DOGS! Course

Principles and Techniques of Behavior Modification
May 13-17, 2009

Registration

The DOGS! Course is primarily oriented to veterinary technicians and support staff, but veterinarians are welcome.***In our continued encouragement of the veterinary behavior team, DOGS! Course veterinary or veterinary technician participants may bring a veterinarian or veterinary technician from their veterinary hospital AT NO EXTRA CHARGE!***

The course format includes lectures and hands-on workshops.

In this course, we teach basic principles of learning, training, and behavior modification, and the practical application as part of the treatment of behavior problems of dogs. We do not teach how to diagnose behavior problems, since diagnosis, and especially differential diagnosis, and the establishment of a treatment plan, are the role of the veterinarian.

Course Content
The following topics will be covered:

• Normal canine behavior
• Puppy development
• How to run a puppy class
  
• How to run an adolescent training class
• Prevention of behavior problems
• Principles of learning
• Humane and effective training techniques
• Behavior modification techniques: systematic desensitization, counter-conditioning, and response substitution
• Application of behavior modification techniques as part of the treatment of behavior problems

In-class workshops will focus on how to apply the principles of learning and behavior modification techniques to problem cases. Hands-on practicum sessions will focus on puppy classes, training normal dogs, and on applying behavior modification techniques to problem dogs. See the course schedule for more information.