Core Behavior Assessment for Dogs Training Program

We are very excited to be offering the Core Behavior Assessment for Dogs Training Program. This course will be taught by Sam Freeman, CPDT-KSA, Pet Behavior Consultant. The trainings will be offered at Friends For Life Animal Rescue, in our training room. There is a fee to sign up and the fee covers all 7 modules. Participants are welcome to take some or all of the 7 modules.

Previously, we presented the entire 50 hour program weekly, with 6 to 8 hour classes each week. Realizing the challenges with people’s schedules for such a time commitment as well as considering people’s desire for the knowledge without the certification to conduct assessments, we decided to reformat the entire class.

We divided the class into seven individual modules based on subject matter. This way we can take a deep dive into each module. This will allow for more thorough training for better understanding and retention of the subject matter.

Fee for the course is $175, but check the event email that was sent for a promo code - reserve your seat by June 12 to be able to use the promo code.

The modules are as follows:

1. Kinesics and Personality Traits - This 10 hour module addresses a dog’s communication and communication style based on their behavior in a given situation. This covers in-depth body language based on behavior contexts in which the communication occurs. We will also dive deeply into a dog’s unique personality traits and behavior scales and help understand behavior trajectories in the future.
2. Development, Behavior, and Breeds - This 10 hour module takes a deep dive into the developmental stages throughout a dog’s life, understanding all aspects of behavior throughout the life of a dog, and diving into personality traits based on breeds and breed mixes.
3. Conditioning and Enrichment - This 6 hour module covers Psych 101 conditioning as it relates to how dogs learn. This can include what we set out to teach them as well as what they learn on their own as a result of experiences. It also covers enrichment and training activities to meet the behavioral, emotional, and environmental needs of each individual dog.
4. Human Factors - This 6 hour module addresses the different ways we bond with dogs and understanding the human/dog dynamics that occur in home environments. It also provides information and tools for dealing with compassion fatigue, burnout, and the judgement of others we all struggle with. Lastly, we’ll take a brief dive into the subject of personality psychology for a better understanding of a dog’s unique personality coupled with a person’s unique personality.
5. Kinesthetics / Hands-On Training - This 4 hour module teaches the best techniques for handling dogs in various settings. This includes removing and returning from kennels, the mechanics of dog to dog introductions, defensive handling for safety, and dealing with differing behaviors when a dog is on a leash.
6. Matchmaking and Adoption Counseling - This 4 hour module includes a thorough discussion of every aspect of making a good match and helping potential adopters to make the best choices during an adoption. We cover scenario-based adoption counseling as well as matching dogs and children, dogs with dogs, dogs with cats, resource guarding dogs with children, and the adjustment period from shelter dog to family pet.
7. Assessments & Recommendations - This final 12 hour module covers everything to do with a behavior assessment for dogs. This module explains the process and teaches methodological reasoning for interpreting information from assessments, as well as the objective judgment involved in making recommendations. This can include placement recommendations and restrictions; meeting the behavioral, physical, emotional, and environmental needs of the dogs in our care; and making potential recommendations about intake as well as euthanasia. This is a very intense module that pulls all the previous modules together for the final goal of conducting assessments and participating with the behavior team.

Module 1 Kinesics & personality traits 2 five hour sessions - 10 hrs

Sunday, July 13 8 AM- 1 PM

Sunday, July 20 8 AM- 1 PM

Module 2 Development, behavior, breeds 2 five hour sessions - 10 hrs

Sunday, July 27 8 AM- 1 PM

Sunday, August 3 8 AM- 1 PM

Module 3 Conditioning & enrichment 3 two hour sessions - 6 hrs

Sunday, August 31 8 AM- 10 AM

Sunday, Sept 7 8 AM- 10 AM

Sunday, Sept 14 8 AM- 10 AM

Module 4 Human factors 3 two hour sessions - 6 hrs

Sunday, Sept 21 8 AM- 10 AM

Sunday, Sept 28 8 AM- 10 AM

Sunday, Oct 19 8 AM- 10 AM

Module 5 Hands on/kinesthetics 2 two hour sessions - 4 hrs

Sunday, Oct 26 8 AM- 10 AM

Sunday, Nov 2 8 AM- 10 AM

Module 6 Matchmaking & adoption counseling 2 two hour sessions - 4 hrs

Sunday, Nov 9 8 AM- 10 AM

Sunday, Nov 16 8 AM- 10 AM

Module 7 Assessments & recommendations 3 four hour sessions -12 hrs

Sunday, Dec 7 8 AM- NOON

Sunday, Dec 14 8 AM- NOON

Sunday, Dec 21 8 AM- NOON