Canine Connection Series

Reactivity – What is all the noise about? –
 Overview and Personalized Plan Development

$125 / August 23, 2025

What is reactivity? And why does it occur?

The answers are as varied as the dogs themselves. Reactivity is not a diagnosis but a symptom, and its root causes can range from fear and frustration to genetics, environment, and learned behavior. Effective intervention requires recognizing these distinctions and tailoring strategies to each individual dog and handler team.

In this 5-hour workshop, we’ll take a structured look at the behavioral science behind reactivity. Participants will explore the key motivations that drive reactive behavior, gain insight into how to assess triggers and thresholds, and learn practical tools for management and long-term behavior modification.

Dog training exists on a broad spectrum—from force-free methodologies to more Alpha based behavior suppression. In this workshop, behavior modification protocols will be developed collaboratively, ensuring owners understand, are comfortable with, and are capable of implementing all aspects of their dog’s individualized plan. No two dogs are alike, and neither are the paths to progress.

This one-day event is not designed to “fix” your dog—but you will leave with a deeper understanding of why the behavior is happening, along with a detailed, personalized action plan to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Schedule:
10:00 to 12:00 – Lecture
12:00 to 1:00 – Lunch Break
1:00 to 4:00 – Individual Plan Development

Connection through Communication – Listening with your Eyes

$55 / September 5 – 2 hour class

Dogs communicate constantly through body language, often long before they make a sound. This two hour class will teach you how to truly “listen” with your eyes, recognizing the subtle shifts in posture, facial expression, and movement that reveal what a dog is thinking or feeling. We will provide a detailed breakdown of what individual parts such as the ears, tail, eyes, and mouth can indicate, and why these parts do not always match the overall message. You will also learn how to use your own body with more purpose and clarity, creating signals your dog understands and responds to with confidence.

This is one of Christie’s sought after veterinary staff training classes, now available to the public. By understanding both sides of the conversation, you will strengthen your bond, improve cooperation, and set the stage for more effective training and a deeper connection.

**This is a humans only class 🙂 

Canine & Feline CPR and First Aid Certification Course

$74.95 / October 11 – 3 hour class 

 Perfect for:
Loving Owners who want to be prepared
Any pet professional

 Includes:
 2-Year Certification for all attendees and a full color reference guide
 Hands-on CPR and first aid skills
 Emergency response, choking, wounds & more
 CEUs available for qualifying professionals

Trust in Touch – Overview and Personalized Plan Development

$95 / October 25 – 5 hour seminar 

Helping dogs succeed during handling, whether at the veterinarian, groomer, or in daily care, is not just about desensitization or convincing them to “like it.” In truth, acceptance has far less to do with tolerance of the procedure itself and far more to do with trust in you. Your dog’s confidence grows when they know you are their safe point of reference, the one who will guide them and protect them when they are uncertain.

In this focused mini seminar, we will explore how to build that trust, develop handling strategies that respect your dog’s pace, and learn alternative approaches that can make care experiences smoother and less stressful. You will leave with an individualized plan tailored to you and your dog, ensuring progress continues long after the seminar ends.

Schedule:
10:00 to 12:00 – Lecture
12:00 to 1:00 – Lunch Break
1:00 to 2:00 – Alternative Approach Training
2:00 to 4:00 – Individual Plan Development