Ethology and Canine Behavior Webinar Library

 

Speaker: Lindsay R. Mehrkam, M.S.  (Recorded live July 12, 2012)
Any dog owner will tell you that they play an essential role their dog’s lives, but what are the actual behavioral effects we have on our canines? In this lecture, we will discuss both empirical research findings and the practical utility of how human interaction  – our touch, our voices, and even just our attention – can bring out a wide range of behaviors in not only dogs, but also wolves, wolf-dog hybrids, and coyotes that demonstrate the positive – and sometimes negative side effects –  of our close relationship with canines.
CEU’s: CCPDT=1.0 CBCC-KA and 2.0 CPDT-KA; IAABC 2.0 CEU’s

Speaker: Barbara Handelman, M.Ed., CDBC  (Recorded live August 9, 2012)
This presentation is relevant to all horses who spent significant periods of time confined in a stall.  This includes horses who are stabled all the time unless being worked; horses who come in from their pastures for the night; and horses who are confined because of sickness or injury. In this presentation, illustrated with MANY still photos and video of horses, Handelman will offer examples of stressed animals, animals in pain, and animals exhibiting stereotypic and other compulsive behaviors. It is essential that owners, trainers, and behavior consultants be able to recognize both subtle and overt signs of stress, and be able to differentiate signs of stress from physical pain and aggressive arousal.
While this presentation is based on Handelman’s current work with horses restricted to stall rest, parallels exist in the confinement and rehabilitation of all animal species.
CEU’s: CCPDT= 1.5 CPDT-KA; IAABC 1.0 CEU’s

Speaker: Sam Gosling, Ph.D.  (Recorded live September 6, 2012)
In the late 1990s, the idea of non-human animals having personality was treated with skepticism or even ridicule by the scientific community. But now, little more than a decade later, the topic is a well-established, vibrant area of research in such fields as behavioral ecology and applied ethology. Consistent individual differences in personality have been identified in numerous non-human species, ranging from octopuses and guppies to hyenas and chimpanzees. What brought about animal personality’s change in fortunes? And what promise does it hold for Anthrozoology and allied fields? This talk will summarize the major discoveries from the field, focusing on the challenges the field has faced and those that lie ahead. For example, questions about measurement have long dogged the field, with concerns focusing on three basic issues: (1) that personality cannot be measured reliably in animals, (2) that the assessments are overly subjective, (3) that the methods required to obtain valid assessments are impractical. Using data from our studies of on spotted hyenas, dogs, chimpanzees, squid, and humans I address each concern and evaluate the viability of personality assessments in animals. Next, I shall discuss some major challenges that lie ahead. These include addressing concerns regarding anthropomorphism, determining the best level at which to conceptualize personality, the need to develop a common taxonomy for describing personality, the importance of construct validation, and integrating the ideas of variation within individuals and across the lifespan. Finally, I shall consider the implications of this work in science (e.g., understanding the genetic bases of personality) and applied settings (e.g., identifying dogs well suited to explosive-detection work).
CEU’s: CCPDT=2.0 CBCC-KA and 2.0 CPDT-KA; IAABC 2.0 CEU’s

Intentional Thinking in Animals: Can They Do It and Is It Necessary
Speaker: Ken McCort (Recorded Live October 3, 2012)
In this presentation, Ken McCort will explore the subject of Intentional Thinking in animals. Intentional thinking will be defined, exploring what it means in terms of behavior, as well as the levels involved in the process. We will then discuss how intentional thinking may lead to the ability of companion animals, especially dogs, to plot, plan, deceive and trick humans. This subject was first explored in the 1700’s and has been more recently revisited by philosopher Daniel Dennett Ph. D. in the late 1980’s. This cognitive process is very important to understand by anybody involved in handling and training animals of all species.

2 CCPDT CEU’s (1 CBCC; 2 CPDT); 2 IAABC CEU’s

 

Exploring Taboos
Speaker: Julie Hecht, MSc (Recorded Live, November 7, 2012)
Most dogs live in our homes as four-legged family members, but sometimes their behavior can be a jarring reminder that they are not humans, but canids with their own unique behavioral and sensory systems. In this colorful presentation, Julie Hecht, MSc presents scientific research into some of dogs’ seemingly taboo behaviors, such as humping and crotch-sniffing. This presentation highlights the importance of assessing behavior from the dog’€™s perspective, as opposed to through the lens of human social norms and standards.
2 CCPDT CEU’s (1 CBCC; 2 CPDT); 2 IAABC CEU’s
Cost $25.00

