Hands-on Workshop

REWARD...BUT DO IT PROPERLY!

Allan Bauman

Have a cookie.  Don't know what you've done to deserve this? Confused?  Well, the same can happen with your dog; inappropriate rewarding can result in poor control during training.  In order for a reward to be effective , the dog must have some motivational drive towards it. Back by popular demand from the 2006 APDT Conference, Allan Bauman's Reward --But Do It Properly workshop demonstrates the importance  of establishing reward control before the training begins.

You know the importance of timing and rewarding the dog for performing an exercise.  But have you taken the time to identify the behavior and control the dog is offering at the point of acquiring the reward?  What behavior is your dog offering during the presentation and receipt of these rewards?  Can you have your dog by-pass a high level treat to take a low level reward?  These questions and more will be answered in Allan's workshop.  Participating attendees will be using shelter dogs to demonstrate the value of teaching reward control prior to training the actual exercises.

Come see learning theory in action - the challenges, pitfalls and successes.  Sign up early!  The workshop is limited to 30 participants and 20 observers.

Reward..But Do It Properly! will be presented on Friday, October 17 from 1:30-5:00 PM.  Transportation from the host hotel to the Kentucky Humane Society will be provided. Preregistration is required.

Register Now and Save!

We see it everywhere - prices are going up for gas, groceries, dog food and treats.

But we have a deal for you.  The APDT Conference registration fees are still at the 2007 prices!

Join the APDT for the member rate.  Register by September 1 and receive additional savings.

The 2008 APDT Conference is offering four off-site workshops with limited registration.  These sessions will fill early, so register now to assure your spot.

Field Study

Behind the Scene at the Louisville Zoo

Limit 100

Hands-on Workshop

Reward!! But do it Properly

Dog handlers 30

Observers  20

Hands-on Workshop

Becoming a Great Dance Partner FOR Your Dog!

Dog Handlers 40

Observers   10

Workshop

Teaching Kids Dog Training

Observers         50

 

Register on line or print a PDF form.

For more information call toll free 866-570-9967 or APDT@details2.com .

Exhibitor: Dogwise

Dogwise Extended Selling Hours

This year we have the good fortune of being able to set our booth up in a room adjacent to the Exhibit Hall and be open longer hours.  This will shorten lines and give you extra time to shop without missing out on any important Conference speakers.  We'll get there early and stay as late as we have shoppers.  See you in Louisville!

Submitted by Larry and Charlene Woodward

Exhibitor: The Canny Company

The Canny Company is delighted to be exhibiting once again at the APDT Trade Show and looking forward to meeting up again with those of you who responded so well to the collar last year, plus make some new friends.  At the show, will be offering APDT members the chance once again to trial a Canny Collar at a massive 66% off the normal price.  The collar retails in the US for $29.95 but you can get one from us at the show for only $10.

For those of you unfamiliar with the idea, the Canny Collar represents the latest design in dog walking technology!  Voted "Best New Product 2006" by the Pet Product Retail Association in the UK (a network of 3,500 independent pet stores) and designed by famed Scottish horseman Brian Smith, the unique, behind-the-head design of the Canny Collar means that there is no riding up into the eyes or endless acclimation for effective use.  The Canny Collar is so kind, effective and simple to use your clients will thank you for making their dog a pleasure to walk, perhaps for the first time ever.

Dog trainers, humane societies and dog owners have all told us how their dogs accept the Canny Collar more easily than a traditional head halter because it doesn't restrict the head, making the owner happier to put it on their dog.  In fact  we took some of the worst dogs from humane societies and transformed their walking behavior in less than five minutes - see our website for video examples.  Now these same dogs are happily living with new families who are able to take pleasure and pride in their walks.

Getting a dog under control on the leash in five minutes means you save time and you client has a dog walking on a loose leash quickly.  Which trainer will you client recommend to others? The one who took forever to train their dog?  Or the one who had their dog walking well quickly?

Come and visit us at booth #45 and find out for yourself.

Portland 2007

Here are a few photos from the Portland 2007 Conference.

Deborah Wood and Dr. Ian Dunbar

Board members at the APDT Booth

Demonstration at the Trade Show

Practical Ethics for Trainers

PRACTICAL ETHICS FOR  TRAINERS

Jim Barry, MA, CDBC, CPDT

For all of us who work with families and dogs, these clashes of values-ethical dilemmas-are inevitable.  Just as we need skills and experience to work with dogs. we need to become adept at handling ethical challenges as well.  The approach outlined in this session will help you to be come as accomplished at ethical decision making as you are at working with families and dogs.

One unique aspect of this presentation is that it will be interactive.  Ethical decision making is a skill (just like dog training) and therefore we need not only to master the underlying principles but also to practice the techniques.  We'll be discussing some of the basic concepts and then trying them out in dialogues related to two real-life case studies of challenging situations that trainers face.

Fortunately, we don't have to do this alone.  For thousands of years, the greatest minds have pondered the best approaches to making ethical choices.  This ancient wisdom can inform even modern decisions.  In this session we'll provide and easy to understand synthesis of these approaches that you can use in your daily activities.  You don't need to be a philosopher to make good decisions; but it helps to know a little bit about the ways in which these deep thinkers have tried to work through dilemmas.  You'll be pleased to discover that it's no more difficult than the learning theory or canine behavior you learned to become the trainer that you are.

