Animal Trainer’s Retreat
Join us for a weekend of support, collaboration, education, recreation and rejuvenation!
The emotional toll of working with challenging behavior along with the physical toll of navigating the pandemic, has left many of us feeling overwhelmed and depleted. Networking and providing mutual aid and support though the development and nurturing of community is important now more than ever.
In addition to being located in a sublime location our weekend will include opportunities to; work on training mechanics with trusted others and resident animals, educational presentations, thought-provoking discussions, and fun outdoor activities. Presentations will include information about the use and risks of escape extinction and analyses of assent-assuming protocols, and other topics of importance to trainers.
Regardless of where you are in your journey to be the best trainer you can be, to positively impact the lives of owners and pets, this weekend has something for you. Our goal at Lemon’s Hope Sanctuary is to enthusiastically welcome everyone who is interested in learning more about the science of learning and behavior. Your hosts Sara Matters and Debbie Jacobs both share an interest in the science of Applied Behavior Analysis and how its use can be a game changer for even the most problematic behavior. Sara is completing a Master’s program in ABA in addition to her Master’s in Animal Behavior. Debbie is the founder of this website and author of the popular A Guide To Living With & Training A Fearful Dog. Prior to the pandemic she worked as a Registered Behavior Technician with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other cognitive or developmental challenges.
Special Guest Presentations by service dog trainer, Sharon Wachsler
- Multifunctional cues: teaching a single cue and behavior that serve a function for the dog, handler and strangers or others in the environment simultaneously.
- Working with disabled clients
Sharon’s presentations will be useful for both service dog trainers and pet trainers. After Sharon demonstrates how she has developed multifunctional cues, attendees will brainstorm and work in small groups to devise a training plan for a multifunctional cue of their own and then discuss it. In relation to working with disabled clients, Sharon will review some do’s and don’ts, address common issues, moderate discussion and answer questions, facilitate role playing, and review situations trainers have experienced with clients.
“Thanks for my first opportunity to work with horses! I can’t wait to come back again and do more with them and other species.”
Dates: October 4-6, 2024 (Beginning 5pm on Friday and ending 4pm on Sunday)
Cost: $299-$325 (includes: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 1 dinner)
CEUs for CPDTs-pending
CEUs from IAABC-pending
