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Join Erica Feuerbacher and Lisa Gunter to learn the state of the art in animal sheltering!
Tentative Schedule:
Sunday: Welcome Dinner
6-8 pm location TBD
Monday AM:
Lecture - Introduction to Dog Behavior, Shelter Edition.
Who Are Dogs In Shelters? Evidence-Based Interventions Aimed at Improving Adoptions & Reducing Relinquishments
Monday PM
Working field trip - Observing Behavior in Shelter, Identifying Behaviors
Through Lens of Research & Observations: Use ABA Techniques to Develop Intervention or Use Research-Based Intervention. They Try It, Record Results, Discuss
Topic Salon @ Nearby Bar/Restaurant - Best & Worst Practices at Your Shelter
Dinner on own or continue where Salon was held
Tuesday AM
Lecture - Behavior Assessment - What Does the Science Say? How Do We Use Intake Info, Observations from Staff & Volunteers, Assessments to Make Decisions & Recommendations
Tuesday PM
Working field trip - Assess Dogs, Gather Information, Make Recommendations (Teams Can Evaluate Dogs in Two Groups, Come Back Together to Discuss Findings)
Hike with Dogs at to enjoy Montana's Big Sky country
Dinner at restaurant in town or on own
Wednesday AM:
Lecture - Housing (Co-Housing Project), Environment Enrichment, Dog-Dog Interactions & Playgroups
Drive to working field trip out of town: Get food on way or bring along
Wednesday PM
Working field trip: Tour Dog Kennels, Observe Environment Enrichment Already in Place, Discuss Differences. Do Shelter Dog Meet & Greets, Discuss Behaviors Observed, Playstyles that Work Well Together, Lead into Relationship-Based Playgroups
Dinner out of town as group
Drive back to Helena
Thursday AM:
Lecture - Interactions with People (Quiet Time, Sleepovers), Training & Behavior Modification
Drive to working field trip out of town: Get food on way or bring along
Thursday PM:
Working field trip - Tour Dog Kennels, Observe Volunteer Programs (Walking, Outings, Etc.) Already in Place, Discuss Participating in Sleepover Project (Staff Describe Benefits of Sleepovers)
Brainstorm Ways of Meeting Dogs’ Needs in Dog and People-Centered Interventions at Your Shelter - Observe dogs & make recommendations based on behaviors
Dinner out of town as group
Drive back to Helena
Friday AM:
Lecture - Adoption Process, Post-Adoption Support, Safety Net Programs & Community Involvement
Friday PM:
Individual Brainstorming (Or in groups if from same shelter): Understanding the Needs of the Dogs in Your Shelter, What is One Program You’d Like to Implement at Your Shelter & Why - Describe Logistics of Implementation: What Would You Do, Who Would Do It, How Would You Measure Success
What is One Research Study You’d Like to Carry Out at Your Shelter (Based on Behavior of Dogs or Current Program) & Why - Describe Logistics of Implementation: What Would You Do & How Would You Carry It Out
Cocktail Hour & Program/Study Presentations at TBD
7-9 Farewell Dinner at restaurant in town