Top Dog Training Conferences 2021

Top Dog Training Conferences 2021

Woof. What a year, right?

Let’s all take a deep breath and let out a well-deserved, long-suffering sigh. It feels like a thousand years have passed, but we made it through the first year of our recycled (and appropriately named) Roaring ‘20s decade.

A lot led us to the events that culminated in 2020 and there’s plenty more to come. For the sake of safety, a number of dog training conferences that the community regularly looked forward to got cancelled in 202. But the initial shock of it all has worn off and — as humans and dogs alike do — we’ve adapted! And that means that we as a community have some cherished events returning in cleverly redesigned ways.

NOTE: Only conferences that provide updated information online at the time of writing this article are included.

Top Dog Training Conferences of 2021

This year’s list of events may be different than past years’ (2020, 2019, 2018, 2017), but some fan favorites have come up with incredible virtual events. There are even potential in-person dog training conferences, depending on how things change over the coming months.

ClickerExpo LIVE!

Jan. 29 – 31 | REMOTE

The Karen Pryor Academy (KPA)’s annual ClickerExpo event has taken an innovative digital approach for 2021 in the form of ClickerExpo LIVE!

The popular conference offers over 70 courses available for you to explore freely during the three-day event. Attendees get access to all conference videos for a full year. This year’s topics include “This One, Not That One: Discrimination Tasks,” “Building Behavior: Shape the Future,” and many more!

CEUs available from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), KPA, and the American Association of Veterinary State Boards’ RACE program.

The Dog Behavior Conference

Apr. 16 – 18 | REMOTE

Previously held in the UK, 2021 will be the Dog Behavior Conference’s second online event. In 2020 they made the quick switch to a global virtual conference with the appearance of COVID-19 and decided to keep it online this upcoming year.

This science and research-focused conference by the Victoria Stilwell Academy (VSA) will feature presentations such as “Home Alone, Separation Without Anxiety,” and “Science Talk — Puppy Edition.” Registering for the conference also grants you access to downloadables, special promotions, and recordings of the presentations.

CEUs available from the CCPDT, IAABC, the Pet Professional Accreditation Board (PPAB), and VSA.

The Lemonade Conference

May 7 – 9 | REMOTE

The Lemonade Conference is a collaboration brought to you by Fenzi Dog Sports Academy (FDSA) and the IAABC, both of which cancelled their annual dog training conferences in 2020. They created a digital conference with a little sprinkle of the hope and confidence that dog trainers need right now.

“When COVID-19 shut down […] in-person training conferences, we took those lemons, squeezed them, added some water, sugar, and a splash of attitude and we made … lemonade!”

The Lemonade Conference will be an international “online educational extravaganza” featuring classrooms open for 18 hours a day, 40-plus presenters, and access to the recording library after the event.

CEUs are pending, and more details about this event — including speakers and schedules — will be dropping on Jan. 15. Scholarships for this conference will be available for financial hardship, 4H leaders and volunteers, and junior handlers.

APDT 2021 Conference

Sep. 29 – Oct. 2

According to a recent and succinct tweet from the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), you should mark the end of September on your calendars for the 2021 APDT Conference!

More details are presumably to come, but the illustration shared by APDT on Twitter listed Riverside, CA as a possible location.

The Aggression in Dogs Conference

Oct. 22 – 24 | CHICAGO, IL & REMOTE

The Loose Leash Academy’s second annual Aggression in Dogs Conference is planned for the tail-end (pun intended) of October. They’re currently aiming for both virtual and in-person events in Chicago, IL if COVID-19 allows for it.

The 2021 program details aren’t out yet, but speakers include Denise Fenzi of FDSA and Grisha Stewart, developer of the Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) technique. Tickets are going on pre-sale on Mar. 1 for those that get on the waitlist now, and on Mar. 15 for the general public.

CEUs are pending for this event. If the in-person event is cancelled, all those who registered for it are switched to the digital event automatically.

Do you know of other upcoming conferences we didn’t touch on here? Drop the info in the comments!

