The downsides of anthropomorphism are real and, for the most part, well known to dog behavior professionals: ascribing morality to dogs—an ability to tell right from wrong, exaggerating their cognitive abilities when it is difficult for us to imagine a mind different from our own, and failing to meet the needs of dogs that do not overlap with our own. However, the human inclination toward anthropomorphism can be deployed strategically to counsel clients and get them to better understand and empathize with their pets. Human analogies are excellent shortcuts to help clients get their heads around what their dogs are doing. This presentation will explore how human analogies can help clients understand and more quickly buy into and better execute behavior modification, management and enrichment interventions. Learning objectives: Behavior counselors will: Increase their arsenal of human analogies and jargon substitutes. Be able to more simply normalize normal behavior while still, when necessary, modifying it. Have a template for coaching training mechanics in novice owners.

Sponsor:Pet Professional Guild
Speaker(s):Jean Donaldson

Contact: Rebekah King
 Email: events@petprofessionalguild.com
 Web: https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/webinars-events/webinars/anthropomorphism-is-not-a-bad-word/