Steady Paws, Calm Minds - ONLINE Conference 2024

Embark on a transformative journey at our premier dog training, 2 day online conference on the 22nd/23rd June.

Designed to address the nuances of canine arousal, aggression, and overstimulation. This year, we're thrilled to welcome two renowned experts in the field, Dr Zazie Todd and Laura Ryder, whose insights and innovative approaches will enlighten both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic dog owners alike.

Prices :

Members : $150

Non - Members : $200

Please contact president@apdtnz.org.nz for trade stalls and sponsorship opportunities.

Seminar Topics for Dr Zazie Todd.

1) How to help fearful dogs feel safe

Almost three-quarters of dogs have some kind of canine anxiety, according to research. This talk is an overview of how to help fearful dogs, starting with recognizing the signs of fear and helping the dog to feel safe. We’ll look at the role of the dog’s attachment to their guardian, why it’s so important to work at the dog’s pace and not make them face their fears, and which techniques work best with fearful and anxious dogs.

Seminar Topics for Laura Ryder

1) The Hunter Within: Decoding Predatory Motor Pattern

Join acclaimed dog trainer, Laura Ryder, on an exhilarating journey into the fascinating world of Predatory Motor Patterns. In this 90-minute session, Laura will unravel the secrets behind our canine companions’ primal instincts—their innate drive to chase, pounce, and conquer!

2) Counter-conditioning for fearful and anxious dogs

When a dog is frightened, we often make use of classical conditioning. Counter conditioning is a very effective tool to help dogs learn to like things they were previously afraid of, but many people make mistakes in its implementation—and then think it hasn’t worked. This talk will give an overview of those all-important details and why they matter, including how to make a clear contingency, when and how to combine counterconditioning with desensitization, and the role of an element of surprise. Plus we’ll talk about the best ways to explain these ideas in client-friendly ways.

3) The value of enrichment for dogs

We all know that enrichment is important for pets. This talk will look at what science tells us about the value of enrichment, how it fits within the framework of good animal welfare, and how it can help prevent or resolve behaviour issues in dogs. We’ll also look at 5 different activities for dogs, why they are a good idea, and how to introduce them to pets. Along the way we’ll also consider the role of the nose, and the ways people behave when playing with their dog and how to get increased engagement.

2) Balancing Canine Arousal: From Overdrive To Optimal

Join engaging presenter, Laura Ryder, for an enlightening 90-minute exploration of canine arousal. In this dynamic session, we’ll dive into essential topics that bridge the gap between theory and practice.

3) Calm Canines: From Fearful To Fear Free

Join Fear Free certified dog trainer, Laura Ryder, on a transformative journey from fearful to Fear Free. In this 90-minute session, Laura will explore handling and co- operative care techniques to transform husbandry routines into calm, positive experiences.