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The Ultimate List of Conferences and Events for Dog Trainers 2020

The Ultimate List of Conferences and Events for Dog Trainers 2020

In previous years (2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015) we’ve compiled lists of the top 10 conferences and events for professional dog trainers. But this year, we’re providing you with the ultimate list of continuing education opportunities and conferences for dog professionals.  

NOTE: Only conferences that provide updated information online at the time of writing this article are included.

Conferences, seminars and other events are the best way for dog trainers to share tips and solutions with one another, network, further their education, and even make lifelong friendships!

We don’t limit these conferences to domestic pet related conferences since you can learn a lot working with less domesticated species. Working with other species is a great way to improve your understanding of learning theory, management techniques, handling techniques and much more that can be applied to the various situations you can come across working with domestic animals.

Whip out your bookmarking fingers and have a gander at these stellar events.

Clicker Expo

Jan. 10-12, 2020 — Seattle, WA | Mar. 13-15, 2020 — Louisville, KY 

One of the most well-known names in the game, Karen Pryor Academy (KPA), hosts annual Clicker Expos with educational courses on clicker training and behavior modification. Clicker Expo has already sold out both events, but those still interested can join the waitlist for refunded tickets!

The 12th Annual Art & Science of Animal Training Conference

Feb. 22-23, 2020 | Hurst, TX

Though this conference is already sold out, you can put yourself on their waitlist for refunded tickets and the mailing list for the 2021 conference. This science-based event is a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in learning more about behavior analysis and innovative technologies in animal behavior.

Animal Training for Professionals: Across Species

Next event: Mar. 2-6, 2020 | Graham, WA

Another immersive experience from the KPA can be found on “The Ranch” — their national training center in Washington state. The five day course focuses on the skills needed to have a successful career working with animals. As suggested in the name, this course from KPA is not dog-centric and teaches using the animals housed on the ranch for live handling. 

The Dog Gurus Summit

Mar. 25-26, 2020 | Jacksonville, FL

If you’re looking for incredible resources for running a day training or dog daycare practice, the Dog Gurus Summit is the place for you. Learn from trick dog trainer Sara Carson Devine and Dog (and Business) Gurus Robin Bennett, CPDT-KA and Susan Briggs, MA, CPACO about ethical dog daycare and boarding practices, generating sales, and solving behavioral challenges. 

ABMA 2020 Annual Conference

Mar. 29 – Apr. 2, 2020 | Hilvarenbeek, Netherlands

The Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA) is a nonprofit that focuses on behavior management as a core component of animal welfare. The conference is not species specific and takes place at Beekse Bergen this year, a safari park in the Netherlands. Learn about enrichment and positive reinforcement taught in nurturing, non-threatening environments — for animals and people.

Canine Science Symposium

Apr. 4-5, 2020 | San Francisco, CA

Science-based trainers will get an in-depth experience at the Canine Science Symposium hosted at San Francisco State University. The program includes topics like “The dog-human bond: the basics of attachment behavior” and “Canine odor detection: The latest science on the capabilities of the dog’s nose.”

IAABC Animal Behavior Conference

Apr. 23-26, 2020 | Boston, MA

No one does conferences and events for dog trainers like The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). The IAABC hosts an annual animal behavior conference on the topics of advanced behavior, science, training, and community building.

Look forward to topics like “The Importance of Choice in Animal Training” and “The Human Animal: conversations and presentations about how to reach, understand, and offer success to our human clients.”

2020 Working Dog Conference

Apr. 24-27, 2020 | Philadelphia, PA

Trainers of service dogs, conservation dogs, detection dogs and other working dogs will be especially interested in Penn Vet’s 2020 Working Dog Conference. Meet with other trainers, working dog handlers, veterinary professionals and behavior consultants to get to the core of what makes a good working dog.

SPA 2020 Shelter Behavior and Enrichment Conference

May 15-17, 2020 | Golden, CO

Another shelter and welfare focused event, the Shelter Playgroup Alliance (SPA) invites leaders in animal welfare and behavior science to teach progressive techniques to enhance the welfare of dogs in shelters. There will be live demonstrations on managing dog-dog interactions and play groups.

