Animal Trainer's Retreat

This is a three-day event beginning October 4, 2024, with Sara Matters, MA, ABCDT, ABA certificant and Debbie Jacobs, CPDT-KA, RBT, as part of our ongoing mission to help trainers address the emotional toll of working with challenging behaviors and navigating the pandemic. These experiences have left many of us feeling overwhelmed and depleted. Networking and providing mutual aid and support through 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. 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 completed a Master’s certificate program in ABA in addition to her Master’s in Animal Behavior. Debbie is the founder of www.fearfuldogs.com as well as the influential Fearful Dogs Facebook group, 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. Recently, she launched an online course entitled, "Essentials of Applied Behavior Analysis for Serious Animal Trainers: Transforming Problem Behaviors in Animals."

Presentations will include:

• information about the use and risks of escape extinction
• analyses of assent-assuming protocols
• playing the Portable Operant Research and Teaching Lab table game for trainers
• training the animals of Lemon's Hope Sanctuary, who include horses, sheep, goats and Guinea pigs
• an introduction to Debbie's new online course
• analyzing the mechanisms at play in popular protocols
• reviewing behavioral approaches to enrichment provision for any animal, with a focus on dogs and horses

Guest speakers are being planned.

Ceus pending.

Cost: Early bird pricing, $299; regular admission, $325. Includes 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 1 dinner.

Host or Publisher Training Matters LLC