Join us for learning and fun!

Submitted by Jim Barry, MA, CDBC, CPDT

Practical Ethics for Trainers will be presented on Saturday, October 18 from 3:30-5:00 PM.

Exhibitor: The Clicker Leash Co.

The Clicker Leash Co. is excited to introduce its flagship product at this year's APDT Conference.  Developed to make humane training easy, convenient and fun, the Clicker Leash incorporates a raised button clicker with an ergonomically designed leash handle to eliminate fumbling, forgotten clickers and missed training opportunities.

Students and experienced trainers alike will enjoy the strong, comfortable grip and lightweight, durable construction of the Clicker Leash.  Because a clicker will be at their fingertips when out for walks and in other social settings, dog owners will be more likely to make training part of their daily routine, resulting in a well-trained, socialized pet.

The Clicker Leash Co. aims to make humane training people's first choice when it comes to teaching and interacting with their pets.  To raise awareness and make reward-based training more accessible to the average dog owner, the Clicker Leash Co. website offers free online tutorials and a Clicker Trainer Locator.  To be listed, visit our website.  While there check out the Train Humane Campaign and find out how you can get involved.

The Clicker Leash Co is happy to offer a 10% discount to all APDT conference attendees.  See you at booth #43.

Submitted by Adina MacRae of the Clicker Leash Co.

Exhibitor:Roll Over Rover, Inc

Roll Over Rover, Inc. was started because we were looking for something that was difficult to find -- t-shirts that spoke of the wonderful relationship we share with our four-legged friends.  We wanted the designs to be sophisticated without being humorless, and subtle enough that we could wear them out and about without feeling like walking billboards.  We wanted soft, comfortable and attractive.  We wanted them printed on well made, non-sweatshop manufactured garments that supported the people and communities that constructed them.  And we wanted them reasonably priced.

We will be bringing nearly our entire product line to the APDT show - featuring ladies' short and long-sleeve t-shirts as well as crew neck fleece and hoodies - at 25% off suggested retail prices. And (we are very excited about this because we love a bargain) the first-ever Roll Over Rover, Inc. Clearance Rack!  Discontinued colors, overstocks, test pieces and less-than-perfect-according-to-our-obsessive-opinion pieces, will be sold at hugely discounted prices - most well below wholesale prices.  What's not to love about that?!

But most importantly, 20% of Roll Over Rover profits get donated to animal welfare organizations.

Exhibitor: TFH Publications, Inc/Nylabone

Come visit TFH Publications, Inc/Nylabone at Booth # 29 for the latest in fun, informative books about all things canine.  Check out books from conference speakers Dr. Doug Knueven (The Holistic Health Guide: Natural Care for the Whole Dog), Pia Silvani (Raising Puppies & Kids Together), Dr. Sophia Yin (How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves) and Sarah Whitehead (Pamper Your Pooch).

You can also peruse Nylabone's newest dog chews and toys-all safe, durable, vet recommended products.  Conference specials include 20% off the list price of select book titles and discounts off select Nylabone products.

Drop off your business card and win our raffle prize - a gift basket full of exciting TFH books and popular Nylabone products!

The Trade Show

A highlight of the APDT Conference is the Trade Show.  As soon as it opens, conference attendees flock to the Exhibit Hall  to visit exhibitor booths, check out new products and spend money!  As dog trainers we know that the toys, treats, books and equipment we use and recommend influence our students and what they purchase for their dogs.

Our exhibitors know this too and they will be ready to show you their products and answer your questions.  Many exhibitors offer special discounts to conference attendees.  We will be posting information from our sponsors and exhibitors about their booth offerings.

The Exhibit Hall is conveniently located directly across from the Grand Ballroom where most of the lecture sessions will be held.  The Trade Show opens on Thursday, October 16 from 5:00-8:00 PM and is also open Friday, October 17 from 11:30 AM-2:00 PM and 4:00-7:00 PM and on Saturday October 18 from 11:30 AM-2:00 PM and 4:00 PM-6:00 PM.

Sponsor

Business Insurers of the Carolinas has worked with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers since 2001 to provide quality General Liability Insurance Protection to all active APDT members at reduced rates.  We offer the broadest General Liability Insurance including Care, Custody and Control for all pets in your care with absolutely no breed exclusions.  The policy is a $1,000,000 per occurrence liability policy, with $2,000,000 aggregate.  Care, Custody and Control limits range from $10,000 to $200,000 depending on the number of pets and property in your care at one time.  In addition, the association policy also offers coverage options to include Doggy Daycare, Kennels, Boarding, Pet Sitting and professional liability coverage.  Whatever pet services you offer within your professional training business,  Business  Insurers can handle it.

Business Insurers also offers a full array of Property and Casualty Insurance products including Commercial Auto, Property, Inland Marine, Workers Compensation and Professional Liability and Bonding.  The agency has been in business since 1981 with a special emphasis on pet related businesses since 1995.  Please give us a call at 1 800 962-4611 or email us at APDT@Business-Insurers.com.