FDSA Dog Sports Training Camp

Jun. 5-7, 2020 | Albany, OR

Any dog sports enthusiast will perk up when they hear about Fenzi Dog Sports Academy (FDSA). Those looking for an immersive experience to learn about dog sports training using progressive training methods will fit right in at the FDSA Dog Sports Training Camp. Denise Fenzi herself, among a talented group of other professionals, will be speaking and instructing throughout the event.

PPG 2020 Annual Summit

Sep. 18-22, 2020 | Tempe, AZ

Force and Fear Free experts at the Pet Professional Guild host an annual summit on cooperative care and force free training for animals. This event has a focus on animal welfare and the care for and enrichment of animals in shelters. 

Aggression in Dogs Conference

Oct. 2-4, 2020 | Providence, RI (Tickets go on sale 01/01/2020)

Aggression is one of the top reasons that owners seek out dog trainers, and the Aggression in Dogs conference aims to shed light on the difficulties you may face with an aggression client.

Speakers with backgrounds in veterinary behavior, applied ethology, and applied animal behavior will provide insight on getting to the root causes of an aggressive response and safe, cooperative solutions. 

Assistance Dogs International 2020

Oct. 3-6, 2020 | Split, Croatia

Service dog trainers and evaluators can look forward to enjoying a weekend abroad because Assistance Dogs International (ADI) is taking their annual conference to Split, Croatia. Learn more about the powerful ways assistance dogs are able to impact the lives of their handlers and how dogs help heal us.

APDT 2020 Conference

Oct. 21-24, 2020 | Cincinnati, OH / Northern KY

The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) hosts an annual conference that’s returning in October of 2020.  The program and schedule have yet to be released, but the APDT proves time and time over to be a solid conferences with incredible resources. Check out their online forum to find someone to share a room with to cut down on travel costs!

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Top 10 Animal Training Conferences for 2016

The Ultimate Animal Training Conference Wish List for 2016

Click HERE to see the Top Dog Training Conferences for 2017.

Education, networking, adventure, and fun! Here are the best training and education conferences for you to attend in 2016. It was particularly difficult to whittle down the list this year. If your conference didn’t make the cut please post registration information in the comments! Conferences are listed in chronological order due to the author’s inability to decide which should be first.

ClickerExpo

ClickerExpo will be held in 3 locations throughout 2016. This year ClickerExpos have slightly different labs and workshops depending on the location.
Reno, Nevada
When: Friday, January 22-24, 2016
Where: Reno, Nevada
Why: New for 2016 are Educational Themes. Themes include: Trainer Skill Development, Teaching People, Aggression and General Behavior Management. Feel free to follow a single theme or skip around. There’s something for everyone! CCPDT, IAABC, and KPA Continuing Education Units are available for professionals attending this event.
More Information: http://www.clickertraining.com/clickerexpo/registration-NV-2016
Cincinnati, Ohio
When: Friday, March 18-20, 2016
Where: Cincinnati, Ohio
Why: New for 2016 is a complete Equine Theme which includes Husbandry, Saddling, Trailer Loading, and much more! This is in addition to the Themes listed for Reno above.  CCPDT, IAABC, and KPA Continuing Education Units are available for professionals attending this event.
More Information: http://www.clickertraining.com/clickerexpo/registration-OH-2016
ClickerExpo Europe
When: Friday, October 28-30, 2016
Where: Billund, Denmark
Why: The ClickerExpo 2016 schedule for Denmark has not been released yet. It will be released by 15 February 2016. The highlight so far? The conference is going to be held in the LegoLand Hotel!
More Information: http://www.clickertraining.com/clickerexpo/denmark/register

ORCA 8th Annual Art and Science of Animal Training

When: Saturday, February 20-21, 2016
Where: Dallas, Texas
Why: ORCA is now a two day event! This conference has become a staple for all animal trainers. Bringing together trainers and behavior analysts, the conference covers a broad spectrum of knowledge of animal behavior and how to get it. This year has two themes. Saturday will cover shaping behavior in both animal and human learners, and Sunday will cover concepts and tools for improving animal welfare and human-animal interactions. This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Iver Iversen, will discuss: “Selection and creation processes involved in shaping of novel behavior: Method and Theory.”
More Information: http://www.artandscienceofanimaltraining.org/conference/

