Making the Impossible – Possible!
with Ken Ramirez
July 21, 2012 -
July 22, 2012
We are sorry, this course is closed at this time
Saturday & Sunday, July 21 & 22, 2012
Dog Training Club of Chester County (DTCCC)
Exton, PA
9:00AM to 5:00PM
The seminar will be held at the DTCCC training facility. The 10,000 sq. foot climate controlled building has abundant parking and is located near major highways, hotels and restaurants.
This is a non-working seminar. Please leave your dogs at home.
Walk-ins welcomed at this seminar. Please see information under "Tuition and Registration."
Making the Impossible - Possible!
Day 1 – Saturday July 21
• Basic Training Philosophy – Introduction to the two-day seminar and an overview of Ken’s personal training philosophy and how these topics might weave together.
• Reinforcement Strategies–“Using Non-Food Reinforcers Effectively” Most experienced trainers recognize the value of finding reinforcers other than food or treats. However, not every trainer knows how to establish new reinforcers or how to evaluate their effectiveness. Ken will share his perspectives and experience with non-food reinforcers and explain his approach to implementing them into a good training program. Note: 2 or 3 trainer-dog teams will be pre-selected and used to demonstrate techniques in developing new non-food reinforcers. These teams will be utilized throughout the discussion of this topic and continue to be used throughout the weekend to build on the foundation started on day one.
• Handling Animal Mistakes - Ken will share his perspectives regarding how a positive reinforcement trainer should deal with animal errors. He will look at the popular use of no reinforcement markers and time outs and offer more positive alternatives, particularly the use of re-direction.
Day 2 – Sunday July 22
• Concept Training (Modifiers, Mimicry & Adduction) - “Stretching Your Dog’s Capabilities” There are many conceptual ideas that require a much more focused approach to training. This seminar will review the foundation needed for training broad concepts like modifier cues, mimicry, adduction, matching to sample and other conceptual tasks. A large amount of time will be focused on step by step training procedures for modifier cue work and mimicry as a behavior. This topic is designed for experienced trainers and animals.
• Problem Solving - As a consultant, Ken is frequently called upon to resolve training challenges. These have ranged from problematic zoo animals to difficult working dogs to the more common pet challenges. In every case, he utilizes a problem solving flow chart or matrix that guides him and his clients to an effective solution. He will share that process with participants and use one or two case studies to demonstrate how to use the tool effectively.
• The Complete Trainer – “A Road Map for Education & Skill Development or The Recipe for becoming a Top Trainer! – Learning to be a great trainer means developing deep skills in a great variety of areas: stimulus control, marker timing, observational skills, food delivery, shaping strategies, targeting, reinforcement, criteria adjustments, empathy, recordkeeping, dealing with incorrect responses, training plans, and more. These skills are generally taught as individual topics and skills. As a consequence, it's easy for trainers to lack an understanding of the broader journey or how certain paths intersect and support one another. But like any other journey, you can make a route that works for you if you have a great map. In this session, Ken helps you see the complete training map so that you can make your own way across the training landscape, confident of your navigation and sure of your destination.
Ken Ramirez
Ken Ramirez, executive vice-president of animal care and animal training, develops and supervises animal care programs, staff training and development as well as public presentation programs for the entire animal collection at Shedd Aquarium. He joined Shedd Aquarium in 1989.
A 35+ year veteran of animal care and training, Ramirez is a biologist and animal behaviorist who served nine years at Marineworld of Texas. He also was a trainer and coordinator at Ocean Safari in South Padre Island, Texas, as well as acting as a consultant to many zoo and aquarium programs throughout the world. He began his training career working with guide dogs for the visually impaired and has maintained a close affiliation to pet training throughout his career. He hosted two successful seasons of the pet training television series Talk to the Animals that compared pet training to the important work done with training and caring for animals in zoological facilities. He has also recently worked closely with several search and rescue dog organizations as well as with bomb and narcotic dogs.
Ramirez has been active in several professional organizations, including the International Marine Animal Trainer’s Association (IMATA), of which he is a past president. Ken served as coordinator of live strandings for the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network from 1982-1988 and has since served on their scientific advisory board. Ken has also been on the faculty of Karen Pryor’s Clicker Expos since 2004.
