Behavior Workshops For Owners

Dr. Jim Ha will present two short, back-to-back talks: the first is titled, "Applied Animal Behavior: The Modern Science of Behavior and Behavior Modification", a general and brief introduction to the new science of applied animal behavior with an example from feather-plucking in parrots, and then a short talk titled, "The Rota Avian Behavioral Ecology Project: An Update on the Mariana Crow", which will very briefly review our project to research and recover the endangered Mariana Crow on an island in the western Pacific, and then update the audience on the latest status of our work. The two talks will take 1 to 1.5 hours.
July 16th at 7:00pm
Dr. Jim Ha
Lawn Bowling Building at Woodland Park
N 63rd St. and Whitman Pl. N
http://www.seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=292
(206) 782-1515

Register via the Positively Trained web site: http://positivelytrained.com. Registration discounts for rescue and shelter workers.

Many trainers find anxiety, fears and phobias to be among the most challenging behaviors to treat. This information-packed workshop incorporates lecture, photographs and extensive video footage to explore the art of working with fearful dogs. Topics include causes and prevention; how fear manifests; recognized and lesser-known stress signals; how to work with fearful dogs in clients' homes; a Firm Foundation program on which to build confidence; skills to teach owners; skills to teach dogs; a brief review of desensitization and counter-conditioning; and what training equipment is (and is not!) appropriate. Video footage includes fearful dogs in group classes and in homes, and techniques that can be used to treat fears such as those of one specific family member, and of being handled. Interactive exercises include participation in solving a fear-related case history. You will also get an overview of how complementary therapies can make your treatment plans even more successful.
Saturday, May 30, 2009 (9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Roger Abrantes and Nicole Wilde

This classic lecture is the comprehensive introduction into the world of canine communication. All aspects of canine communication are shown by means of slides or film. Aggression, fear, dominance, submission, friendliness, with all their multitude of expressions, are shown and explained in wolves, jackals, foxes, cape hunting dogs, dingos, coyotes and dogs. This lecture is also a comparative study of canine and human behavior. This lecture is based on Roger Abrantes' book of the same title.

This talk covers the treatment of problem behavior in dogs from common problems like walking the dog and home alone problems to more complicated issues such as aggressive and fearful behavior. The talk is based on the extensive experience and large files of the Etologisk Institute. The talk targets professionals such as veterinarians, behavior counselors and trainers but is also useful for the dog owner who is interested in understanding how problems develop or how to avoid them.
Sunday, May 31, 2009 (9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Roger Abrantes and Nicole Wilde

Dr. James Ha of Companion Animal Solutions and the University of Washington applies modern animal behavior science to problems of companion animal behavior. Dr. Ha introduces the field, explains differences in approach from dog trainers and veterinarians, and illustrates with examples. Also included is the process of clinical practice in applied animal behavior, and what to look for in hiring an animal behavior specialist.

Saturday, April 4th at 2:00PM

Do you dread having to leave your dog or cat at home alone? This workshop will focus on identifying separation anxiety (what separation anxiety is, and what it isn't) and how to teach your pet to be content when left alone at home.

Saturday, October 25th at 4:30pm to 6:30pm

Do you own a dog and have a baby on the way? How are you going to manage your dog with a new baby in the house? Have you thought about how to introduce your dog to your new baby? Has your new baby arrived and you're finding it difficult to manage both baby and dog together? This workshop will focus on strategies for keeping babies and doggies safely and happily in their homes.

Saturday, October 25th at 2:15pm to 4:15pm