Are you currently working with or considering taking on aggression cases? Would you like to learn more about working safely with aggressive dogs? Do you want to practice hands-on defensive handling and increase your level of safety? Are you interested in applied behavior modification in aggression cases? Would you like to see video and presentation of actual cases and their outcomes? “Staying Safe in Aggression Cases” presented by Michael Shikashio CDBC, will be a full day workshop hosted by Spring Forth Dog Academy in Providence, RI on Sunday, February 26th, 2017 from 9am to 5pm. Workshop highlights: Ramifications for dog bites Learn about the many consequences for dog bites that have an impact on professionals working with dogs, their clients, and the general public. What to know before working aggression cases A review of the essential foundation of knowledge and skill for working with aggressive dogs will be discussed. Canine body language A focus on the precursors for dog bites will be presented. What to do BEFORE meeting with clients Learn about the steps to take before an initial greeting with a client and their dog. Safety and Management Equipment Various safety and management equipment and how they are applied will be reviewed. Initial Greetings Video of initial greetings with aggressive dogs will be shown to highlight how the tools and techniques are implemented. Defensive Handling Practice Attendees will break into groups for hands-on defensive handling and leash skills practice. *** Please bring a standard six-foot leash *** How to Safely Break Up a Dog Fight The different types of dog fights and how to maximize safety when intervening will be presented. What to do if Attacked A variety of methods to defend yourself if attacked by a dog will be shown. Behavior Modification with Aggressive Dogs The initial call and initial recommendations - why this is a crucial component, what to ask, and how to keep yourself and others safe Observation - what to look for Learn the subtle precursors of a possible bite, how an owner may influence their dog’s aggression, and how the environment plays a role in behavior. Other aspects of being a keen observer will be reviewed, including when to refer to a veterinarian. Functional assessments - history taking and what really matters Prognosis - how to determine realistic goals and potential outcomes Behavior intervention plan - when did “quick fix” become a four-letter-word? Creating training plans for our clients that are streamlined and promote success through simplicity. Safety and management - why this is imperative to your behavior plan Behavior mod in action The big two - operant and classical conditioning. We will look at the benefits of concentrating on this simplistic behavior change procedure, how and why it works, and see it applied in a variety of cases. Fine-tuning - adjustments that promote success Learn about what changes in your behavior plan can push you past typical speed bumps including creative consulting strategies, changes in your tools, and bringing in ancillary assistance. Follow-up - who, what, when, where, and how Learn how and when to follow-up with clients and how modern technology can help. Case closed - when are you really finished? Resolution in aggression cases is often difficult to pinpoint. Using the prognosis as a guide, the goals set forth can act as a benchmark for clients and ensure they are satisfied with your services and they are successful with managing and modifying their dog’s aggression.

Sponsor:Spring Forth Dog Academy
Speaker(s):**Michael Shikashio

Contact: Katherine Ostiguy
 Email: info@springforthdog.com
 Web: http://www.springforthdog.com/providence/events-seminars/