Penn Vet Working Dog Conference

When: Friday, April 8-11, 2016
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Why: You may have seen this conference’s DVD’s on TawzerDog. Did you know you could attend the Penn Vet Working Dog Conference?  This year’s theme is “Whole Dog 360: A multidisciplinary approach.” Individual topics will be addressed with a series of four (4) – ½ day sessions: Advancements in working dog health and medicine; Training the working dog using current scientifically-based methods; Implications of handler training on the successful working dog team; Driving progress in the working dog field through research & innovation. This year’s keynote speaker will be Ken Ramirez.
More Information: http://pennvetwdc.org/education/conference/

IAABC Animal Behavior Conference

When: Saturday, April 9-10, 2016
Where: Anaheim, California
Why: The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants has creatively merged their Feline and Canine Conferences into one event. Choose to follow the Feline or Canine track, or pick and choose which presentations you’d like to join. The dual-track conference features speakers discussing the latest science, treatments, and protocols for managing and modifying behavior in dogs and cats.
More Information: https://iaabc.org/conference/2016

Animal Management Behavior Alliance (ABMA) Annual Conference

When: Monday, April 17-22, 2016
Where: Tampa, Florida
Why: The Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA) specializes in animal care and training through enrichment. This year’s theme is “Breaking Down Barriers: New Possibilities in Animal Welfare.” Conference locations include multiple zoos and a post conference trip to Natural Encounters. This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Susie Ellis of the International Rhino Foundation. Details will be posted as they are finalized.
More Information: https://theabma.org/abma-annual-conference/

DogEvent 2016

When: Thursday, May 5-8, 2016
Where: Nice, France
Why: You’ve always wanted to see Nice and now you have an excuse! 4 days of dog training, behavior workshops, and demos. Each day has a theme: Shelter Dogs, Behavior Analysis, Training, Canine Nutrition, and Advanced Behavior Techniques. Speakers include Dr. Clive Wynne, Ken McCort, Jean Lessard, Nancy Tucker, and Dr. Jean Dodds. This conference has a limit of 100 attendees.
More Information: http://www.dogconseil.com/dogevent2016/en/

Fenzi Dog Sports Academy Training Camp

When: Friday, June 19-22, 2016
Where: Purina Farms – Gray Summit, MO
Why: It’s bigger. It’s better. It’s at Purina Farms! The Ultimate Dog Sports Training Camp covers Obedience, Rally, Agility, Nosework, Freestyle, and Rally FrEe!  Join the dynamic dog sports goddesses Denise Fenzi, Deb Jones, Hannah Branigan, Julie Flanery, Loretta Mueller, Nancy Gagliardi Little, Shade Whitesel, Sue Ailsby, Amy Cook, Julie Symons, and Stacy Barnett for 4 days of fun. Work on heeling, scenting, retrieves, utilizing play to build motivation, and so much more.
More Information: http://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/waiver-of-liability/8-fdsa/6934-fdsa-camp-2016

Canine Science Forum

When: Tuesday, June 28-July 1, 2016
Where: Padova, Italy
Why: The CSF is a biannual event. This year’s topics include: Evolution of canines; Ecology and conservation of canines; Dogs and humans; Applied aspects of canine biology; Behavioural biology of canines; Cognition; Canine genetics and endo/phenotyping. The Forum also includes a Round Table on service dogs that will introduce some of the main issues related to service dogs and defining the needs and critical points of this area.
More Information: http://www.csf2016.com/index.php

APDT Annual Conference and Trade Show

When: Wednesday, October 12-15, 2016
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
Why: You’re a professional dog trainer, this is your Association. The Association of Professional Dog Trainers Annual Conference is full of prestigious speakers and engaging seminars. The speakers and schedule for 2016 is still pending. This entry will be updated as information becomes available.
More Information: https://apdt.com/conference/

Pet Professional Guild Educational Summit

When: Tuesday, November 8-11, 2016
Where: Tampa, FL
Why: The speakers and schedule for 2016 is still pending. This entry will be updated as information becomes available.
More Information: http://www.petprofessionalguild.com/2016-Summit

Looking Forward to 2017 – WOOF! is Back!

