Constructional Approach to Animal Welfare and Training

This workshop will run from 10AM - 3:00PM MST on April 27th and 28th

When dogs are mouthing or jumping on us, being destructve, or engaging in other problem behaviors, they are ofen trying to tell us something important - that they want our atenton!

Constructonal Afecton is a unique training program to teach our dogs how to be social and learn other behaviors because it uses what our dogs are already afer - our afecton - to reinforce desirable behaviors. This workshop will teach you a method that has helped shelter dogs across the globe fnd their forever homes and establish mutually enjoyable relatonships with the humans in their lives.

During this workshop, you will learn how to identfy dogs that are ready for Constructonal Afecton, how to establish our afecton as a reinforcer to teach behavior, how to implement both phases of Constructonal Afecton and tailor them to your individual dog. The atendees will learn when and how to do Constructonal Afecton through lecture, video, live demonstraton, and practce with coaching. Join us for an excellent opportunity to learn a new approach to enhancing our relatonships with our canine companions and training!

Here are the success story of the shelter dogs who we helped them get adopted through Constructonal Afecton:

Sammy:

Barry:

This two day event will cover topics including:

• An introduction to the Constructional Approach
• Applications for shelters
• Introductions to assessments and interpreting assessments
• Live and video Demonstrations

Presenter Biography

Sean studied under Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz and earned a master's degree in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas. While studying at UNT, he spearheaded the development of Constructional Affection under the instruction of Dr. Rosales-Ruiz and developed constructional shelter programs to increase efficiency in local animal shelters. Sean is currently a doctoral candidate at Florida Tech, conducting research in animal shelters relating to training behavior to increase the likelihood of adoption and volunteer and staff training.

Maasa Nishimuta studied under Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz and earned a master's degree in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas. In her master's thesis, she studied the reinforcing effects of affection in the form of petting and gentle scratching with rescued equines. She modified Constructional Affection for use with equines and continues to apply Constructional Affection with animals in shelters where she volunteers.

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In 2020, Sean and Maasa founded the Constructional Approach to Animal Welfare and Training (CAAWT). CAAWT is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help dogs in shelters get adopted and help dogs living with humans stay together. To fulfill this mission, CAAWT aims to remove financial barriers preventing people and organizations from accessing needed behavior support and training.

CAAWT has helped develop programs that have improved the lives of animals and their caretakers across the globe—helping to resolve issues relating to hyperactivity, anxiety, fear, aggression, and more. Through connecting with trainers, shelters, rescues, zoos, and people living with animals, CAAWT has been able to continue to reach the animals and their humans in need of behavioral and training support.

To learn more about CAAWT and our work, please check out the CAAWT.com website, Constructional Approach to Animal Welfare and Training Podcast, the CAAWT Membership, the annual CAAWT Conference, webinars, and more!

Website: https://www.caawt.com

CAAWT Membership: https://www.caawt.com/caawt-membership

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAAWT

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/npo_caawt/

Podcast: Constructional Approach to Animal Welfare and Training

(available on most podcast platforms)

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvGpU8MbP7_6vafXFExQkAw

Host or Publisher Calgary Humane Society