A two-day event on applying behavior analytic principles to the practice of enrichment as well as reviewing her exciting research in conducting canine play groups in animal shelters. For Dr. Mehrkam, providing enrichment isn’t just about giving animals things to do. Enrichment is about achieving behavioral goals and providing the best welfare for captive animals, psychologically and physiologically. At this seminar, Dr. Mehrkam will discuss functional strategies of enrichment provision and how enrichment can increase functional behaviors while decreasing dysfunctional ones. She will explain how to apply the gold standard in designing enrichment programs, the SPIDER framework promulgated at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: setting goals, planning, implementing, documenting, evaluating and re-adjusting. Different types of enrichment as well as how to track whether individual enrichment strategies are achieving their goals will be reviewed. Additional topics include making adjustments to the program and keeping enrichment programs fresh for dogs and humans. Finally, Dr. Mehrkam will talk about what her four-shelter study of dog playgroups is revealing about the enrichment value of such groups.

Sponsor:Fearfuldogs.com
Speaker(s):Lindsay Mehrkam, PhD, BCBA

Contact: Sara Matters
 Email: sematters@gmail.com
 Phone: 802-689-0707
 Web: https://mattersdogtraining.com/events/