:00-5:00 PM
Finding Furever Homes: Training shelter volunteers how to teach dogs behaviors that promote adoption by Sean Will, Ph. D., and Maasa Nishimuta, M. S., BCBA
Animal shelters across the United States are tasked with caring for and re-homing over three million dogs annually. Well-trained volunteers are required to help dogs get adopted from animal shelters. Inadequate training can lead to mismanagement of the volunteers and attrition of those volunteers who are critical to helping shelter dogs get adopted. However, animal shelters often lack access to the resources and funds required to provide adequate training. This study created and examined a cost-effective and effective method to train volunteers how to teach dogs behaviors that have been demonstrated through research to promote dog adoption. This presentation will explore the research behind dog adoption and the one behavior shown to have a statistically significant increase in being adopted, the training program used to teach volunteers how to teach this behavior to the dogs, and the results of the training for the humans and the outcomes it had for the dogs!
4:00-5:00 PM
Emergency and Disaster Preparedness by Gretchen Powers, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVPM
This lecture will discuss the impact to pets and animals during times of crisis with an emphasis on preparedness strategies. Topics will include creating and practicing an emergency plan, items to include in a pet emergency kit, and considerations for sheltering during disasters.
4:00-5:00 PM
Redefining the Walk by Laurie Williams, BA, CCUI, CTDI
As most dog trainers will concur, the first thing people want to do when they add a new puppy or dog to the family is walk them. You get a dog, you’ re supposed to immediately walk that dog. Sadly, this often results in a frustrating experience for both dog and owner, and that’ s why it’ s no surprise that“ leash walking” is arguably one of the most requested training assistance new puppy and dog owners ask for. In this session we will take a closer look at“ the walk” and discuss the many things that impede progress, as well as identify and demonstrate the techniques that will lead to success.
1:30-3:00 PM
From Joyful Play To Musical Freestyle: Enhancing Your Relationship Through Movement and Music by Ruth Lewis, CCFT
Studies show that dogs who listen to specific types of music experience a reduction in anxiety and stress. It has also been demonstrated that the use of music is effective in increasing levels of beneficial hormones like serotonin and dopamine in both dog and handler. These increased levels can help increase the relationship and bond. This session will explore methods and benefits of combining music and movement into a variety of dog activities such as training, classes, conditioning, and even canine musical freestyle.
The APDT Chronicle of the Dog | Summer 2025 53