Instructor: Dr. Meghan Ramos VMD, Penn Vet Working Dog Center

Paws On or Audit spots

Date and Time: April 7 from 8 AM – 12 PM

Price:  $125 for active participants and $75 for auditors

Abstract:
Join us for an engaging 4-hour workshop on the Penn Vet Working Dog Center’s Canimetrics, a foundational working dog fitness program designed to enhance the performance and longevity of working and sporting dogs. The program focuses on stability, strength, proprioception, and muscular endurance with a particular focus on the core and hindlimbs. This comprehensive workshop will introduce you to the Canimetics program through a combination of detailed demonstrations and hands-on learning, participants will gain a thorough understanding of each exercise and its benefits. Whether you are a canine fitness enthusiast or a professional looking to expand your skills, this workshop will provide you with the knowledge and beginner techniques to effectively implement Canimetrics into your dog's fitness regimen. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from experts and improve your dog's overall fitness and increased performance!

Instructors: Dr. Melissa Singletary DVM, PhD, DACVPM, Auburn University Canine Performance Sciences & Dr. Adee Schoon PhD, Animal Detection Consultancy

Paws on or Audit spots

Date and Time: April 7 from 8 AM – 12 PM

Price: $125 for active participants and $75 for auditors

Abstract:
This workshop is designed to introduce concepts in odor presentation science from odor learning, odor perception, odor movement and odor generalization. These concepts will be applied toward training to the whole spectrum of a target odor to maximize performance. The workshop will utilize hands-on and nose-based activities for both the participants and those registering with their canine partner. The 4-hour block will rotate you through a series of stations where you will do a deep dive into the world of olfaction through small group interactions and activities followed by open discussion and demonstrations. This workshop engages all your senses to explore the concepts of odor presentation science. Join us and learn to see the world through your dog’s nose!

Instructor: Dr. Cindy Otto DVM, PhD, DACVECC DACVSMR, Penn Vet Working Dog Center

Paws on or Audit spots

Date and Time: April 7 from 1 PM – 3 PM

Price: $90 for active participants and $50 for auditors

Abstract:
Heat exhaustion is a hazard for working and sporting dogs. After exercise, a dog's temperature can increase to dangerous levels. In this workshop, we will address different cooling methods, when to use them and how to train dogs to participate in their own active cooling.

Instructor: Dr. Nathan Hall, Texas Tech University

Paws on or Audit spots

Date and Time: April 7 from 1 PM – 3 PM

Price: $90 for active participants and $50 for auditors

Abstract:
Reductions in behavior are common when reinforcer/reward availability declines. Operational teams need to work in environments where rewards may not always be possible. This class will teach how to implement reinforcement schedules to build resilient behavior in conditions when few rewards are available, while minimizing side effect behaviors. K9 teams will practice implementing a variable reward schedule for odor detection (must bring own target odor). Auditors will participate in creating a variable reward schedule and practicing with a partner. All participants will learn how to program a variable reward schedule and demonstrate how to implement the schedule for odor detection training.

Instructor: Bob Dougherty, Penn Vet Working Dog Center

Paws on or Audit spots

Date and Time: April 7 from 1 PM – 3 PM

Price: $90 for active participants and $50 for auditors

Abstract:
This workshop offers a comprehensive approach to preparing puppies and adolescent dogs for law enforcement careers, focusing on patience and avoiding conflict. Designed for handlers with young puppies or adolescent dogs, the workshop covers detection and apprehension work, emphasizing what puppies are capable of at different stages. We’ll explore how the Penn Vet method has evolved, highlighting successful training strategies while addressing challenges and troubleshooting dogs with unclear career paths. Attendees will learn to reduce conflict through reward-based methods, promoting confidence building in dogs and strengthening the handler-dog bond. The workshop will emphasize the remarkable abilities of puppies, showing how, with the right development, they can achieve more than we often expect.

Instructors: Craig Schultz, Gregory Strickland and Tracey White, Canine Behavior Consortium

Audit spots

Date and Time: April 7 from 8 AM – 12 PM

Price: $90 audit spots

Abstract:
This 4-hour workshop will focus on the misunderstood behavioral underpinnings of why handlers often fail to get the “OUT” behavior or the impulse control that they desire. We will then introduce participants to an evaluative tool that highlights the primary components that drive a canine’s desire to possess high value reward options. Based on the results of the evaluation, participants will be better equipped to determine which training method might be best suited for their canine while creating a relationship in which the canine values working with the handler, rather than feel as though it has to fight for the reward. Various training plans will be discussed and live demonstrations with dogs will be presented. Don’t fight it, train it!

Instructors: Dr. Paola Tiedemann PhD, Texas Tech University and Cameron Ford, FordK9

Audit spots

Date and Time: April 7 from 1 PM – 3 PM

Price: $50

Abstract:
Canine firearm detection relies on highly trained dogs capable of identifying odors emitted by firearms and related components. Odor analysis is central to the process, as dogs are trained to recognize the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by firearms, gunpowder, oils, and other associated materials. However, to date, there is very limited research on understanding VOCs being emitted from the different firearm componentry. Research investigating this type of odor emission will be covered to depict chemical odor profiles that can help guide training methods. The workshop will also include details of training using various methodologies that can enable canines to locate weapons in diverse environments. Topics include ensuring consistency and accuracy in identifying firearm-related odors introducing specific odors related to firearms, such as metal residues (casings), full weapon componentry, and firearm accessories (magazines). Training in various locations, under different conditions, to simulate real-world environments will be discussed for optimal performance.

Instructors: Dr. Lucia Lazarowski PhD, and Bart Rogers, Auburn University Canine Performance Sciences

Audit spots

Date and Time: April 7 from 1 PM – 3 PM

Price: $50

Abstract:
This workshop will examine behavioral evaluations of candidate working dogs of all ages. Topics will include an overview of key traits predictive of training and operational success, methods for assessing and identifying such traits, best practices for conducting evaluations, and similarities and differences between behavioral evaluations designed to assess a dog’s career suitability versus selecting breeders. The primary focus will be on selecting dogs for detection roles, with overlap with other disciplines highlighted where applicable.

Instructor: Fred Helfers, FH Consulting & Canine Detection Services LLC

Audit Spots

Date and Time: April 7th 8AM-10AM

Price: $50

Abstract:

This workshop will focus on improving the validity and reliability of detection K9 teams by incorporating double-blind exercises during certifications and odor recognition testing. The presentation will commence with a brief review covering a 10-year period of double-blind certification results from the Pacific Northwest Police Canine Association. Using videos and PowerPoint presentations, the discussion will encompass critical areas such as planning and implementation of exercises, assigning personnel duties, site selection, randomization of the double-blind exercises, and ensuring the security and integrity of the double-blind certification program. Following this, the workshop will transition to a practical demonstration. Fred will provide an explanation and demonstration on how to set up a double-blind exercise for detection canines. Volunteer canine teams will then participate in a straightforward yet effective double-blind exercise.