**WEBSTER,TX ** Animal Behavior & Breed

Course registration is free until the minimum number of students has been met. Once the class is confirmed, invoices will be emailed out to those who registered.

WEBSTER PUBLIC WORKS SERVICE CENTER: 855 MAGNOLIA AVE, WEBSTER 77598

Course cost $200/person

Animal Behavior (AM)

Introduction to Animal Behavior is for new shelter and ACO field staff as well as those who wish to have a refresher in the basics of animal behavior. This course covers how to recognize and interact with fearful, aggressive, submissive, friendly, and feral dogs and cats. It also includes how to apply the knowledge beyond moving an animal from point A to point B. We will discuss how to handle situations involving multiple behavior types as well as how to work as a team with other staff members to contain, restrain, and move multiple behavior types at one time.

Breed Guide (PM)

This class will focus specifically on dog and cat breeds. We will spend a large portion of the class learning about the breeds that are recognized by the AKC and Cat Fanciers Association. We will have a brief review of genetics and the role they play in determining not only breeds, but how genetic abnormalities have changed the breed game.

We will also spend time discussing the role animal breeds play in court cases, both large and small. How to make use of the listed dog breeds to ensure continuity of case investigations as well as how to keep from losing your case due to incorrect breed identification.

We will examine breed specific legislation. We will have discussion on the effects of these laws on communities and how they have changed breed labeling. In addition, we will discuss labeling breeds when they come into a shelter or rescue. Discuss the pros and cons of assigning a breed as opposed to a generic mixed breed, and how to use both to increase adoptions.

Finally, we will discuss the phenomenon of "designer breeds." The role these breeds have played in society and the misinformation it has caused in the US.