Spots Available: 16
Description:

Reactive Dog Camp: Register for a Working Spot
May 30-June 1, 2025, Petaluma
A 3-day intensive at FDSA Ranch with Amy Cook, Ph.D., Karen Deeds, CDBC, and Sophie Liu, DVM
Hosted by Marin Humane and FDSA Ranch

Barking, lunging, growling, jumping at the end of the leash, fixating, refusing food, ignoring well-known cues, all because a dog or other trigger comes into sight…is this your dog?

We describe this behavior as reactivity, and no matter where you are on your training journey we invite you to join us for Reactive Dog Camp, a three-day intensive at FDSA Ranch in Petaluma with three leading experts in dog reactivity. Walk away with new tools, a deeper understanding of your dog’s behavior, and the strength of a community.

Presenters

• Amy Cook, Ph.D., is the founder and creator of the Play Way. She has been training dogs for nearly 25 years and has been specializing in the rehabilitation of shy and fearful dogs for over 15 years.
• Karen Deeds, CDBC, opened Canine Connection in Dallas (now Memphis) in 1994. She’s worked with assistance dogs, sport and competition dogs, and shelters and rescues, and now specializes in dog fear, anxiety, and aggression.
• Sophie Liu, DVM, is a veterinarian and owner of Oakland Canine Concierge. She completed her behavior medicine residency at San Francisco SPCA and maintains a focus on evidence-based, compassionate, and practical training.

Event Schedule

May 30-June 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Each day includes three lab sessions with Amy Cook, Karen Deeds, and Sophie Liu (list of topics below), during which working teams learn hands-on with the presenters. Some labs are inside the training building, others are outside. The days wrap with a lecture diving deeper into topics of training and support for reactive dogs.

Lab & Lecture Topics

Labs will be presented three times each day, at 9am, 11am, and 1:45pm, with different groups of working teams. Lectures will be presented once each day, at 3:45pm, in-person and via Zoom. Click here for detailed descriptions of each topic.

Friday, May 30
Lab: Active Management Games, Amy Cook, Ph.D.
Lab: Circle Method Walking for Reactivity, Karen Deeds, CDBC
Lab: Cooperative Care, Sophie Liu, DVM
Lecture: Play Way, Amy Cook, Ph.D.

Saturday, May 31
Lab: Buddy Walks, Sophie Liu, DVM
Lab: Movement Puzzles, Karen Deeds, CDBC
Lab: Play Way, Amy Cook, Ph.D.
Lecture: Predictability and Choice, Karen Deeds, CDBC

Sunday, June 1
Lab: Dopamine Dive – Box Feeding, Karen Deeds, CDBC
Lab: Low-stress Restraint, Sophie Liu, DVM
Lab: Sudden Environmental Contrast and Noise Sensitivity, Amy Cook, Ph.D.
Lecture: Behavior-Modifying Drugs and Responsible Use in Dogs, Sophie Liu, DVM

Working Spot Info

• Dog+handler teams experienced with training and managing the dog's reactivity using a positive reinforcement approach.
• There will be group work with other dogs in a well-managed and distanced training setup, as well as human observers. Please make sure your dog can work in this environment. Audit spots are available for humans whose dogs may not be comfortable but still want to learn.
• Dogs must be able to settle in the car or crate indoors when resting or out of turn.
• Not sure if your dog is ready for a working spot? Contact Marisa Walker, mwalker@marinhumane.org or 415-558-0159.

Details to Chew On

• Continuing Education Units will be available for this event. Details to come.
• Need a place to stay? Here is a list of area hotels.
• Dogs must be healthy on event day and should be current on all vaccinations required by law. 
• Handlers must be able to safely manage their dogs and walk uneven and hilly terrain.
• Questionnaires will be emailed to working spot registrants the week of April 14.
• Have a question about this event? Please contact Marisa Walker, mwalker@marinhumane.org or 415-588-0159.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellation requests must be emailed to ohbehave@marinhumane.org. Cancellations received by 5 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, May 16, 2025 will receive a refund minus a 10% processing fee. Cancellations received after 5 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, May 16, 2025 will not be refunded. No refunds will be issued for no-shows. This cancellation and refund policy applies to participants that must withdraw for any reason including but not limited to injury, illness, emergency, and personal or work-related reasons.

Class Trainer(s)
Price: $650.00
Location: FDSA Ranch 470 Sonoma Mountain Road Petaluma, CA 94954

Event Dates:

• Friday, May 30, 2025
• Saturday, May 31, 2025
• Sunday, June 1, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM
Duration: 8hr(s)