Dog Body Language Course Series - Safety & Handling

This three-part webinar series, formerly titled "Speaking Dog," equips animal care professionals with the skills to interpret canine behavior through objective observation of body language, vocalizations and scent cues. It encourages moving beyond vague labels like dominant or submissive by emphasizing objective observation and context. The series builds from foundational assessment techniques to a holistic view of dog communication, ending with practical strategies for adjusting human behavior to reduce stress and improve safety. Designed for shelter staff, trainers and veterinary teams, the series supports more accurate assessments, safer interactions and successful placements.
How to Enroll
- Login now or create an account, then search for the series in the content library or come back here and use the direct links.
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About the Courses
- Part 1 - Basics for Understanding: To lay the groundwork for accurate interpretation, it's essential to describe behavior objectively. Before diving into the details of canine communication, you'll learn to clarify muddy labels like submissive, dominant and conflicted. Approved for CCPDT credit: 0 CEUs for trainers and 1 CEU for behavior consultants
- Part 2 - Behavior Observations & Communication: In the second part of the series, we bring together the core elements of canine communication by looking at the whole dog. Along with body language, you'll explore the range of vocalizations and how dogs gather information about others through scent. Approved for CCPDT credit: 0 CEUs for trainers and 1 CEU for behavior consultants
- Part 3 - Advanced for Low-Stress Handling: In the final installment, you'll apply what you've learned about canine body language throughout the series. We'll offer deeper insight into how adjusting your own posture and behavior during handling can help reduce a dog's stress and improve your safety. Approved for CCPDT credit: 0.5 CEUs for trainers and 0.5 CEU for behavior consultants
Presenters
- Pamela Reid, PhD, CAAB, Vice President ASPCA Behavioral Sciences
- Bridget Schoville, Senior Director of Shelter Behavior Science, Behavioral Sciences Team, ASPCA
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Topics:
Enrichment & Behavior
Type:
Courses