If you are insured elsewhere, pleas bring your current coverage information with you to Louisville and we will be happy to give a free coverage analysis and price comparison to see how your coverage stacks up.  David Pearsall, CIC, CWCA will be on site to answer all your insurance questions and erase any gaps you may have in your current coverage.

Hands-on Workshop

BECOMING A GREAT DANCE PARTNER FOR YOUR DOG!

Pia Silvani, CPDT

When we train with positive reinforcement, we obtain behaviors using many different techniques such as luring, prompting and fading, catching, targeting and shaping by successive approximation.  All of these have benefits and obstacles.

Let's take something as "simple" as teaching a Sit.  Simple?  Perhaps not!

*   Luring - Dog has no interest in food.

*   Prompting - Dog is afraid of prompt.

*   Catching - Oops-"I missed it again!"

*   Targeting - Dog has no interest in following the target.

*    Shaping by Successive Approximation - Takes too long for the average pet owner.

      "We cannot be quiet and sit still!

Perhaps we need to think of other ways to work with dogs when the above techniques are not working or when working with a problem dog.  Communication with conspecifics requires an understanding of how ritualized displays or signals can have an effect on the dog.  The dog may confirm or reject our information.

Further, communication need not be verbal.  We can obtain instantaneous behaviors by using tactile and visual signals as well.

As Suzanne Clothier has said on many occasions, "learn to train with feel."  Have we become robots, fearing that every step must be concise according to the basics of learning theory?  While it is important, are we missing out on the art of observing our dance partner and helping him learn the steps or is the dog training us?

This workshop will focus on stepping outside of the training books and stepping into rhythm with your dog.  Yes, you will put your hands on the dog, learn to take your time, try different things, relax and have fun.  I will be watching "you" - not the dog!  If the dog gets it, you did a fine job.

Submitted by Pia Silvani, CPDT

This Hands-on Workshop will be presented at the Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) on Saturday, October 18 from 1:30 - 5:00 PM.  Transportation from the Galt House Hotel to KHS will be provided.  Pre-registration is required.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

The APDT Conference has been certified by the following organizations:

Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) has approved the APDT Conference for 32 CEUs.

Wednesday 5.5 CEUs Saturday   7    CEUs

Thursday   7    CEUs   Sunday  5.5 CEUs

Friday   7     CEUs

To submit earned credits to CCPDT:

At the end of the APDT Conference you will receive a certificate of attendance listing the  number of hours you attended and your CEUs.  Make a copy of the certificate and submit it to     the CCPDT.

International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Inc. (IAABC) has approved the APDT Conference for 15 CEUs.  

To submit earned credits to the IAABC:

There will be additional paperwork at the conference registration desk.  Fill out the paperwork and submit this document to the IAABC when you are ready to re-certify.

American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry for Approved Continuing Education (RACE) has a approved the APDT Conference program as meeting the standards adopted by the AAVSB for Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians. Veterinarians will receive 65 CEUs and Veterinary Technicians will receive 27.5 CEUs.

To submit earned credits to your certification board:

There will be additional paperwork at the conference registration desk.  Fill out the paperwork and submit this document to your state board when you are ready to re- license.

If you would like the APDT to apply for CEUs for your organization , contact the APDT Conference Office at APDT@details2.com or call toll free 1.866.570.9967.

Make Your Hotel Reservations

Galt House Hotel and Suites

140 North Fourth Street

Louisville, KY 40202

(502) 589-5200

All sessions for the APDT Conference are at the Galt House Hotel and Suites except the Field Study to the Louisville Zoo and the hands-on workshops.

All rooms and rates are subject to availability.  The rates are good if you make your reservation by September 17th but last year we sold out of rooms at the host hotel long before the deadline.  As soon as you know you are attending the conference we strongly advise you to make your hotel reservation!

Overlooking the Ohio River and downtown Louisville, Galt House Hotel and Suites is at the waterfront and approximately six miles from Louisville International Airport.  It is also half a mile from River Bats Baseball and one mile from the Slugger Museum.  Churchill Downs is 10 minutes away and the Louisville Zoo is 15 minutes from the hotel.

Hotel amenities include the outdoor swimming pool and Club 360, a state-of-the-art fitness center.  For dining and refreshments the Galt House has a new revolving restaurant, Rivue.  It has great food, a stunning, art deco interior and a magnificent view.  You can check out the  Rivue menu.

For more causal dining you can try Cafe Magnolia, the Fountain Room for weekday lunch buffets or the Conservatory, which links the hotel's east and west towers.

All rooms feature complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access, cable TV, voicemail, coffee makers, hairdryers, irons and ironing board and clock radios.  The suites have refrigerators.

To make your reservation, call the hotel directly at (800) 843-4258.  To ensure the APDT special conference rate you must mention the APDT when making your reservation and reserve before September 17, 2008.  All rooms and rates subject to availability.

APDT Conference Rates

West "Standard Room" Tower East "Executive Suite" Tower

$125.00 - Single or Double $150.00 - Single or Double

$135.00 - Triple $160.00 - Triple

$145.00 - Quad $170.00 - Quad