Shelter Winter Institute
Tentative Schedule for January 2020 in Tempe, Arizona
Monday, January
9 AM - 12 PM: Arizona State University, Memorial Union
Lecture: Introduction to Dog Behavior & Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Shelter Edition. How do we develop evidence-based interventions in the shelter? We start by observing the dogs!
1:30 - 5 PM: Phoenix-area Animal Shelter TBD
Shelter tour & working field trip: We'll work be working in small groups to understand firsthand how to use various methods of behavioral observation and data collection techniques
Welcome dinner at Tempe-area Restaurant TBD
Tuesday, January
9 AM - 12 PM: Arizona State University, Memorial Union
Lecture: Behavior Assessments - What Does the Science Say? How do we use intake info, observations from staff & volunteers, assessments to make decisions & recommendations
1:30 - 5 PM: Phoenix-area Animal Shelter TBD
Shelter tour & working field trip: We'll be assessing dogs, gathering information, & making recommendations. Teams will evaluate dogs & come back together to discuss findings (comparing different evaluations of the same dogs)
Dinner on own
Wednesday, January
9 AM - 12 PM: Arizona State University, Memorial Union
Lecture: Dog-Centric Enrichment - Co-housing, dog-dog interactions, & playgroup recommendations (including issues with aversive control)
1:30 - 5 PM: Phoenix-area Animal Shelter TBD
Shelter tour & working field trip: We'll conduct on-leash shelter dog introductions, discuss behaviors observed & personalities that work well together, and facilitate interactions among dyads and small groups of dogs
Dinner at Tempe-area Restaurant TBD
Thursday, January
9 AM - 12 PM: Arizona State University, Memorial Union
Lecture: People-Centric Enrichment - Sleepovers, in-kennel enrichment & behavior modification
1:30 - 5 PM: Phoenix-area Animal Shelter TBD
Working field trip: We'll observe the shelter's dogs, identify appropriate/inappropriate behaviors, develop interventions, and test their efficacy
Group hike with shelter dogs
Dinner on own
Friday, January
9 AM - 12 PM: Arizona State University, Memorial Union
Lecture: Doing What We Do Better - Increasing adoptions, reducing length of stay, decreasing relinquishment & providing community support
1:30 - 5 PM: Arizona State University, Memorial Union
Research/Program Design: What is one program you’d like to implement at your shelter & why? Describe logistics of implementation: What would you do, who would do it, and how would you measure success
What is one research study you’d like to carry out at your shelter & why? Describe logistics of implementation: What would you do & how would you carry it out