saturday:

Saturday morning:

They said what? (Reading between the lines of client-submitted history forms):

You may be using an intake form already for your behavior and training clients, but have you really thought about all the layers of information that you have at your fingertips that the owner or caregiver has shared with you? Let's dig into the information that will deepen your understanding of the animal's behavior, illuminate the owner's perspective on what they're seeing, and sharpen your communication skills in a way that allows you to connect with your clients from the start. This presentation will focus on case-based examples from history forms submitted to the Animal Behavior Clinic, and how that information proved invaluable in assessing and managing those cases.

Canine Noise Phobia and the Anxiety Patient:

This presentation will offer a comprehensive overview of noise phobia and anxiety in dogs, examining them as individual conditions as well as comorbid disorders. We will explore the diagnostic criteria, review potential differential diagnoses, and identify contributing factors such as pain and discomfort. Attendees will gain insights into successful intervention strategies to alleviate the physical and emotional toll on dogs and their owners. Real-life case examples will be shared to illustrate key concepts and effective treatment approaches.

Saturday afternoon:

Neurobiology of Reactivity:

When you hear the word "reactivity," what comes to mind? A lunging, barking dog on a leash? That’s one example, but there is so much more to this story! This presentation will unpack the common language around this term and redefine it meaningfully, providing examples of this response pattern across multiple contexts. We will also take a deeper dive into what is happening within the dog, looking at the "impact of arousal" as a neurobiological influence on behavior and outlining other explanations that should be considered before using this term for an individual animal.

Risk Assessment of Dogs with Aggressive Behavior:

Veterinarians and behavior professionals are frequently faced with questions about aggressive behaviors that may include biting, scratching, lunging, or threatening postures. As with other behavioral questions, it is rare for there to be a single “right” answer to a question, or a “one size fits all” solution to the problem that is occurring. This presentation will discuss risk factors that affect the likelihood of achieving a safe and successful outcome for these patients. Strategies for approaching topics such as rehoming or humane euthanasia will also be covered.