Scent processing in dogs – a neuroethological approach

Dr. Gadbois will discuss a neuroethological perspective on basic and applied scent processing in dogs. The approach emphasizes taking advantage of the natural behaviour patterns of dogs while the olfactory system is activated. It is also heavily focussed on motivational parameters, making it a motivational perspective as opposed to a cognitive perspective. The approach put forward here differs on two levels from the mainstream: It diverges from strict behaviour analysis methods by highlighting the need to adapt to the dog, as opposed to forcing the dog to adapt to strict protocols (I call this affordance training), and the realization that cognitive performance is superseded by motivational factors. In other words, a dog that *wants* to work in an appropriate setting (during and after training) may perform beyond and above what selection by breed or by nose assessment would suggest. This approach does not minimize the importance of breeds (in fact, it puts breed at the forefront, but suggests non-traditional breed choices) or of the nose (on the contrary, but it emphasizes “software” over “hardware”). Relevance to academic research, R&D, and direct applications will be discussed.

Speaker: Simon Gadbois, Ph.D.

Available as a recording
NOTE: Both the Live and the Recording are approved for the same amount of CEUs.

Cost: $25.00

CEU’s Available:
2 IAABC CEU’s
2 CCPDT CEU’s
2 ABCDT-L2 CEU’s
2 NADOI CEU’s
2 PPAB/PPG

Members of APDT, CCPDT, IAABC, ABCDT-L2, NACSW or NADOI receive over 25% off.All Lecture Series Webinars are only $18.00 each. See instructions below on how to find the password to take part in this professional discount.

IAABC members, Click HERE to apply your discount.
Email cheryl@e-trainingfordogs for the passcode.

NADOI, CCPDT, ABCDT-L2, PPG, IACP, NACSW and APDT members, click HERE to apply for your discount.
Email cheryl@e-trainingfordogs for the passcode.

Shelter Dog Training Program

One of the leading preventable causes of death for a dog is euthanasia at an animal shelter. Approximately 10% of all dogs housed in the US are living in shelters and many will not currently come out alive. One way to reduce euthanasia in shelters is by increasing the numbers of dogs leaving the shelters alive by being placed in loving homes. However, currently, we did not have a validated program that served to increase adoption rates. In the current talk, Alexandra Protopopova, MS, CPDT-KA will describe her research, in which through systematic study of adopter preference and dogs’ learning styles, that has led to a validated behavioral program, Structured Adopter-Dog Interactions (SADI). This program increased adoption rates by approximately 70% in the experimental shelter and may be used by shelter professionals to increase adoption rates and thereby decrease unnecessary euthanasia at their animal shelters.

Speaker: Alexandra (Sasha) Protopopova, MS, CPDT-KA

Available as a recording.

Cost: $25.00

CEU’s Available:
2 IAABC CEU’s
2 CCPDT CEU’s
2 ABCDT-L2 CEU’s
2 NADOI CEU’s
2 PPAB/PPG

Members of APDT, CCPDT, IAABC, ABCDT-L2 or NADOI receive over 25% off.All Lecture Series Webinars are only $18.00 each. See instructions below on how to find the password to take part in this professional discount.

IAABC members, Click HERE to apply your discount.
Email cheryl@e-trainingfordogs for the passcode.

NADOI, CCPDT, ABCDT-L2, PPG, IACP and APDT members, click HERE to apply for your discount.
Email cheryl@e-trainingfordogs for the passcode.

Expressions of behaviors in dogs and cats are influenced by numerous factors, which include gender, genetics, environment, socialization and hormones. Given the complexity of the development of behavior, it is important to determine which aspects can be predictably influenced by interactions or treatments. Traditionally veterinarians in the US have recommended surgical alteration for medical and behavioral reasons, as well as population control. This lecture will examine current research regarding the behavioral implications of testosterone and estrogen, and what behaviors are affected by spaying and neutering. The focus will be on interpretation of research comparing behaviors in intact animals with animals that have been surgically sterilized. Behavioral Effects of Spaying and Neutering is a timely lecture that will help both professionals and pet owners make informed decisions and recommendations.

Speaker: Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB

Available as a recording.

