AB Tech Classes
In cooperation with AB Technical College in Asheville, NC
Multiple courses on dog behavior are offered for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, hospital staff, trainers, shelter/rescue staff and volunteers, groomers, kennel owners/staff, daycare owners/staff, dog competitors, and dog owners. *CEs approved by the NCVMB for vets and techs.
*Asheville’s only Animal Care Professionals Continuing Education Program
Previous classes:
* The 21st Century Dog – 8 Week Course, Starts: Spring 2010, next course rescheduled for Spring 2011
A thorough examination of canine behavior & implications for the human-dog relationship in the modern world.
This 8-week course (16 hrs) is offered for individuals interested in expanding their knowledge about behavioral science & theory. This series will cover the evolution of the human-dog relationship, effect of environment on canines in the 21st century, breeds of dogs & behavior, learning theory & cognition, discussions on dominance & leadership, stress/fear/anxiety & aggression, socialization, handling & management, safe & effective equipment, & ways to improve relationships between humans & dogs.
* Learning Theory in the Real World- 8 Week Course, Starts: Friday Sept 10th 12-1pm
This 8 week course (8 hrs) is designed for those pet industry professionals seeking a thorough and practical introduction to the components of learning theory as it relates to dogs. Quite different from traditional courses on learning and conditioning, this course will provide attendants with a user-friendly yet profound understanding of one of the most widely accepted bodies of information (learning theory) in behavioral science. For professionals with an intense interest in how to design and implement behavior modification in any environment (such as vet hospitals, kennels, daycares, shelters) this class will be a valuable guide. Class will cover all components of operant and classical conditioning as well as specific cutting-edge techniques, such as clicker training and free shaping, that are used to effectively change and establish behavior patterns for safer and more enjoyable interactions with dogs. who actively employs or would like to implement training and behavior modification in their daily work with animals are especially encouraged to attend.
* Tools, Tips, and Tricks for Harmonious Living with Dogs- 8 Week Course, Starts: Friday Sept 10th 4-5pm
This 8 week class (8 hrs.) will be an expansive review of the most essential items and tid-bits of knowledge that should be in any dog professional’s “toolbox” in the 21st century. Attendants will learn about a wealth of effective interventions for behavior challenges and relationships with humans and other animals, and have the opportunity to learn how to use, fit, and apply them in specific situations as well as trouble shoot their usage. The class will be broken down into – management, teaching behaviors, “out and about” manners in public, “home sweet home” manners at home, relationship foundation and building, exercise/environment, and handling. Any pet professional who is in a position to advise clients on potential tools, interventions and treatments for behavior problems or those in a position to make decisions on when to apply behavior solutions for given dogs, will gain tremendous working knowledge of some of the best tools in the business.
“Dog in the Coal Mine”- The Dog as a Reflection of Human Wellness in the Modern World
Saturday, May 7th, 2011, 9-5 * veterinarian and vet tech CEs approved 8hrs
This provocative course will be a thorough examination of the average modern American pet dog’s behavioral, emotional, and psychological health as indicative of the respective well-being of their human counterparts.
This world, in which dogs are increasingly struggling to maintain psychological and emotional health and owners are increasingly struggling with pet behavior problems as a result, is also the world in which human children are experiencing a shockingly similar path.
Kim aims to paint an honest picture of this world, this coalmine, with the dog as a sort of indicator species of the human predicament. With more and more children and adults being labeled with behavioral and psychological disorders, presumed to be abnormal in some way and treated accordingly with pharmaceuticals, it is more important than ever for us to honestly examine the true elements of this equation for what they are.
This class will explore the evolutionary, ethological, chemical, behavioral, emotional, and psychological factors that contribute to resulting “maladaptive” behaviors in dogs in our modern world, and present the implications of such understandings for our own human predicament, as supported by current research and movements in advocacy groups and government.
Kim Brophey’s hope is that the content of this course will provoke changes in individual and collective understandings and expectations about both dog and human behavior in their respective fields and homes, as well as excite a movement towards the environment and lifestyle changes of our shared world which hold the promise for our ultimate adaptivity, survival, and well-being in the future.
Train Humane – free 1 hour community educational presentations and Q&A for veterinarians, shelters, kennels, training centers, and other pet businesses (staff & customers).
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