When: Friday, February 10-12, 2017
Where: University of Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Why:  It’s back! It’s’ back! The very successful WOOF! European Behaviour & Training Conference has been on hiatus since 2013, but it’s back for 2017. Why look that far ahead? This baby is going to fill up fast! Speakers include Sean Pogson, Susan M. Schneider, Susan Friedman, Steve Martin and Chirag Patel. The full topics and speaker schedule is still pending. This entry will be updated as information becomes available.
More Information: http://www.domesticatedmanners.com/woof2017

 

Training Camps and Workshops

In addition to the conferences, these training camps should be on every trainer’s Must Do list.

Terry Ryan Coaching People to Train Their Dogs
When: February 11-15th, 2015
Where: Waialua, Oahu
Why: Coaching People to Train Their Dogs is for anyone with an above average interest in dog training, animal training, and/or student instruction. This course is also for anyone who has read the book by the same name and wants to put it into practice.
More Information: http://www.countrycaninehawaii.com/events_TerryRyanCoaching_201602.html

Bailey-Farhoody CHICKEN CAMPS
When: Summer 2016
Where: Columbia, MD
Why: Dogs are incredibly forgiving. If you want to test your training skills, train a chicken! Dr. Bob Bailey and Ms. Parvene Farhoody, MA, teach these Workshops using chickens as a behavior model in order to teach operant conditioning (OC) and applied behavior analysis (ABA) principles. The 2016 schedule is still pending.
More Information: http://www.behaviormatters.com/Workshops-operant-conditioning-animal-training.htm

Terry Ryan CHICKEN CAMPS
When: 2016
Where: Pending
Why: Training a chicken is a stretch and a boost to your mechanical skills. The average chicken is faster than the average dog, giving you a chance to improve your coordination and timing. The 2016 schedule is pending.
More Information: http://www.legacycanine.com/#!chicken-workshops/cfvg

PROFESSIONAL SEMINARS FOR ZOOLOGICAL TRAINERS
When: Monday, March 28 – April 1, 2016 and Monday, August 22-26, 2016
Where: Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL
Why: This is a full graduate course adapted to a one-week format for zoo training professionals. Although originally designed for zoo trainers, many dog trainers take the course each year. This course fills up early.
More Information: http://www.sheddaquarium.org/Learning-Experiences/Continuing-Education/Professional-Animal-Training-Seminar/

See the top four reasons that continuing education is so important here!

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Top 10 Dog Training Conferences for 2015

Top 10 Dog Training Conferences for 2015

Dog Training Workshop

Image by Kat Camplin

The Ultimate Dog Training Conference Wish List

Are you required to obtain continuing education credits to maintain a certification? Do you simply enjoy learning new things about dogs? Do you have a wicked sense of adventure? Here are the Best Dog Training Conferences for you to attend in 2015. Conferences are listed in chronological order due to the author’s inability to decide which should be first.

ORCA 7th Annual Art and Science of Animal Training

When: Saturday, March 14, 2015
Where: University of North Texas in Denton, TX
Why: This one day conference has become a staple for trainers. Bringing together trainers and behavior analysts, the conference covers a broad spectrum of knowledge of animal behavior and how to get it. This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Stanley Weiss, will present “Differential Reinforcement and the Stimulus Control of Behavior.” Other speakers include: Ken Ramirez, Alexandra Kurland, Steve White, Phung Luu, Bob Bailey, Steve Aibel and Al Kordowski.
More Information: http://orgs.unt.edu/orca/conference/

Canine Science Symposium

When: Sunday, March 15th, 2015
Where: San Francisco SPCA in San Francisco, CA
Why: Bringing together professors of Psychology, Anthrozoology, Behavioral Neuroscience, and Behavior Analysis, this symposium covers the science of welfare for shelter dogs, training, canine aggression, and “Non-Science and Nonsense in Dog Behavior.” CCPDT and IAABC Continuing Education Units are available for professionals attending this event.
More Information: https://www.sfspca.org/2015-canine-science-symposium