Topics covered will include:

• Behaviors which are affected testosterone levels
• Behaviors which are affected by estrogen
• The effect of age at the time of sterilization on behavior
• Incidence of problem behaviors in intact and altered animals

Cost: $25.00

CEU’s Available:
2 IAABC CEU’s
2 CCPDT CEU’s
2 ABCDT-L2 CEU’s
2 NADOI CEU’s
2 PPAB/PPG CEU’s
2 IACP CEU’s

Members of APDT, CCPDT, IAABC, IACP, ABCDT-L2 or NADOI receive over 25% off.All Lecture Series Webinars are only $18.00 each. See instructions below on how to find the password to take part in this professional discount.

IAABC members, Click HERE to apply your discount.
Email cheryl@e-trainingfordogs for the passcode.

NADOI, CCPDT, ABCDT-L2, PPG, IACP and APDT members, click HERE to apply for your discount.
Email cheryl@e-trainingfordogs for the passcode.

Can dogs love?

Can any animal love?

Why should we care?

Some will argue, no they can not love…it is all about neural motor responses hard-wiring behind every behavior. Others will argue that strong emotions, such as love, are necessary for social functioning.

Neuropsychologist Sarina Saturn will discuss the neuroanatomy and chemistry underlying negative and social emotions and how this knowledge can be applied towards understanding variations in animal behaviors and living happier and healthier lives.

There are chemicals in our bodies (and other animals’ bodies!) that are associated (increase or decrease) with “feelings” of emotions such as love, stressed, sensitivity, reactivity, sociability, etc. ….and this is fascinating and important to dog lovers, trainers, behavior consultants and anyone that has anything to do with dogs. Particularly fascinating is the use of oxytocin spray to decrease negative behaviors and increase pro-social behaviors with dogs. Its use with autistic children is almost a miracle.

This lecture will do a “bit of delving” into the science of the biology of stress, fear, and other emotions and what happens neurochemically when these are experienced…followed by what naturally occurring neurotransmitters and/or hormones can moderate these negative states or traits in our pets. Please join us in this extremely cutting edge lecture by a leading researcher in emotional and social studies as she discusses her NSF funded research and others’ research in this area. This talk is moderated by research Veterinarian, Giovanna Rosenlicht at Oregon State University.

Speaker: Sarina Saturn, PhD

Moderated by Giovanna Rosenlicht, DVM

This lecture will discuss:

• Biology of emotions (neuroanatomy and neurochemistry)
• Biology of stress
• Resiliency
• Dopamine and prosocial behavior
• Serotonin and prosociality
• Oxytocin and prosociality
• Moral elevation
• What causes individual differences in prosociality?
• Neurochemical polymorphisms (i.e. “differences”)
  • Dopamine-social sensitivity and emotional reactivity
  • Serotonin-reward-related behaviors
  • Oxytocin- stress; communication; sociality

Scientific description: The purpose of this lecture is to discuss how social and emotional states and traits are mapped onto central and peripheral nervous systems. First, participants will learn about the stress response. In moderation, the stress response facilitates behaviors that foster safety and health. In toxic levels, stress can lead to devastating consequences to emotional and physical well-being. Next, participants will learn about the neurochemistry and neuroanatomy of prosocial emotions, such as empathy and altruism. These other-oriented prosocial emotions involve another cascade of physiological events to combat stress and facilitate social connectedness. There will be a focus on the neuromodulators oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, as well as the vagus nerve, a crucial portal through which the body and brain communicate with each other during emotional events. This talk will also focus on how individual differences in personality and emotional set points are shaped by genetic variations of neurochemical systems, such as polymorphisms of neurotransmitter systems. It will also cover how experiences can influence emotions through epigenetic modifications. Altogether, neuropsychologist Sarina Saturn will discuss the neuroanatomy and chemistry underlying negative and social emotions and how this knowledge can be applied towards understanding variations in animal behaviors and living happier and healthier lives.

Cost: $25.00

Recorded LIVE  August, 2014

Available OnDemand.

CEU’s Available:
2 IAABC CEU’s
2 CCPDT CEU’s
2 ABCDT-L2 CEU’s
2 NADOI CEU’s
2 PPAB/PPG

Members of APDT, CCPDT, IAABC, ABCDT-L2 or NADOI receive over 25% off.All Lecture Series Webinars are only $18.00 each. See instructions below on how to find the password to take part in this professional discount.

IAABC members, Click HERE to apply your discount.
Email cheryl@e-trainingfordogs for the passcode.

NADOI, CCPDT, ABCDT-L2, PPG, IACP and APDT members, click HERE to apply for your discount.
Email cheryl@e-trainingfordogs for the passcode.