Ramirez has written for numerous scientific publications and popular articles and has authored the book ANIMAL TRAINING: Successful Animal Management through Positive Reinforcement, published in 1999. He also teaches a graduate course on animal training at Western Illinois University.
13 CEUs from IAABC
13 CEUs for CPDT-KA/KSA
Registration includes: seminar support materials, hot and cold beverages and light snacks. Participants are responsible for her/his own lunch.
Saturday and Sunday:
- $225 - Two full days on or before June 1, 2012
- $260 - Two full days after June 1, 2012
One day (Saturday or Sunday):
- $130 - One day on or before June 1, 2012
- $165 - One day after June 1, 2012
Walk-ins:
Cash Only. Please add $10/per day to the above prices.
Two days - $260 + $20 = $280
One day - $165 + $10 = $175
Group discounts available for 3 or more participants from the same business, shelter, or organization that register and pay together. Contact Dogs of Course to find out more.
Registration ends 5 days prior to the event or when registration limit is met.
Space is limited to approximately 160 participants.
You may pay for tuition by:
- Personal or Bank Check
- PayPal - using your account or opening a new account
- Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover through PayPal's secure system
Complete payment information will come up on the screen after you complete registration. General Payment Information
Please familiarize yourself with the Registration/ Refund Policy and the Waiver before signing up.
Hotels
Make sure you understand ALL the fees and restrictions. Policies and rates may change from what is listed below.
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Hampton Inn, 4 N. Pottstown Pike (Rt 100) Exton, PA 610-363-5555
We have saved a block of rooms and arranged for a group discount with this hotel of $119/night. This hotel has clean comfortable updated rooms, wifi, refrigerators, microwaves, a full complementary breakfast and plenty of parking. It is close to restaurants, a mall, grocery stores and just off the highway
The group rate expires on June 21.
To reserve a room via the internet click on: Hampton Inn Group Rate
or call the hotel and give them the following:
Group Name: Dog Training Club of Chester County
Group Code: DTC
- Sheraton Hotel 707 E. Lancaster Ave., Frazer, PA 610-524-1894. Pets under 80 lbs.
- Staybridge Suites Rt. 29 and Rt. 30, Malvern, PA 610-296-4343 Pets under 80 lbs.
- Homewood Phl Great Valley, Malvern, PA 610-296-3500 $25/pet/stay
- Microtel Inn and Suites, 500 Willowbrook Lane, West Chester, PA 610-738-9111, $10/night
Location
Dog Training Club of Chester County
880 Springdale Ave
Suite 100
Exton, PA 19341
DTCCC is located at 880 Springdale Drive, Suite 100 in the Whiteland Business Park on Rt. 30 between Ship Road and the Rt. 202 and Rt. 30 Bypass Frazer/Exton interchange.
Turn into the business park at the traffic light onto Springdale Drive. We are the first building on the left. The entrance faces Springdale Drive. Look for the black awning above the door. Parking is available in the lot across from the front entrance.
Area Airport:
Philadelphia International Airport, 30 miles from the facility.
Pet Dogs: This is a non-working seminar. Pet dogs are not allowed in the lecture area due to expected space limitations. If you choose to travel with your dog, you are solely responsible for your dog's health, safety, and well-being. Please follow humane guidelines for weather related safety. The Dog Training Club of Chester County suggests you contact "What a Good Dog". They offer boarding and daycare and have experienced trainers supervising the dog play and have rest periods in separate crates. The address for “What A Good Dog” is 295 Three Tun Road, Frazer, PA 19355. Phone: 610-296-9243. They are located about 3 miles from DTCCC.
Service Dogs: If you are traveling with your service dog please contact Dana at least two weeks before the event so she can plan for your attendance.
Please remember to dress in layers so you are responsible for your own comfort. The temperature will be set for the comfort of the average person.
DTCCC rules for the grounds/parking area include: No overnight RV parking; no tents, easy-ups, or ex-pens; no generators; dogs must use the designated toileting areas only.
Questions? Contact Dana Crevling at Crevling@dogsofcourse.com or leave a message at 508/529-3568 EST, 8am -7pm M-F. Messages will be returned within 2 business days.