ClickerExpo

ClickerExpo will be held in 3 locations throughout 2015. Portland, OR is sold out, but Dearborn, MI still has spots available, and ClickerExpo Europe information is still pending.
Dearborn (Detroit), Michigan
When: Friday, March 20-22, 2015
Where: Dearborn (Detroit), Michigan
Why: 3 days of mind bursting information from some of the world’s best positive reinforcement experts. Experience hands-on workshops, round table discussions, and enlightening lectures. Add in Karen Pryor and animal training god Ken Ramirez, and you’ve got a perfect mixture of trainer worship and highly educational learning. CCPDT, IAABC, and KPA Continuing Education Units are available for professionals attending this event.
More Information: http://www.clickertraining.com/clickerexpo/dearborn
ClickerExpo Europe
When: Friday, October 23-25, 2015
Where: Warwickshire, UK
Why: Although the schedule and workshops haven’t been announced yet, just duplicate the Why from above and add an English accent and stunning Warwick Castle.
More Information: http://www.positiveanimalsolutions.com/ClickerExpo_s/2084.htm

ABMA Annual Conference

When: Monday, April 13-18, 2015
Where: Copenhagen, Denmark
Why: Do you really need a reason to go to Denmark? Okay. The Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA) specializes in animal care and training through enrichment. Joining a dolphin trainer with an elephant conservationist, the keynote speakers Ken Ramirez and Rudi van AArde should bring some interesting conversation to the conference. Presentations from some wonderful bird and animal trainers and Dr. Susan Friedman insure you’ve got some pretty strong reasons to hop a plane for a much-needed vacation educational experience.
More Information: https://theabma.org/abma-annual-conference/

DogEvent 2015

When: Thursday, May 14-17, 2015
Where: Paris, France
Why: You’ve always wanted to see Paris and now you have an excuse! 4 days of dog training, behavior workshops, and demos. Speakers include Dr Susan Friedman, Ken Ramirez and Kathy Sdao, and practical demos will be given by Kelly Gorman Dunbar, Chirag Patel and Jo-Rosie Haffenden. Chirag Patel’s “Shaping the Perfect Patient,” should be a must see!
More Information: http://www.dogconseil.com/dogevent2015/en/

Ferretpalooza from Fenzi Dog Sports Academy

When: Friday, May 29-June 1, 2015
Where: K9Jym in Colmar, Pennsylvania
Why: No, this isn’t a Ferret Fest. This is the first annual conference hosted by the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy. Instructors include the dynamic dog sports goddesses Deb Jones, Denise Fenzi, Hannah Branigan, Nancy Little, Margaret Simek and Shade Whitesel. Work on heeling, scenting, retrieves, utilizing play to build motivation, and so much more. This is guaranteed to be the first of many Fenzi events and is a “must attend” for anyone interested in dog sport competition. 5 years from now you’re going to want to be able to say, “I went to the very first conference!”
More Information: http://fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/courses/ipo-courses/8-fdsa/2436-ferretpalooza

SPARCS

Information will be updated when it becomes available.
When: Friday, June 19-21, 2015
Where: Phoenix, AZ (Phoenix Convention Center) and FREE online worldwide!
Why: The conference that has turned dog trainers into couch potatoes for one weekend a year due to their live event streaming, SPARCS (Society for the Promotion of Applied Research in Canine Science,) brings together the most diverse group of canine scientists all in one place. Whether you get to attend via your sofa or get to go in person, you are sure to get your fill of canine cognition, behavior, scent work, science studies, and so much more. Can’t do all 3 days? Each day has a theme:
Day 1: Learning and Memory
Day 2: Dogs Around the World
Day 3: Stress
More Information: http://caninescience.info/

