Dogs of Course

ITC: Consulting & Problem Solving

The next course is expected in the fall of 2009
at the MSPCA in Methuen, MA. More information will be posted at the end of 2008. Registration is not open at this time.

Our students are the best judges of the value and quality of the ITC experience. Check out what they have to say.

Take a look at our photo gallery from prior courses.

See sample videos from our trainings!

About the Course

This professional course is designed for the experienced dog training instructor who wants to increase her/his effectiveness as an advisor for difficult training and behavior issues. The course focuses on problem solving, consultations and advanced teaching skills.

Taught using the same hands-on, interactive format as the ITC: Training & Teaching, the ITC: Consultations & Problem Solving (previously called the Advanced Instructor Training Course) combines lectures with:

Practice Consultations - In this class you will break into small groups to practice consultation techniques. When you are practice consulting you will give advice on behavior and training issues and then receive immediate feedback from the ITC instructor and fellow students. It is a great way to sharpen your skills and pick up techniques and tips from other professionals.
Video Analysis - We use videotape review to discuss and analyze training techniques and philosophies, to help illustrate a concept, or to review a behavior case. By looking at a section of tape and then articulating what is happening, students get a great way to integrate concepts with real life situations.
Group Discussions - All of our students have valuable knowledge and opinions that can benefit the other participants and staff members. Participants not only learn from the staff, but from other students as well... Consider the power of 20 - 30 professionals and enthusiasts talking dog training for five days! We encourage group discussion to brainstorm ideas, to share experiences, and to encourage creative thinking. Whether it is with the whole class, in your presentation groups, or on an informal basis during meals, we promote the open exchange of ideas.
Training a Shelter Dog - Shape a shelter dog's behavior and teach new skills! During the course you will have the opportunity to train multiple shelter dogs giving them a foundation and enthusiasm for learning. Students may ask to bring a shelter dog back to her/his hotel at night to give the dog a break from the kennel. This option is subject to approval from the hosting humane society.
Train a Farm Animal or Other Common Pets - try your skills with another species to learn more about timing, reinforcement, and setting criteria. This element of the program depends on our hosting humane society. The 2007 class will include this element!

Along with opportunities to "consult" on various topics and skills, you will be given short study or written assignments each evening to provoke thought, increase understanding and enhance your ability to articulate ideas. We will concentrate on helping you to think critically so you can teach effectively!

Homework provides the you with the opportunity to articulate ideas and develop concepts that enhance the classes or prepare you for the next day's topic or assignment. Homework can vary and may include things like:

clarifying or considering a position through writing
completing a short reading assignment
evaluating a training technique
working on a group presentation
answering questions or taking a self-test

Expect homework each night to take 1 -2 hours.

Group Presentations - You will be broken up into small groups and asked to create a professional presentation on Barbara Shumannfang uses her artistic talent to present the case history. a topic to the rest of the class. Your presentation requires discussion, analysis, creating a strategy or evaluating a situation. The group brainstorms the issue then organizes their thoughts into an educational presentation. Often groups perform skits or multi-media events! The limit on creativity is your imagination. Great fun while you learn!

The curriculum is designed to improve your competency as a behavior counselor and to help you look at new approaches to difficult training issues. Tentative/Sample subjects include:

Consultation Strategies and Procedures
Interpersonal Skills
Behavior Solutions and Rehabilitation Strategies with a Concentration on Aggression
Working with Difficult Dog Problems: Case Histories
Socialization and Training for the "Feisty Fido"
Euthanasia Counseling
Behavior and Training Options
When Children Live With Dogs
Advanced Canine Learning and Behavior
What Is This Dog Telling Me?
Canine Ethology and Physiology
Punishment: How, When and Why
The Power of Classical Conditioning

Topics subject to change.

Enrollment is limited to maximize personal attention and create a supportive atmosphere. Expect an intense educational experience in a fun environment. Click here for a sample schedule.

Continuing Education Credits
For instructors that are Certified Pet Dog Trainers (Association of Professional Dog Trainers certification program) ITC courses qualify for continuing education units (CEU's) needed for the re-certification program. 22 CEU's are expected to be granted for students that attend all 5 days. Please go to the CPDT website for further information and requirements.

