Part 1: Understanding Behavior Through a Sensory Processing Lens This introductory-level workshop will support dog behavior professionals and companion dog guardians in developing knowledge and understanding of dog behavior through the lens of sensory processing. Participants will receive a brief introduction to the neurophysiology of sensory processing in dogs and the Yes-No Spectrum for Behavior will be introduced as a visual framework to support understanding of behavior by exploring the relationships between perception of safety and nervous system state (arousal). Scientific evidence in human and dog subjects will be used to illustrate the relationship between sensory hypersensitivity and behavioral / mental health diagnoses. Discussion, experiential activities, and sensory-based exercises will be used to support participation and learning in this webinar. After this workshop, participants will be able to:  Identify 8 sensory systems in dogs + humans (ie. vision, hearing, smell, taste, touch, proprioception, the vestibular system, & interoception).  Summarize the relationship between sensory processing, arousal, and cognition.  Differentiate between qualities of sensation that contribute to alertness versus qualities of sensation that contribute to calmness.  Understand the relationship between sensory hypersensitivity and anxiety.  Recognize environmental stimuli that are likely to contribute to a sense of danger, versus a sense of safety in dogs. Part 2: Assessing & Training Dog Behavior Through a Sensory Processing Lens This introductory-level workshop will support dog behavior professionals and companion dog guardians in understanding how underlying sensory differences can be evaluated and treated in dogs. Participants will receive a review of the relationship between sensory processing differences and canine mental health diagnoses and will discuss behaviors that indicate further evaluation of sensory processing. Two valid and reliable assessment tools will be introduced, and 3 sensory-based interventions for improving dog behavior will be discussed, including Leslie McDevitt’s Pattern Games, Linda Tellington’s TTouch, and Wilbarger & Wilbarger’s Sensory Diet. Scientific evidence will be used to demonstrate the necessity and effectiveness of sensory-based interventions as part of a comprehensive and holistic behavior modification plan. After this workshop, participants will be able to: • Identify behavior signs that indicate a dog’s sensory processing patterns should be evaluated further (ie. “picky” eating, separation anxiety, thunderstorm or noise phobia) • Describe 2 valid & reliable assessments for evaluating sensory processing patterns in dogs (ie. The Highly Sensitive Dog Questionnaire, Canine Behavior & Research Questionnaire) • Describe the 3 foundational types of sensory input that contribute to sensory integration and nervous system health (ie. proprioception, vestibular input, deep pressure touch). • Identify everyday dog-human activities that provide proprioceptive, vestibular, and deep pressure touch input. • Describe 3 interventions (ie. Pattern Games, TTouch, Sensory Diets) that utilize a sensory-based approach to treating anxious, reactive, or aggressive dog behavior

Sponsor:Behavior Vets
Speaker(s):Sharon Vincuilla

Contact: Behavior Vets
 Email: webinars@behaviorvets.com
 Phone: 646-661-1001
 Web: https://behaviorvets.mylearnworlds.com/course/understanding-behavior-through-a-sensory-processing-le