2025 Joint Symposium for Working K9s: Workshops

• Date and Time: April 7 from 8 AM – 12 PM
• Maximum Registration: 12
• Price: $125

Abstract:
Join us for an engaging 4-hour workshop on the Penn Vet Working Dog Center’s Canimetrics, a foundational working dog fitness program designed to enhance the performance and longevity of working and sporting dogs. The program focuses on stability, strength, proprioception, and muscular endurance with a particular focus on the core and hindlimbs. This comprehensive workshop will introduce you to the Canimetics program through a combination of detailed demonstrations and hands-on learning, participants will gain a thorough understanding of each exercise and its benefits. Whether you are a canine fitness enthusiast or a professional looking to expand your skills, this workshop will provide you with the knowledge and beginner techniques to effectively implement Canimetrics into your dog's fitness regimen. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from experts and improve your dog's overall fitness and increased performance!

• Date and Time: April 7 from 8 AM – 12 PM
• Maximum Registration: 16
• Price: $125

Abstract:
This workshop is designed to introduce concepts in odor presentation science from odor learning, odor perception, odor movement and odor generalization. These concepts will be applied toward training to the whole spectrum of a target odor to maximize performance. The workshop will utilize hands-on and nose-based activities for both the participants and those registering with their canine partner. The 4-hour block will rotate you through a series of stations where you will do a deep dive into the world of olfaction through small group interactions and activities followed by open discussion and demonstrations. This workshop engages all your senses to explore the concepts of odor presentation science. Join us and learn to see the world through your dog’s nose!

• Date and Time: April 7 from 8 AM – 12 PM
• Maximum Registration: 10
• Price: $125

Abstract:
This workshop will focus on cooperative behaviors and techniques for utilization by practitioners and handlers to facilitate interactions with daily care as well as veterinary examination of working dogs. Using canine behavior and welfare principles as a foundation, we will focus on introductory skills related to socialization, enrichment, and cooperative care interactions. Socialization is important for working dogs as a basic canine function and to ensure safe interactions in public venues, but also as proofing for maintaining focus in a working environment. Employing appropriate enrichment teaches necessary skills for environmental engagement and promotes appropriate physical and psychological wellbeing. Finally, the use of cooperative behaviors and cues provides a consistent and predictable interaction with the working dog, and ultimately reduces canine stress and increases personnel safety.

• Date and Time: April 7 from 1 PM – 3 PM
• Maximum Registration: 10
• Price: $90

Abstract:
Heat exhaustion is a hazard for working and sporting dogs. After exercise, a dog's temperature can increase to dangerous levels. In this workshop, we will address different cooling methods, when to use them and how to train dogs to participate in their own active cooling.

• Date and Time: April 7 from 1 PM – 3 PM
• Maximum Registration: 10
• Price: $90

Abstract:
Reductions in behavior are common when reinforcer/reward availability declines. Operational teams need to work in environments where rewards may not always be possible. This class will teach how to implement reinforcement schedules to build resilient behavior in conditions when few rewards are available, while minimizing side effect behaviors. K9 teams will practice implementing a variable reward schedule for odor detection (must bring own target odor). Auditors will participate in creating a variable reward schedule and practicing with a partner. All participants will learn how to program a variable reward schedule and demonstrate how to implement the schedule for odor detection training.

• Date and Time: April 7 from 1 PM – 3 PM
• Maximum Registration: 4
• Price: $90

Abstract:
This workshop offers a comprehensive approach to preparing puppies and adolescent dogs for law enforcement careers, focusing on patience and avoiding conflict. Designed for handlers with young puppies or adolescent dogs, the workshop covers detection and apprehension work, emphasizing what puppies are capable of at different stages. We’ll explore how the Penn Vet method has evolved, highlighting successful training strategies while addressing challenges and troubleshooting dogs with unclear career paths. Attendees will learn to reduce conflict through reward-based methods, promoting confidence building in dogs and strengthening the handler-dog bond. The workshop will emphasize the remarkable abilities of puppies, showing how, with the right development, they can achieve more than we often expect.

• Date and Time: April 7 from 8 AM – 12 PM
• Maximum Registration: 30
• Price: $75

Abstract:
Join us for an engaging 4-hour workshop on the Penn Vet Working Dog Center’s Canimetrics, a foundational working dog fitness program designed to enhance the performance and longevity of working and sporting dogs. The program focuses on stability, strength, proprioception, and muscular endurance with a particular focus on the core and hindlimbs. This comprehensive workshop will introduce you to the Canimetics program through a combination of detailed demonstrations and hands-on learning, participants will gain a thorough understanding of each exercise and its benefits. Whether you are a canine fitness enthusiast or a professional looking to expand your skills, this workshop will provide you with the knowledge and beginner techniques to effectively implement Canimetrics into your dog's fitness regimen. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from experts and improve your dog's overall fitness and increased performance!

• Date and Time: April 7 from 8 AM – 12 PM
• Maximum Registration: 16
• Price: $75

Abstract:
This workshop is designed to introduce concepts in odor presentation science from odor learning, odor perception, odor movement and odor generalization. These concepts will be applied toward training to the whole spectrum of a target odor to maximize performance. The workshop will utilize hands-on and nose-based activities for both the participants and those registering with their canine partner. The 4-hour block will rotate you through a series of stations where you will do a deep dive into the world of olfaction through small group interactions and activities followed by open discussion and demonstrations. This workshop engages all your senses to explore the concepts of odor presentation science. Join us and learn to see the world through your dog’s nose!

