In recent years, drug therapy has increased in popularity as an aid for treating behavior problems in dogs. Dog trainers, animal behaviorists, and veterinarians are now working together to improve the quality of life for dogs and their owners by integrating psychotropic drug therapy into behavior modification treatment plans. The addition of drug therapy to a behavioral program can be very helpful, but poses many questions. What behavioral conditions are the best candidates for drug therapy? What drugs are commonly used? What are the potential side effects, risks, and dangers? What are the success rates? How long before the owner will see results? How long will the patient be on the drug? How does the drug work in the dog's body? And are our dogs becoming chemically dependent as an owner convenience when what they really need is training and management?

Dr. Amy Marder will look these questions while discussing the role of drug therapy in behavior modification programs, as well as the importance of developing a relationship with the dog's team - the owner, you and the veterinarian.

Registration is limited.

Continuing Education Credits
For instructors that are Certified Pet Dog Trainers (Association of Professional Dog Trainers certification program) 1.5 CEUs have been granted. Please go to the CPDT website for further information and requirements.

1.5 CEUs for IAABC

Refreshments
Beverages and snacks will be served.

Dr. Marder is a veterinarian and animal behaviorist.  She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1979 and completed the very first residency in veterinary behavior at the same institution between 1983 and 1985.     In 1985, Dr. Marder started a housecall practice throughout New England helping owners and their pets with behavior problems.   The housecall practice has grown into New England Veterinary Behavior Associates in Lexington, Massachusetts.  The staff now consists of three veterinary behaviorists and five dog trainers (for obedience classes).  During this period Dr. Marder also served as the behavior consultant to Angell Memorial Hospital and the MSPCA.   

From March, 1999 to July, 2001 Dr. Marder was Vice President of Behavioral Medicine at the ASPCA in New York City. She founded the ASPCA Center for Behavioral Therapy.  At the Center, Dr. Marder treated both owned animals and the unowned animals, which were housed at the ASPCA’s shelter.  She set up obedience classes for the shelter dogs, trained her staff and volunteers to help implement behavioral plans and designed behavioral enrichment programs for shelter animals.  She also devised an objective behavioral evaluation of shelter dogs, which has undergone tests for validity.  The result was the development of a test that would predict the behavior of dogs after adoption. 

Dr. Marder also holds position of Clinical Assistant Professor at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, teaching veterinary students from Tufts and other schools.  She has written two books and edited one.  She is frequent contributor to veterinary textbooks and journals.  She was the author of Prevention Magazine’s “Your Healthy Pet” column for 15 years.    Dr. Marder is also frequently asked to appear on television (20-20, Geraldo Live, Animal Planet) and be interviewed on the radio and press.  She is also on the advisory board of the Massachusetts Animal Coalition.

Dr. Marder is now Director of the Behavioral Service at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.  Dr. Marder provides consultations to all owners of animals adopted from the ARL at no charge.  Behavioral enrichment programs are implemented for all animals housed at the ARL four shelters.  Regular shelter dog obedience classes and training sessions are also held.  Lectures and demonstrations are frequently given to staff, volunteers and the public on many aspects of companion animal behavior.  Trainings on canine behavioral evaluations are frequently held for the sheltering community.  In August, 2006 Dr. Marder held a training for the staff of the Queensland, Australia RSPCA. Her current area of research is the predictability of intake information and feline behavior problems after adoption.  Results were presented in a poster at the 2007 International Behavior Conference in Riccione, Italy and at the AVMA conference in Washington, DC. 

Driving Directions

The MSPCA at Nevins Farm
400 Broadway, Methuen, MA
(978) 687-7453

From Route 495: Take Exit 47 to Route 213 West, Methuen. Take Exit 2 off of Route 213 to Route 28, Methuen. Follow the ramp straight to the light. The MSPCA entrance is directly across Route 28. Drive to the main shelter building and go in the side door to the back and LEFT of the building as you face it.

From Route 93: Take Exit 48 to Route 213 East, Methuen. Take Exit 2 off of Route 213 to Route 28, Methuen. Follow the ramp to the light and take a left onto Route 28. At the next set of lights, turn left into the MSPCA entrance. Drive to the main shelter building and go in the side door to the back and LEFT of the building as you face it.

Hotels
Policies and rates may change from what is listed below.

• Guest House Inn, Methuen, MA 
  Phone: (978) 686-2971
  $85 + per night, $25/stay pet fee
  5 minutes away
  

• Red Roof Inn, Salem, NH 
  Phone: (603) 898-6422
  $60 + per night, Pets allowed – one per room
  5 minutes away
  

• Fairfield Inn by Marriott Salem, Salem, NH
  Phone: (603) 893-4722
  $90 + per night, No pets
  5 minutes away
  

• Best Western Merrimack Valley, Haverhill, MA
  Phone: (978) 373-1511
  $79 + per night, Small pets only - $20/night pet fee
  10 minutes away
  

• Comfort Suites, Haverhill, MA
  Phone: (978) 374-7755
  $70 + per night, No pets
  10 minutes away
  

• Courtyard by Marriott, Andover, MA
  Phone: (978) 794-0700
  $80 + per night, Service animals only
  10 minutes away
  

• Best Western Chelmsford Inn, Chelmsford, MA 01824 
  Phone: (978) 256-7511
  $75 - $95 per night, No pets
  15 minutes away
  Y

Area Airports

• Manchester, NH - 25 miles away

• Boston, MA - 31 miles away
  

Tuition is: $25.00

You may pay for tuition by:

• Personal or Bank Check

• Paypal - using your account or opening a new account

• Visa, MasterCard or Discover - through our secure payment information page or by contacting the office by phone or fax and providing your credit card information

If you are ready to sign up, you can register online.

The Humane Societies have restricted smoking policies. We expect smoking is only allowed outside the facility in designated areas, however it is possible the shelter property could be a smoke-free zone. You may call the specific shelter if you want to check.  

Personal Dogs - please leave them home. Thank you.