Measuring Behavior and Temperament in Dogs: New Methods and Applications
Speaker: Dr. James Serpell, (Recorded Live, December 5, 2012)
Studies suggest that behavior problems are one of the most important reasons why people abuse, abandon, disown or euthanize companion dogs. Improved knowledge of the distribution and causes of behavior problems in the pet dog population could therefore contribute greatly to the welfare of dogs worldwide. Unfortunately, because most dogs live inside people’s homes, they are difficult and sometimes impossible to observe for the extended periods of time needed to properly evaluate their behavior or temperament. It is therefore necessary to develop different kinds of measurement techniques for this purpose. The Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ; https://www.cbarq.org) is one such technique that relies on measurement by proxy. Instead of observing and measuring the animal’s behavior directly, the C-BARQ collects indirect behavioral information provided by the dog’s owner, guardian or handler. This presentation will outline how and why the C-BARQ was originally developed and validated, and will describe some of the intriguing ways it is currently being used to improve our understanding of canine behavior and behavior problems.
2 CCPDT CEU’s (1 CBCC; 2 CPDT); 2 IAABC CEU’s
Cost $25.00

 

Practical Ethology: Breeding Selection and Training Choices
Speaker –  Chris Redenbach, CABC, CBCC-KA (Recorded Live: January 16, 2013)
So how does a trainer or behaviorist use “ethology” in their work with dogs? This 90 minute presentation highlights how one breeder/trainer used classical ethological principles to aid in breeding selection for working traits as well as how she uses classical ethology in analyzing behavior and training issues and problem solving. Why does one dog go forward while another runs away? Why does one stock dog use body slams and upper body contact while another goes for the legs? Why did a dog suddenly start attacking long bodied, short legged dogs but not small long legged dogs? Why was the presenter upset when Europe banned ear cropping even though she didn’t like to crop ears? How does ethology apply to teaching the “stay” exercise? The discussion will be an informal introduction to how classical ethology pervades all we do with dogs.
2 CCPDT CEU’s (1 CBCC; 2 CPDT); 2 IAABC CEU’s
Cost $25.00

The Ethology of Play and What Canines Can Teach Us
Speaker: Dr. Karen Davis (Recorded live: April 3, 2013)
Play behavior has often been ignored by many biological researchers due to the difficulty in defining what play is, its function, mechanisms, and origin. Many functional hypotheses of play have been advanced but little supporting evidence is available. Most current theories of play come from social play fighting in rodents or social signaling in primates but canines may turn out to be a critical group for understanding play. Dog play behavior is most often observed in non-stressed healthy animals in the wild or captivity. In most mammals the frequency of play behavior decreases as individuals reach adulthood. During this lecture we will investigate how to define play from an ethological perspective so it can be recognized across taxa. Moreover, the different types of play will be defined. Then, we will discuss some of the hypotheses of the function of play and as well as how canines are a timely and useful group for integrating empirical approaches to the study of play behavior. Finally, we will explore some of my current canine developmental play research and its implications for dog trainers and pet owners.
2 CCPDT CEU’s (1 CBCC; 2 CPDT); 2 IAABC CEU’s
Cost: $25.00

Working with Aggressive Dog Cases
Speaker: Trish King, CDBC, CPDT-KA (Recorded live: May 1, 2013)
Aggression in any form is a serious behavior problem, in some cases a wide variety of people and dogs, both inside and outside the home. As we know, not all people are capable of handling aggressive animals, and there is some aggression which cannot be effectively – and safely – modified. In this presentation, we will discuss various methods of addressing the issue, as well as assessing owners’ capabilities of successful behavior modification.
2 CCPDT CEU’s (1 CBCC; 2 CPDT); 2 IAABC CEU’s

Cost: $25.00

Your Dog is a Wolf, but it’s Not!! ….a Day without Pee is a Day without Sunshine!
Speaker: Beth Duman, CPDT-KA, VSPDT (Recorded live: June 12, 2013)
Wolf behavior – how it relates to training dogs is the question at the core of understanding where dogs came from and how they developed from a wild animal to our household pet. We all know through recent genetic analysis that our dog’s ancestors were wolves. How do we use this information to better work with and understand our canine companions? Biologist and trainer, Beth Duman, CPDT-KA, VSPDT will guide you through a lively discussion of wolf behavior and ecology and how this relates to our training methods and interactions with our pet dogs. 2 CCPDT CEU’s (1 CBCC; 2 CPDT); 2 IAABC CEU’s

