Training and Behavior Topics

Hooligans! Living with Canine Teenagers – Teoti Anderson, CPDT-KA

What happened to that cute, obedient little fluffball you brought home? The one who aced his puppy class, was housetrained in minutes and listened to your every word? If your little sweetheart has turned into a hooligan, you're probably dealing with a canine teenager. Learn what is normal and what to be concerned about, tips for making life easier with a rambunctious adolescent dog, and how to get help if needed. Your little sweetheart is still in there … you just have to find him again!

Housetraining Basics – Teoti Anderson, CPDT-KA

Housetraining is a common challenge for dog owners, so if you’re having trouble teaching Fido to eliminate outside, you’re not alone! This webinar will cover practical solutions you can use to housetrain your dog, whether it’s a puppy or an adult dog. We’ll also go over typical challenges, and warning signs that your dog may have a physical problem and not a housetraining problem.

Loose Leash Walking – Gail Fisher

Want to take your dog for a pleasurable walk—but it turns out not to be a pleasure? Tired of having your arm yanked out? Many dog owners complain that their dog pulls, and wonder why. After all, the poor dog is choking—and he’s choking himself! You’d think the dog would learn not to do that! This webinar will delve into the reasons dogs pull on leash, how your dog views the leash, and what your dog thinks of your roll at the other end of the leash. You’ll learn simple strategies to teach your dog not to pull. Once you understand your dog’s perspective, and how to create a cooperative connection, you’ll soon be walking in partnership with your dog.

Separation Anxiety in Dogs – Melissa Bain, DVM, DACVB, MS

Separation anxiety can be devastating to owners and their pets. These dogs panic and can display some very disturbing behaviors, including destruction, escaping, and elimination in the house. Additionally these animals can severely injure themselves, sometimes even breaking their teeth trying to chew their way out. This talk will summarize some of the problems, and give you some tips in help your pets through this problem.

How to Become a Professional Dog Trainer – Mychelle Blake, MSW, CDBC

Interested in learning how one becomes a dog trainer? Join the Executive Director of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers to learn the basic routes that trainers take to become professionals in the field of dog training and behavior.

Dog Sports and Classes

Got C.L.A.S.S.? Canine Life and Social Skills for Pet Owners – Ann Allums, CPDT-KA

Wish your dog was better trained so that you could take him more places? Looking for something else fun to do with your dog? Want to test your own knowledge of dog behavior? Get C.L.A.S.S.! C.L.A.S.S. is a three-level evaluation for students to demonstrate the real-life skills of their dogs, as well as a knowledge assessment of the students’ understanding of basic dog handling and care. C.L.A.S.S. advocates the use of reward-based training. Positive, reward-based training minimizes the use of punishment and is fun for both owner and dog! Dog owners can earn a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. for their dog in this program created by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. This webinar will further introduce this new and exciting program for pet owners.

Treibball: Rolling Out Better Companions! - Casey Lomonaco, KPA CTP

Treibball is a growing sport, with a number of venues in the U.S. hoping to offer competition Treibball events in the near future. But what does Treibball have to offer those who are not interested in competing? What does it have to offer people who are just wanting to improve their dog's behavior in a way which is fun for both the two and four-legged members of the training team? Treibball is not only a fun sport, but it is a great game to play while teaching your dog more reliable behaviors. This webinar will discuss Treibball as a fun solution to every day training problems faced by many dog owners. If you've ever found yourself thinking any of the following, Treibball is for you!

"My dog has trouble paying attention to me in distracting environments/around other dogs."
"My dog is fearful of new things and I'd really like to build her confidence."
"I'd love to teach my dog how to play!"
"My dog has a lot of energy. I'd love an inexpensive, fun way to exercise his brain and body in the back yard."

"My dog will only listen when I ask him to 'sit' if I am standing directly in front of him. I'd like him to respond more reliably at a distance."
"My dog wants to destroy every toy he sees!"

Treibball is a great vehicle to get your dog on the road to better pet manners. Join us to learn more about foundation skills for Treibball and how this new game can improve your relationship with your dog!

General Pet Information

All About Pet Insurance – Katie Grant

Pet insurance is a smart idea. U.S. pet owners will spend approximately $13.6 billion on veterinary care in 2012 according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). The APPA also reports American pet owners spend on average over $700 annually per dog and $500 annually per cat for healthcare expenses. Don't let an unexpected veterinary bill catch you off guard! From vaccinations to a late night visit to the emergency clinic, you can give your pet the best care available while controlling the costs with pet insurance. So how do you find the pet insurance provider and the pet insurance plan that's right for you and your pet? This webinar will introduce you to pet insurance along with PetFirst and help you determine what you should consider when shopping for pet insurance for your furry family member.

Shelter Dogs: Good Choice or Bad? – Trish King, CPDT-KA, CDBC

You want a new dog, but are unsure about where to get one? Shelters can be great choices, just as long as you do a bit of research and spend some time making sure you’re getting the dog of your dreams. During this presentation, we discuss how to choose a puppy or dog, by doing your own quick evaluation.

Bite Prevention

Dog Safety: What to Teach Your Kids – Joan Orr

This webinar will teach parents what they need to teach their kids about begin safe around dogs. This will focus on being a dog detective and learning to read dog body language to get clues about what a dog might be thinking. We will talk about the key body language signs that let us know whether the dog is happy or is not in the mood to interact with children. We will talk about how to Be a Tree and stand still if a dog is threatening or bothering a child, and how to meet a dog safely.

The Inclusion of Family Dogs for Success: Building Dog-Child Bonds – Jennifer Shryock, B.A., CDBC

In recognition of May's Dog Bite Prevention Month, as well as Dog Bite Prevention Week (May 20-26, 2012), APDT is pleased to bring you a free webinar that will teach you about the importance of teaching children to be safe around dogs, understanding you dog's body language, and how to build strong and health relationships between kids and dogs. Learn about grumble and growl zones, common mistakes, hazardous situations, and more as well as tips for keeping the entire family happy and safe.

Setting Dog and Baby Up for Success – Jennifer Shryock, B.A., CDBC

Dog and baby dynamics under one roof can be a challenge for parents. Join us to discuss some ways to help increase safety and decrease stress while you manage your dog and baby. Practical tips from a certified dog behavior consultant and Mother of four 2 legged and 4 legged kids.

Cat Topics

It Takes Two: Successful Cat and Dog Interactions - Jacqueline Munera, CCBC, PCBC, CAP 2

Millions of cat and dogs in America live together in varying degrees of harmony. Many pet owners have both cats and dogs but are not aware of what each species needs in order to peaceably coexist with the other. When things go wrong, pet owners often are at a loss for how to handle it. 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 techniques that can be used to increase positive associations between individuals of both species.

Litter Box and Scratching – Katenna Jones

Is your cat peeing on your carpets? Shredding your furniture? Never fear, this webinar will walk cat owners through the frustrating process of dealing with these two most common feline behavior problems. Learn about why these problem behaviors occur and easy to implement tips for resolving them. Step by step, user friendly advice will be provided to help you address most litter box and destructive scratching concerns.