Lunch
Because food fuels our bodies and has a direct effect on learning and stamina, meals are designed to tickle your palate, keep you healthy and satisfy your sweet tooth. Vegetarian selections are available upon request, however, we cannot cater to individual dietary needs.

You will be served lunches, beverages and snacks. The final day will end with a celebration that includes food and beverages.

Pre-Requisites

ITC: Consulting & Problem Solving is an upper-level course for experienced professionals. The course has minimum requirements for participation, which are based on experience and education.

All full registration participants must have met the following three requirements by the start of course:

(1) A minimum of two years experience in one of the following:

Instructing a variety of classes or private lessons an average of two/three classes per week
Working full-time as a behavior or adoption counselor at an animal shelter or rescue organization
Training service dogs

(2) Attended at least 4 different behavior or training seminars (3-day training/behavior conferences and ITC count as two seminars each)

(3) Have a solid understanding of the language and application of learning theory

Exceptions

Exceptions for full participation will be considered on an individual basis if:

the student is an ITC alumni or alumni of another intensive dog-training course
the student has other comparable skills/experiences not listed above
if the student has a deep animal behavior, training or counseling background

Contact Dana if you would like to ask for an exception.

Auditors at any level of experience are welcome. This is a great option for people interested in behavior, training enthusiasts or professionals that are just starting out as well as experienced professionals who just prefer to learn by listening and watching. As an auditor you may ask on topic questions. You will not participate in group or individual projects, interactive units, or animal training.

Sample Videos

Click on Image. Video Will Open in New Window

Sample Video 1	Sample Video 2

Tuition, Payment and Registration

Early-Bird Registration is offered:

Cost TBA - Full Registration: 5 days, all activities and hands-on learning
Cost TBA - Auditor Registration: 5 days, auditing privileges only

ITC Graduate Early-Bird Rate on or before 6/1/07:

Cost TBA - Full Registration: 5 days, all activities and hands-on learning
This is for ITC graduates of either course.
Cost TBA - Auditor: If you are an ITC: Teaching and Training (Original) graduate.
Cost TBA - Auditor: Only for ITC: Consulting & Problem Solving (Advanced) graduates. You also have the special option to attend for one or more days at $75.00 per day.

Registration if you register after the close of early-bird:

Cost TBA - Full Registration: 5 days, all activities and hands-on learning
Cost TBA - Auditor Registration: 5 days, auditing privileges only

ITC Graduate Rate after 6/1/07:

Cost TBA - Full Registration: 5 days, all activities and hands-on learning
Cost TBA - Auditor: If you are an ITC: Teaching and Training (Original) graduate.
Cost TBA - Auditor: Only for ITC: Consulting & Problem Solving (Advanced) graduates. You also have the special option to attend for one or more days at $100.00 per day.

A $150 non-refundable non-transferable deposit is due at the time of registration. The balance of your tuition is due 60 days prior to the course.

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

Complete payment information will come up on the screen after you complete registration or click on the link. ITC General Payment Information

Please familiarize yourself with the Registration/Refund Policy, and the Waiver before signing up.

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

Rules and Considerations

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.

Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited when working your dog or attending ITC programs. Excessive or inappropriate alcohol consumption may be grounds for dismissal from the ITC program.

Personal Dogs
The course is designed to be demanding. The daily schedule is very full and your evenings will be filled with homework and group project planning. Therefore, we suggest that you leave your everyday work and personal responsibilities behind so you can focus on the curriculum. With this in mind, we think your dogs may be happier at home or lounging at a friend's house.

We strongly suggest you leave your personal dog home however if you need to bring your dog with you, in order to attend the course, arrangements can be made with the course director. Your personal dog must be keep in your car or can be crated in the classroom as long as he/she is quiet and does not create any distractions. If your dog is disruptive to the course, you will be asked to relocate your pet. Personal dogs should not interact in anyway with shelter dogs for safety and health reasons. Your dog MUST not be aggressive, must be quiet, and on leash at all times.

Dana Crevling must be informed your pet is coming.