Picture of Patricia McConnell with her dog

Patricia McConnell

We are absolutely thrilled to be hosting this world-renowned zoologist and animal behaviorist on the Central Coast. Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, has made a lifelong commitment to improving the relationship between people and animals. She has authored many books and produced DVD’s including The Other End of the Leash, (published in 10 languages), and For the Love of A Dog: Understanding Emotions in You and Your Best Friend.

Patricia has worked with serious behavior problems in dogs and cats since 1988, and has made a lifelong commitment to improving the relationship between people and animals. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor in Zoology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She’s also heard around the country on Wisconsin Public Radio’s Calling All Pets and is a behavior columnist for Bark magazine.

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Call/Email

Gentle Touch Pet Training
Teah Anders
(805) 481-1490

teah@gentlepets.com

Seminar Informaiton

First Time Presented!

Registration

Dog-Dog Aggression (Half Day)

This seminar will focus on the most common context of dog-dog aggression problems: dogs who are over reactive to unfamiliar dogs. We’ll use a combination of videos, slides and demonstrations with case study dogs to address dogs who bark, lunge or bite at unfamiliar dogs. The seminar includes an evaluation why each particular dog is behaving problematically (at least to us) and the most effective methods of treating the behavior, including classical conditioning, and several forms of operant conditioning. Overall, the seminar combines a thorough understanding of ethology and learning theory with humane and practical

Play-Play-Play (Half Day)

Play is fun, but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s just goofy or frivolous. Play is powerful stuff, and it has a profound influence on your relationship with your dog. Learn how play can enhance your relationship with your dog, improve your dog’s responsiveness, and provide your dog with the mental and physical exercise he or she needs. We’ll talk about up-to-

date research on how to tell your dog you want to play (most of us aren’t very good at it!), some charming tricks and games to wow your friends, and how not to play with your dog. If you’d like a happier, more responsive dog and a closer relationship with each other, then this talk is for you.

This is a lecture format seminar without dogs (except those that have been selected for demonstration purposes)

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Visit California's beautiful Central Coast

Directions

Directions: San Luis Obispo area is located approximately halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles off Interstate 101. From Highway 101 in Arroyo Grande exit Grand Ave. (187A), turn east and then turn left on the first through street named W. Branch (between Shell Gas Station & Bank of America). Proceed about ½ miles to the South County Regional Center (next to the Library) on the right side of the street. Food: Continental breakfast and a delicious lunch are provided.

Lunch

Vegetarian meals available. PLEASE E-MAIL TEAH@GENTLEPETS.COM TO REQUEST A VEGETARIAN MEAL. Dogs: The only dogs participating in this seminar will be those used for case studies. Videotaping: This seminar will be videotaped by Tawzer Dog Videos and will be available for purchase from Tawzer Dog Videos.

Lodging

HOTEL INFORMATION: (Please check current rates on their websites as summer/winter rates vary significantly in this area.)

Participants without dogs can also call:

Campgrounds / RV Parks

Three local San Luis Obispo County Parks have RV and car camping available. The pet fee is $3 per day per pet. You can find more information on each park at www.slocountyparks.org. Phone numbers for each park are also listed below:

There are also numerous private RV parks in the area. The closest is Pismo Coast Village; 888-RVBEACH www.pismocoastvillage.com. (Unfortunately, I noticed that they now list breed restrictions “due to insurance requirements” so check the website.)

Airport Information

Registration and Refund Policy

REGISTRATION AND REFUND POLICY: Full payment is required to confirm your registration. Registration is not final until registration form and payment are received.

Cancellation Policy: Refunds will be given, less a $40 non-refundable administration fee, if notice of cancellation is received by one month prior to seminar date. Notices should be in writing and can be emailed to teah@gentlepets.com, faxed to (805) 481-1497 or mailed to Gentle Touch Pet Training at the address listed below. If notice is not received by one month prior to seminar date, no refund will be given unless your spot can be filled from the wait list.