Cost: $25.00

Science and the Shelter Dog: How Do We Improve Adoption?
Speaker: Alexandra (Sasha) Protopopova, MS, CPDT-KA (Recorded live: July 17, 2013)
With the numerous amounts of training and behavior modification programs out there designed to improve shelter dog adoptions, how do we know which ones to implement at our shelter? Discover what science can tell us. How do people choose dogs? What do adopters prefer dogs to look and act like at the shelter? What about breed-specific training programs? Learn about past scientific studies that have assessed training programs at shelters as well as learn more about our on-going research at the University of Florida on adopter preferences, assessment of current training protocols, as well as our plans for future research that will finally develop a validated, efficient, and effective training program to improve welfare and adoption success of shelter dogs.
2 CCPDT CEU’s (1 CBCC; 2 CPDT); 2 IAABC CEU’s

Cost: $25.00

 

Communication between dogs and humans: are dogs naturally smart or good learners?
Speaker: Mariana Bentosela, PhD  (Recorded live: August 7, 2013)
Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) have shown remarkable communicative skills towards humans.  These abilities allow dogs to solve different problems and achieve desired objects in their ordinary lives. However, the mechanisms underlying these capacities are still unclear. There is an intense debate between high-level and low-level explanations, regarding the role of domestication and ontogeny (or life history) in the development of these skills.  In this talk I will describe several approaches to study the role of learning and experiences during ontogeny on interspecific communicative responses in dogs.  Specifically, three kinds of studies will be discussed: 1. the effects of some associative learning processes upon communicative behaviors (reinforcement, extinction, omission, and stimulus competence), 2.  the comparison of the performance of dogs with different levels of social contact with humans (shelter vs. pet dogs) and 3. the comparison between dogs and other non-domesticated canids like foxes and wolves.  These investigations not only contribute to the debate regarding the mechanisms of communication, but also provide relevant information to applied areas where dogs are found.
2 CCPDT CEU’s (2 CBCC; OR 2 CPDT); 2 IAABC CEU’s

Cost: $25.00

 

 

Title: Working with Dogs who Guard Food and Other Resources
Speaker:  Trish McMillan Loehr MSc, CPDT-KA (Recorded live, October, 2013)
Ms. McMillan Loehr  discusses techniques for managing and reducing aggression in dogs who growl, snarl, snap or bite when humans approach them while they’€™re eating, chewing or playing with a toy. This presentation looks at a variety of different, positive-reinforcement based methods to manage and work with dogs who guard their resources with aggressive behavior.

2 CCPDT CEU’s; 2 IAABC CEU’s

Cost: $25.00

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Title: How Understanding Basic Ethology Can Benefit Dog Trainers
Speaker:Ken McCort (Recorded live, November, 2013)
This presentation will benefit people who train dogs, and especially those who work with behavior concerns,  by looking into and understanding dog behavior under “natural” conditions. It is an introductory look at dog ethology, starting with when ethology came into the field of science and then looking at what it has done to enhance our understanding of why dogs do what they do, and how we can use that knowledge in our daily work and life with dogs.

2 CCPDT CEU’s; 2 IAABC CEU’s
Cost: $25.00

 

Title:Classical Conditioning in Dog Training-Thinking like a Dog Trainer Part 2
Speaker:Sue Alexander CPT-KSA, CBCC-KA, CDBC (Recorded Live, December, 2013)
There is a whole other realm of learning that dog trainers need to know about; the learning that occurs classically!  Classical conditioning is the effect that results when two stimuli are paired together.  Using classical conditioning in dog training is a powerful type of learning that can help you change behaviours in profound ways, getting at the underpinning of motivation for canine behaviour.

2 CCPDT CEU’s; 2 IAABC CEU’s
Cost: $25.00

 

Title: Chomp: Predatory Behavior in Wolves and Dogs
Speaker:Monty Sloan (Recorded Live, January, 2014)
Description: In addressing how dogs are similar and how they are different from the wolf in terms of development, ecology, and behavior, one needs to look at the basic functions and development of predation in the wolf.  The obligate progression of predatory behaviors seen in wolves exist to varying degrees, but have been modified, in some cases nearly to the point of non-existence, in dogs. With a focus on wolf predatory behaviour, emphasizing field studies in Yellowstone and Isle Royale, this program will address ontological development,  effects of the environment and learning, as well as individual variations of behavior in the wolf.  Comparisons will be drawn to dogs, and some of the differences seen in various dog breeds.
2 CCPDT CEU’s; 2 IAABC CEU’s
Cost: $25.00

 

