2012 IACP Conference

I am one of the speakers at the 2012 International Association of Canine Professionals in Orlando, Florida, April 19th- 21st. 

My topic:  Why Good People Think Strange Things About Dogs.  The summary:

Dogs are in trouble because so many good people think strange things about canine evolution, form, function, health, evaluation, and training.
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How did so many dogs get into trouble, and what do strange ideas about dogs have to do with the world of canine dysfunction?

• Strange Ideas About Origins
• Strange Ideas About Evolution
• Strange Chestnuts from the Show Ring
• Strange Celebrations of Defect and Deformity
• Strange Evaluations of Health
• Strange Evaluations of Work
• Strange Ideas by Dog Buyers
• Strange Ideas by Shelter Operators
• Strange Beliefs About Training

How are dogs doing now, and why is there some glimmer of hope on the horizon?
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Where are dogs going, and should we — as advocates for dogs — be helping dogs go down that path?
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Patrick will explore canine history, how dogs are produced and sold today, and how the future of dogs may be shaped by a contentious debate that is ongoing right now in the Mother Church of pedigree dogs.

Other speakers include:

• Martin Deeley asks:  “Should there be any pendulum between total positive and total pressure? Should we pigeonhole canine professionals and criticize them by saying they only use one magic wand?”
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• Chad Mackin will be talking about how to use a dog’s naturally strong social behavior to reduce stress and fear; build confidence and language skills, allowing for many common behavior problems to slip away.
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• Dr. Jean Dodds will be talking about the function and importance of the thyroid in canine health in addition to the identification of the clinical signs and symptoms of canine thyroid disorders.
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• Max Frayser will provide insight on the training methods used for K-9 search and rescue and share their experiences utilizing these skills to help find and save people

Still other speakers include: Debby Kay, Jennifer Funk, Tom Dokkin, Leslie Horton, Robin Hawn & Laura Potts, and Camilla Gray-Nelson.  Check out the line up! 

And if you're in Orlando at the conference, be sure to stick out a paw!

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