Five go to Sea

When: Friday, August 7-14, 2015
Where: Seattle, WA
Why: You dream of being stranded on a deserted island with some of the best animal trainers in the world. Switch the island for a ship and you’ve got a dream come true. Take a 7 day Alaskan cruise with Ken Ramirez, Kay Laurence, Alex Kurland and Jesús Rosales-Ruiz and experience daily educational presentations followed by dinner with your hosts. You have them at your table, what are you going to ask them?
More Information: http://www.fivegotosea.com/

APDT Annual Conference and Trade Show

When: Wednesday, October 14-17, 2015
Where: Dallas, TX
Why: You’re a professional dog trainer, this is your Association. The Association of Professional Dog Trainers Annual Conference is full of prestigious speakers and engaging seminars. The speakers and schedule for 2015 is still pending. This entry will be updated as information becomes available.
More Information: https://apdt.com/conference/

Force-Free Educational Summit For Pet Professionals

When: Wednesday, November 11-13, 2015
Where: Tampa, FL
Why: With Dr. Karen Overall as the keynote speaker, the rest of the speakers list for first annual summit hosted by the Pet Professionals Guild reads like a Who’s Who of the dog training industry. Presentations from Chirag Patel to Pat Miller to Ken McCort to Theresa McKeon insures this conference will have a little bit of something for everyone.
More Information: http://www.petprofessionalguild.com/Force-free-Summit

Training Camps

In addition to the conferences, these training camps should be on every trainer’s Must Do list.

CHICKEN CAMP
When: June to August, 2015
Where: Columbia, MD
Why: Dogs are incredibly forgiving. If you want to test your training skills, train a chicken! Dr. Bob Bailey and Ms. Parvene Farhoody, MA, teach these Workshops using chickens as a behavior model in order to teach operant conditioning (OC) and applied behavior analysis (ABA) principles.
More Information: http://www.behaviormatters.com/Workshops-operant-conditioning-animal-training.htm

PROFESSIONAL SEMINARS FOR ZOOLOGICAL TRAINERS
When: Monday, April 20-24, 2015 and Monday, August 17-21, 2015
Where: Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL
Why: This is a full graduate course adapted to a one-week format for zoo training professionals. Although originally designed for zoo trainers, many dog trainers take the course each year. This course fills up early, please send an e-mail to kcathcart@sheddaquarium.org if you’d like to be put on the waiting list.
More Information: http://www.sheddaquarium.org/Learning-Experiences/Continuing-Education/Professional-Animal-Training-Seminar/

Did we miss one? Comment and let us know!

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Top 10 Dog Training Conferences for 2015

Preparing For The APDT Conference in Hartford

APDT conference

Finding Roommates

The APDT Community has a specific discussion thread about finding roommates for the APDT Conference. Having a roommate makes the trip and stay more affordable and fun! Roommates allow you to network efficiently by meeting friends of friends as you experience the conference together. Log on to the APDT Community to connect with several attendees that are currently searching for roomies!

Planning Your Conference Schedule

The APDT Conference is jam packed with a variety of speakers all four days. Unfortunately, you will have to pick and choose which speakers you’ll want to go see since many speak at the same time. Take a look at the Agenda for an idea of who is speaking when. This year, some of the speakers you’ll get to choose from are:

  • Patricia McConnell
  • Ray Coppinger
  • Christopher Pachel
  • Ian Dunbar
  • Sue Sternberg
  • Robin Bennett
  • Gail Fisher
  • Rise VanFleet
  • And so many more!

There is so much learning to be had and the possibilities are endless! You may want to plan ahead or you can meet some friends and tag along with their plans. After all, networking is one of the greatest benefits of attending any kind of professional conference.

Planning Your Meals

There are several quality restaurants located near the Conference. Here are the best rated restaurants within walking distance from the conference center:

  1. Ted’s Montana Grill
  2. Front Street Bistro
  3. DISH Restaurant (New American Cuisine)
  4. The Capital Grille
  5. ON20 (New American Cuisine)

Sightseeing

Anytime you go to a new city, even if it is work related, it is important to check out some of the unique and entertaining features that you can discover. In Hartford, there are a few “must see” attractions you might want to slip away to while you’re in town.

Have you created a plan for your trip to the APDT conference this year? Which seminars or workshops do you consider “must see” events? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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