Addressing the Problem of Puppy Mills (Dr. Frank McMillian, Elizabeth Oreck, Rene Karapedian)
Puppy mills are one of the leading causes of pet overpopulation. This session will cover national and local efforts to address the puppy mill problem in the U.S., focusing specifically on the connection between puppy mills and pet stores. You’ll get information about current legislative and advocacy efforts to fight puppy mills and stop the sale of milled puppies in pet stores, and about how to promote rescue pets in a retail environment. You’ll also learn about the results of Best Friends’ Dr. Frank McMillan's new study on the physical and psychological condition of pet store puppies.
Taking It to the Street (Cats): Grassroots Advocacy for Community Cats (Laura Nirenberg, Lisa Tudor, Peter Wolf)
Dive deep into the issues surrounding trap/neuter/return, and find out how you can overcome obstacles to using TNR, a critical component of Best Friends’ commitment to saving the lives of homeless pets. Increased public support of TNR depends upon grassroots efforts — ordinary folks speaking up at city council meetings, writing letters to the editor, participating in online venues, and contacting local, state, and federal government officials and agencies. This workshop will provide attendees with essential tools needed to advocate for TNR, including:
- Relevant talking points to address three of the most common issues raised by TNR opponents: predation, rabies and toxoplasmosis
- Tips for researching local and state laws relevant to TNR
- Tips for working with local government agencies and TNR opponents
Ending Breed Discrimination Against Pit-Bull-Terrier-Type Dogs (Katie Bray Barnett, Jean Keating, Cathy Rosenthal, Ledy VanKavage)
Come learn what you can do to prevent good dogs from losing their homes — or even their lives — just because they look like pit bull terriers. In this session, you’ll find out how pit bull advocates in cities across the nation are ending breed discrimination and saving lives. Plus, you’ll get expert advice on how to effectively communicate with the media about pit bulls. You, too, can help change the way America’s dog is perceived and treated in your own community. This session will provide information on how to help end breed discrimination against pit-bull-terrier-type dogs on a local and state level, as well as how to enlist diverse groups in the struggle to save and increase adoptions of these types of dogs.
Animal Behavior: Helping Rescued Dogs and Cats Overcome Behavioral Challenges (Jackson Galaxy, Sherry Woodard)
We have all seen it — the wonderful dog or cat who does not present well in the shelter or rescue environment. Small problems can be a big hindrance to finding homes. The presenters will teach you some key skills for identifying what an animal needs to work on, how the animal can make a better first impression, and how to bring new life skills to the animals in your rescue group or shelter. This session will concentrate on helping you prioritize and deliver the training and enrichment that will help your rescued dogs and cats get adopted.
Fancy Footwork: A New Approach to Leash Training (Aimee Sadler and Mike Kaviani)
Join us for this hands-on demonstration of techniques that focus on good leash work coming from the feet instead of the hands! This new approach to leash work will enhance your handling skills and increase your ability to train dogs that are highly stressed and/or aroused and not motivated by food. Have fun learning a different approach to handling your leash that promotes dogs walking softly by your side and offering tons of eye contact. Come learn how to turn your shelter or rescued dogs into super stars on-leash who will impress potential adopters with their great manners and attitude. This presentation will include lots of video, as well as audience participation and live demonstrations.