• Date and Time: April 7 from 8 AM – 12 PM
• Maximum Registration: 10
• Price: $75

Abstract:
This workshop will focus on cooperative behaviors and techniques for utilization by practitioners and handlers to facilitate interactions with daily care as well as veterinary examination of working dogs. Using canine behavior and welfare principles as a foundation, we will focus on introductory skills related to socialization, enrichment, and cooperative care interactions. Socialization is important for working dogs as a basic canine function and to ensure safe interactions in public venues, but also as proofing for maintaining focus in a working environment. Employing appropriate enrichment teaches necessary skills for environmental engagement and promotes appropriate physical and psychological wellbeing. Finally, the use of cooperative behaviors and cues provides a consistent and predictable interaction with the working dog, and ultimately reduces canine stress and increases personnel safety.

• Date and Time: April 7 from 8 AM – 12 PM
• Maximum Registration: 30
• Price: $125

Abstract:
The presentation focuses on prehospital care for tactical and non-tactical emergencies common to the Operational K9 (OpK9). The presentation incorporates current K9 Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (K9TECC) principles using a stepwise approach for conducting a rapid trauma assessment. K9 TECC's goal is to eliminate the major preventable causes of line of duty deaths by providing first responders with the knowledge necessary to manage immediate threats to life, limb, or eyesight, and to prepare the OpK9 for evacuation to definitive veterinary care. Topics of learning include: Basic K9 anatomy and physiology, low-stress handling and restraint techniques, K9 First Aid Kits (e.g., what to pack), bleeding control, basic airway management, field-expedient bandaging techniques, care of common environmental injuries (heat-related illness), gastric dilatation and volvulus (aka. Bloat), opioid toxicity and naloxone use, and more.

• Date and Time: April 7 from 8 AM – 12 PM
• Maximum Registration: 30
• Price: $90

Abstract:
This 4-hour workshop will focus on the misunderstood behavioral underpinnings of why handlers often fail to get the “OUT” behavior or the impulse control that they desire. We will then introduce participants to an evaluative tool that highlights the primary components that drive a canine’s desire to possess high value reward options. Based on the results of the evaluation, participants will be better equipped to determine which training method might be best suited for their canine while creating a relationship in which the canine values working with the handler, rather than feel as though it has to fight for the reward. Various training plans will be discussed and live demonstrations with dogs will be presented. Don’t fight it, train it!

• Date and Time: April 7 from 1 PM – 3 PM
• Maximum Registration: 20
• Price: $50

Abstract:
Heat exhaustion is a hazard for working and sporting dogs. After exercise, a dog's temperature can increase to dangerous levels. In this workshop, we will address different cooling methods, when to use them and how to train dogs to participate in their own active cooling.

• Date and Time: April 7 from 1 PM – 3 PM
• Maximum Registration: 30
• Price: $50

Abstract:
Reductions in behavior are common when reinforcer/reward availability declines. Operational teams need to work in environments where rewards may not always be possible. This class will teach how to implement reinforcement schedules to build resilient behavior in conditions when few rewards are available, while minimizing side effect behaviors. K9 teams will practice implementing a variable reward schedule for odor detection (must bring own target odor). Auditors will participate in creating a variable reward schedule and practicing with a partner. All participants will learn how to program a variable reward schedule and demonstrate how to implement the schedule for odor detection training.

• Date and Time: April 7 from 1 PM – 3 PM
• Maximum Registration: 30
• Price: $50

Abstract:
This workshop offers a comprehensive approach to preparing puppies and adolescent dogs for law enforcement careers, focusing on patience and avoiding conflict. Designed for handlers with young puppies or adolescent dogs, the workshop covers detection and apprehension work, emphasizing what puppies are capable of at different stages. We’ll explore how the Penn Vet method has evolved, highlighting successful training strategies while addressing challenges and troubleshooting dogs with unclear career paths. Attendees will learn to reduce conflict through reward-based methods, promoting confidence building in dogs and strengthening the handler-dog bond. The workshop will emphasize the remarkable abilities of puppies, showing how, with the right development, they can achieve more than we often expect.

• Date and Time: April 7 from 1 PM – 3 PM
• Maximum Registration: 30
• Price: $50

Abstract:
Canine firearm detection relies on highly trained dogs capable of identifying odors emitted by firearms and related components. Odor analysis is central to the process, as dogs are trained to recognize the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by firearms, gunpowder, oils, and other associated materials. However, to date, there is very limited research on understanding VOCs being emitted from the different firearm componentry. Research investigating this type of odor emission will be covered to depict chemical odor profiles that can help guide training methods. The workshop will also include details of training using various methodologies that can enable canines to locate weapons in diverse environments. Topics include ensuring consistency and accuracy in identifying firearm-related odors introducing specific odors related to firearms, such as metal residues (casings), full weapon componentry, and firearm accessories (magazines). Training in various locations, under different conditions, to simulate real-world environments will be discussed for optimal performance.

• Date and Time: April 7 from 1 PM – 3 PM
• Maximum Registration: 32
• Price: $50

Abstract:
This workshop aims to introduce training concepts for service dogs for assistance with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Exploration of detection and intervention techniques during onset of PTSD affective episodes as well as other behaviors to mitigate the effects or symptoms of the disorder. Discussions on potential markers related to stress signaling and their role in a state change and training to optimize efficacy (e.g. odor production, heart rate, respiration). This workshop will provide examples of types of intervention capabilities for an assistance dog and the impacts of this assistance on the individual.

• Date and Time: April 7 from 1 PM – 3 PM
• Maximum Registration: 30
• Price: $50

Abstract:
This workshop will examine behavioral evaluations of candidate working dogs of all ages. Topics will include an overview of key traits predictive of training and operational success, methods for assessing and identifying such traits, best practices for conducting evaluations, and similarities and differences between behavioral evaluations designed to assess a dog’s career suitability versus selecting breeders. The primary focus will be on selecting dogs for detection roles, with overlap with other disciplines highlighted where applicable.