The More You Know

Socialization in Dogs and Cats

Suzanne and Dan — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:06:27 +0000

The Scientific Basis vs. Stories We’ve Been Told Dan Estep, Ph.D. and Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D., Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists We all know that socialization is a critical process in the development of well adjusted pets. But people use the term in different ways and attribute different effects to the process of socialization. What IS socialization, really? [...]

Using Play to Treat Canine Aggression

Suzanne and Dan — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:53:39 +0000

Instructor: Dr. Karen London, CAAB. Faciliated by Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D., CAAB and Dan Estep, Ph.D., CAAB Dealing with dog aggression problems can be frightening to pet parents and difficult for behavior consultants and dog trainers. In recent years, a variety of new therapeutic approaches have arisen as well as variations of older ones. Some [...]

Should I Offer Telephone Consults?

Suzanne and Dan — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:05:41 +0000

The Pros and Cons, and Necessary Policies and Procedures for Success Instructors: Suzanne Hetts, Ph. D., CAAB and Dan Estep, Ph.D., CAAB Telephone consultations are

Managing Dogs in a Group Setting

Suzanne and Dan — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 03:05:59 +0000

Instructor: Ms. Kathy Sdao, M.A., ACAAB. Faciliated by Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D., CAAB and Dan Estep, Ph.D., CAAB Whether you have a multi dog family, take your dog to a dog park, or own a doggie day care or boarding kennel, you are managing dogs in a group setting. The dogs in the group may or [...]

Response Prevention Using the Snoot Loop

Suzanne and Dan — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:54:57 +0000

Those of you who attended the BEN Breakfast at the 2011 APDT Conference had athe privilege of hearing Dr. Peter Borchelt, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist,

Your Behavior and Training Business 2012

Suzanne and Dan — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 03:37:06 +0000

The coming year – 2012 – could be even more challenging for training and behavior businesses than 2011 was. That’s why we want to give

Managing Family Dynamics During Training and Behavior Appointments

Suzanne and Dan — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 02:51:54 +0000

Do you often feel overwhelmed, anxious or helpless when talking to clients about emotionally difficult issues? Do you find yourself feeling angry and resentful when pet owners don’t follow through with your recommendations then become frustrated with both you and their pet? Are you uncomfortable talking about difficult issues, such as when you think it’s [...]

Why We Have To Read Research Very Carefully

Suzanne and Dan — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:40:31 +0000

The pet behavior and training literature is full of misinformation that exists because writers either misread or misinterpreted the research of others. One prime example is the frequent claim that synthetic pheromones from dogs can reduce anxiety in a variety of situations. A systematic review of the literature (Frank et al. JAVMA, 2010, 236, 1308-1316) indicates that the evidence is extremely poor for the positive effect of pheromones on dog fears of noises, travel, veterinary visits and adaptation to shelters. Yet the claims continue.
We recently read a paper that is ripe for mis-interpretation. The title is “Puppy power! Using social cognition research tasks to improve socialization practices for domestic dogs (Canis familiaris).” Wouldn’t you think that an article so entitled would be about things that improve socialization in puppies? We did.

What We Can Learn From Serious and Fatal Dog Attacks

Suzanne and Dan — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 03:25:34 +0000

Each year in the United State year approximately 20 people are killed by dogs and an unknown number suffer serious injury. Many of these victims

Introduction to Mobile Marketing for Pet Professionals

Suzanne and Dan — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 02:09:49 +0000

Instructor: Ms. Deborah Miller, M.A., MOQ/OE Do you have all the business and all the clients you want and need right now and for the