CORVALLIS - When the family dog misbehaves, many owners respond by staring down their pet and delivering the stern admonition - Bad dog!

A better approach, according to an Oregon State University animal behavior expert, is to understand the causes of the misbehavior. "Although greatly loved, dogs are generally misunderstood by most people," said Candace Croney, OSU Extension animal behavior educator.

To help animal professionals and pet owners learn more about managing dog behavior issues effectively, Croney has organized a canine behavior workshop Sept. 10 in OSU's Withycombe Hall.

The one-day workshop, "Professionally Addressing Canine Behavioral Issues," is co-sponsored by the OSU Extension Service and the OSU Department of Animal Sciences. Presenters will focus on proactive approaches to prevent and modify dog behavior problems.

"The workshop is aimed primarily at animal professionals such as veterinarians, animal trainers, animal shelter operators and others in the pet products industry because these individuals are frequently asked dog behavior questions," said Croney. "This seminar is intended to help participants broaden the animal behavior knowledge they share with others."

The public is also invited to attend.

Beginning at 8 a.m., the workshop will include a series of morning and afternoon sessions focused on improving animal behavior observation skills, recognizing subtle signals of canine aggression, types of canine aggression and proactive approaches to preventing behavior problems.

Session presenters include Croney; Julie Flanery, certified pet dog trainer; Irma Kapsenberg of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers; and Tanya Roberts, Oregon Humane Society.

"A lot of people own dogs - more than 65 million in the United States - and many of those owners think they know how to train dogs," Croney said. "In a lot of these instances people are more often lucky than correct in their approach to training their pet. This workshop hopefully will be an effective tool for delivering useful and practical canine behavior information to dog owners."

The cost of the workshop is $50 for persons who register by Aug. 19; the fee after that date is $60. OSU and Linn-Benton Community College students will be admitted for $25, with ID. For more information, contact Candace Croney at 541-737-1401, or by e-mail at [email protected].

Source: 

Candace Croney, 541-737-1401

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