Training Matters is pleased to offer occasional seminars, workshops and classes to introduce residents of Brattleboro and surrounding communities to the latest thinking on positive dog training and animal behavior.
These sessions are packed with interesting and practical dog training strategies and information for other companion animal owners.
- Former zookeeper and professional dog trainer Sara Matters covers topics ranging from basic manners and obedience training for dogs to animal behavior across species, from parrots to pigs. Future sessions may include:
- Basics of canine behavior,
- How animals learn,
- Operant conditioning in zoo animals and how itcan work for your pet,
- How to keep your animals adequately stimulated when life gets hectic or the weather is lousy and why it’s important
Check back here periodically to find out about upcoming classes and events!
Don’t Lose The Dog! Behavior basics to keep pups present
Saturday January 4, 2020
Debbie Jacobs and Sara Matters will review a few basic behaviors that can significantly reduce the chances of a dog going missing. We will show you how to train those behaviors and talk about equipment and management solutions that can provide extra security. 1104 Ames Hill Road, Brattleboro. Other details, such as time, to come.
Behavior Basics and Beyond
Two focusing on the foundations of behavior with Debbie Jacobs
May 16-17, 2020
Debbie is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Registered Behavior Technician working with children with autism. She is well known for her work with fear-based behaviors in dogs and providing evidence-based resources for owners and trainers looking to help this population of dogs. Working across species she has first-hand experience about the gaps dog trainers have in regard to the science their training is based on, the same science used to teach skills to humans, even those with cognitive differences and challenges. She has studied and trained with Bob Bailey, Jean Donaldson, & Susan Friedman.
Debbie’s no nonsense, no gimmicks approach to learning and training will provide participants with the information they need to assess behavior and devise efficient, humane interventions using the least restrictive alternatives available. You will also get information to help you evaluate other training suggestions, methods and protocols commonly seen in the training industry. Join us for one or both of these informative seminars.
Behavior Basics: There are more than you may think
May 16, 2020
As dog training takes the inevitable, and much needed turn toward evidence-based methods, the need for more, better and clearer information about how to think about behavior and create plans for changing it has become critically important. In this presentation you will learn the key factors for being a humane and efficient trainer. This presentation is appropriate for anyone interested in how dogs learn, especially professional trainers. CEUs for CPDTs are pending.
Fear: It’s Impact on Behavior
May 17, 2020
What everyone must know in order to work with dogs struggling with fear/anxiety-based behavior challenges. This presentation is appropriate for owners, trainers, vets, techs, groomers, shelter staff, kennel staff and rescue groups. 6 CEUs for CPDTs.
Please use the link below or go to Debbie’s website, fearfuldogs.com, to register for one or both days of this exciting event.
An Introduction to the Neuroscience of Dog Training and Behavior
Kathy Murphy BVetMed, DPhil, CVA, CLAS, MRCVS
June 6-7, 2020
Understanding what’s happening in the dog’s brain can impact how you train. This two-day workshop will provide an introductory overview of neuroscientific principles and how they apply to various aspects of training and behavior.
On Day 1 we will begin with applied functional anatomy and physiology, and the various ways that they are modified during neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the process by which brain structure and function changes in response to our surroundings and interactions. Delving into the complexity of neuroplasticity provides a gateway into understanding where the laws of behaviour come from, and what mechanisms are at play when working with dogs at different stages of development. We will take a look at fundamental neurophysiological mechanisms such as attention, arousal, reward and fear conditioning, directly applying the science to practical examples or cases.
On Day 2 we will look at how our choice of training method can influence brain structure, function and ultimately wellbeing; before moving on to understanding some of the neurological mechanisms of trauma and ways we might apply that knowledge when working with traumatised dogs. Literature and cases used to illustrate principles will be multispecies, everything from worms through to primates. And take-home messages will be designed to support you being able to easily communicate what you learn to other enthusiasts and clients without the jargon.
Literature and cases used to illustrate principles will be multi-species, everything from worms through to primates. And take-home messages will be designed to support you being able to easily communicate what you learn to other enthusiasts and clients without the jargon.
CEUs are available. Please copy and paste the link below into your browser to register and find out more. Or look up the event on the Eventbrite website.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-introduction-to-the-neuroscience-of-dog-training-and-behavior-tickets-81422002401