Title: Domestic Dogs: The New Darlings of Animal Cognition
Speaker: Krista Macpherson MS (Recorded Live February, 2014)
Description: This lecture will present findings from 3 areas of study that may contradict typical beliefs about canine cognition.  In the first set of experiments, we staged false emergencies to test whether or not a dog would attempt to save an owner who appeared to be experiencing an emergency situation.  In two other sets of experiments, we tested numerical discrimination, or “counting” in dogs, as well as spatial memory.  The performance of dogs in these experiments proved to be very different from has been observed previously in other species.  The findings from these three very different areas of research will be integrated into a general discussion of the study of cognition in domestic dogs. CEUs available
2 CCPDT CEU’s; 2 IAABC CEU’s
Cost: $25.00

Title: Wolves Dogs and Humans – the Old Triangle: Science and Training at the Wolf Science Center/Austria
Speaker: Kurt Kotrschal, PhD– Leader and Founder of the Wolf Science Center (Austria-Recorded Live March, 2014)
Description: Why did wolves in their domesticated form turn into the closest animal buddy of man? At the Wolf Science Center (Austria) (www.wolfscience.at) researchers experimentally investigate and compare the cognitive abilities of wolves and dogs and their cooperative orientation among themselves and with humans. A number of hypotheses imply that by domestication, dogs have become intrinsically better than wolves in interacting and cooperating with humans (Frank 1980, Hare and Tomasello 2005, Hare et al. 2012, Gacsi et al. 2009). However, this may not be true. In this webinar, Dr. Kotrschal will give an introduction to the work and training philosophy at the WSC and provide a few examples of their scientific work. CEUs available 2 CCPDT CEU’s; 2 IAABC CEU’s; 2 NADOI
Cost: $25.00

Title: Training a Cat Isn’t Like Training a Dog! Or is it?
Speaker:Jacqueline Munera, CCBC, PCBC, CAP 2 – Cat Training and Behavior Expert (USA) (Recorded Live April 9, 2014)
Many behavior professionals hold on to an assumption that, while cats can be trained, they are much more difficult than dogs.  We will use photos and videos in this online presentation to cover some basic ethology and behavior of domestic cats, along with various solutions to typical challenges that may come up during training sessions.  You will learn that training a cat is not exactly the same as training a dog, but neither is it completely different! CEUs available 2 CCPDT CEU’s; 2 IAABC CEU’s; 2 NADOI
Cost: $25.00

 

Title: Healthy Mind, Healthy Dog
Speaker: Niwako Ogata, PhD, ACVB– Clinical Dog Behavior (Purdue University, USA) (Recorded Live May 7, 2014) Common behavior problems seen in the veterinary behavior clinic oftentimes stem from anxiety. Canine anxiety and dog health are critical issues for dog owners, trainers, behavior consultants and the veterinary community.  CEUs available:  CCPDT=2 (2 CBCC-KA); IAABC=2 CEU’s; NADOI=2 CEU’s
Cost: $25.00

Title:What Does the Nose Know?
Speaker:Julie Hecht, MS– Canine Olfaction/Smell (DogSpies & Barnard College, USA) (Recorded Live June, 2014) We all know dogs have an incredible sense of smell, but that’s just the beginning. The dog olfactory system has received considerable scrutiny in recent years, both the extent of dogs’ detection skills as well as the role of olfaction in everyday interactions. Scent-based sports and games are on the rise, and behavior-modification protocols now incorporate smell-based recommendations.  Join Julie Hecht, MSc, for a tour of recent research into dog olfaction, including its role in detection work and everyday intra- and inter-specific interactions. New brain and behavior research help complete the picture of the dog’s olfactory system. There is much more to a dog’s wet nose than meets the eye. CEUs available: CCPDT=2 (2 CBCC-KA); IAABC=2 CEU’s; NADOI=2 CEU’s.
Cost: $25.00

 

Title: Can Dogs Love? Biological Mechanisms Underlying Social and Emotional Profiles
Speaker: Sarina Saturn, PhD (Recorded Live August, 2014)
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.  Moderated by Giovanna Rosenlicht, DVM
CEUs available: CCPDT=2 (2 CBCC-KA); IAABC=2 CEU’s; NADOI=2 CEU’s.
Cost: $25.00

 

Title: Advanced Clicker Training for Dogs: Shaping and Targeting
Speaker: Julie Flanery, BS,RFE-CI (Recorded Live September, 2014)
The clicker is an extremely valuable tool as part of the process of creating or changing behavior. Many who use a clicker combine it with lure/reward or traditional training methods, which can slow the learning process. The use of Shaping and Targeting allows the dog to not only become a cooperative partner in training, but when used correctly speeds the learning process and creates stronger behavior. This webinar on advanced clicker training for dogs is geared toward those looking to take their clicker training to the next level and remove lures or compulsion from the process. There will be many videos and examples of advanced clicker training for dogs that will include performance sports, problem behavior, and every day manners and tricks. Take the next step in your training and join Julie in this fun and informative webinar. This talk is moderated by research Veterinarian, Giovanna Rosenlicht at Oregon State University.  Moderated by Giovanna Rosenlicht, DVM
CEUs available: CCPDT=2 (2 CPDT-KA); IAABC=2 CEU’s; NADOI=2 CEU’s.
Cost: $25.00

 

Title: Behavioral Effects of Spaying and Neutering
Speaker: Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB (Recorded Live October, 2014)
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. Moderated by Giovanna Rosenlicht, DVM
CEUs available: CCPDT=2 (2 CBCC-KA); IAABC=2 CEU’s; NADOI=2 CEU’s.
Cost: $25.00

 

Title: A Look At Dog Populations – Internationally Between Australia & West Coast USA
Speaker: Renee Harris (Recorded Live November, 2014)
Join Renee Hall, with over 30 years of Animal shelter experience and leadership, as she discusses the differences and similarities between the dog populations admitted to animal shelters, the common behavioral challenges, which are similar including increased levels of anxiety and arousal. Increased reactivity and dog to dog aggressive tendencies. Some behavior training that is working for some, and areas that we still need to understand better to tackle the prevention and treatment for these dogs while in the shelter environment.
CEUs available: CCPDT=2 (2 CPDT-KA); IAABC=2 CEU’s; NADOI=2 CEU’s.
Cost: $25.00

Title:  Windows of opportunity: A New Look at Canine Socialization
Speaker: Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB (Recorded live December, 2014)
Join Dr. Pachel, Veterinary Behaviorist, as he discusses the importance in recognizing that socialization outcomes are affected by more than just early canine experiences. Long term socialization and adult behavior patterns can be affected by genetic influences as well as by specific experiences during multiple developmental stages including the prenatal, neonatal and early socialization periods.   Current research and recommendations on socialization will be discussed. CEUs available: CCPDT=2 (1 CBCC-KA); IAABC=2 CEU’s; NADOI=2 CEU’s.

Cost: $25.00

 

Title:  Resource Guarding between Animals: Causes and Remedies
Speaker: Ken McCort (Recorded live January, 2015)
What causes fights between dogs over food, toys, etc? How can you stop it from starting, or end it once it has begun? This webinar will discuss competition between dogs and a few other pet species for available resources.  These resources can include: food, favored resting stations, toys, the affections/attention of people or any other thing the environment offers.   The competition comes in different forms and often escalates until animal will actually hurt or kill each other.  This webinar will also discuss strategies for preventing and resolving such competition. CEUs available: CCPDT=2 ; IAABC=2 CEU’s; NADOI=2 CEU’s.

Cost: $25.00

 

 
Title: It Takes Two: Successful cat and dog interactions
Speaker:Jacqueline Munera, CCBC, PCBC, CAP2 (Recorded live February, 2015)
Millions of cat and dogs in America live together in varying degrees of harmony. Many of your clients have cats and dogs, but they may not be aware of what each species needs in order to peaceably coexist with the other. Additionally, when things go wrong, your clients may not know how to improve the situation. This presentation will review some of the most common problem situations that occur in cat and dog households, and why these problems occur. The presentation will also cover how to set up the environment and some specific training techniques that can be used to increase positive associations between individuals of both species. CEUs available: CCPDT=2 ; IAABC=2 CEU’s; NADOI=2 CEU’s.

Cost: $25.00

 

Title: What does the dog say?
Speaker: Dr. Kathryn Lord (Recorded live March, 2015)
We first learned that dogs bark when we were in preschool, and most of us have probably been hearing dogs bark every day since.  But despite its constant presence in our lives the function of this vocalization is still highly contested.  In this talk we will take a comparative look at the dog bark with vocalizations in other species. Based on this and the bioacoustics of the bark itself, Dr. Lord will present a hypothesis on the function of the bark as the result of conflicting inner states. She will also present some new data that tests this hypothesis against the idea that barks have evolved in dogs as communication with humans. CEUs available: CCPDT=2 (2 CBCC-KA); IAABC=2 CEU’s; NADOI=2 CEU’s.

Cost: $25.00

 

Title: Preference Assessments and Structured Adopter-Dog Interactions (SADI) Increase Adoptions
Speaker: Alexandra (Sasha) Protopopova, MS, CPDT-KA (Recorded live April 2015)
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. CEUs available: CCPDT=2 ; IAABC=2 CEU’s; NADOI=2 CEU’s.

Cost: $25.00