APBC Annual Conference - Harnessing the power of the dog's nose

APBC Annual Conference 2012

Harnessing the power of the dog's nose

(or...There’s no business like ‘nose’ business!)

The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors once again draws in the greatest expertise and cutting-edge research to put together its 2012 Annual Conference. A dog’s nose is one of the most underestimated and useful tools this species offers. The exciting, day-long conference programme covers every aspect of the dog’s sense of smell. 

A unique day of learning; from the mechanics of the nose, to the practical nature of how it helps us, and dogs, work together.  Speakers on every ‘scent subject’ include nosework in behaviour modification, pheromonal and calming effects, search and rescue as well as the latest research into scent for medical assistance.

The conference is designed for behaviour counsellors, veterinary professionals, trainers, rescue centre professionals and all those interested in learning about this valuable skill. 

The dog’s nose knows no boundaries when it comes to working alongside this incredible companion species.

Programme

The dog's noses and how they use them (Dr John Bradshaw)

Dogs interpret the world according to its smell, quite distinct from our own visually-defined version.  Not only are their noses much more sensitive than ours, but they also possess a secondary olfactory system, the vomeronasal organ, which is probably used for analysing social odours.  Because we humans make little use of what olfactory ability we do have, we have to rely on science (and considerable imagination) to work out how dogs decode and then act upon the odours around them.

Police dog scent training for your own dog - Search like a professional (David Ryan)

Professionally, dogs are used to detect many substances, but what better profession can any dog have than to have fun with their owner?  That is already the “profession” of every pet dog and most of them work a lot harder at it than we do!  This presentation shows how we can develop skills used by professionals to have more fun with our pets, providing mental and physical stimulation for us both.

Search and Rescue Dogs (Harold Burrows MBE)

How to incorporate Nosework in Behaviour Modification Programmes (Julie Bedford) 

Julie will explain the benefits of using nosework and various ways it work can be incorporated into behaviour modification programmes for dogs.  Julie will detail the training and implementation of each exercise in a way that will make it accessible to anyone, regardless of their training skills.  By following the simple training the dog/owner relationship is improved, welfare enhanced and a new mutual respect achieved.

Pheromonotherapy – who ‘nose’ how they work! (Claire Hargrave)

Owners understand that dogs live in a world of smells – but few of us know that most of the chemicals used for inter-canine communication are pheromones. This presentation aims to consider the current understanding of pheromones and how pheromonotherapy can be used to assist pet dogs.

Medical Detection Dogs: Who nose what's next? (Claire Guest)

Medical Detection Dogs train carefully selected dogs to detect life threatening diseases and conditions by smell.  Their first study, published in the British Medical Journal in 2004, showed that dogs could recognise the unique smell of bladder cancer with remarkable results. They have also pioneered Medical Assistance Dogs to warn people with severe medical conditions such as Diabetes, Narcolepsy and Addison’s disease of imminent life threatening episodes. Harnessing the dog's nose and allowing the dog to become the problem solver has opened a world of huge potential. Their  work and studies have progressed quickly, their understanding is developing, so who nose what's next?

Standard non-member price: £60

FEES INCLUDE REFRESHMENTS AND A PACKED LUNCH

A group discount form is available for animal welfare and assistance dogs charities if sending four or more attendees.  Please email pauline.interface@virgin.net to request a form.   

Please note that other than assistance dogs, the venue does not permit dogs on the site. 

Please note that no refunds for cancellations can be given after 19th February 2012.  Cancellations prior to 19th February 2012 are subject to an £8 cancellation fee.  The organisers reserve the right to replace speakers in necessary.

Hotels within the Kettering area: 
Hotels
Kettering Park Hotel
120 bedroom, 4 star hotel.
Guide price £75 - £200
Kettering Park Hotel, Kettering Parkway, Kettering, Northants, NN15 6XT
Telephone: 01536 416666
Email: kpark.reservations@shirehotels.com
www.ketteringparkhotel.com
Distance from us: 3.2 miles

Holiday Inn Express
120 bedrooms, 3 star hotel
Guide price £50- £75
Holiday Inn Express, Rockingham Road, Kettering, Northants, NN14 1QF
Telephone: 01536 210210
Email: reception@exhikettering.co.uk
Visit Website
Distance from us: 4.3 miles

Premier Inn Kettering
59 bedrooms
Guide price £50-£65
Premier Inn Kettering, Rothwell Road, Kettering, Northants, NN16 8XF
Telephone: 08701 977147
www.premierinn.com
Distance from us: 5.1 miles

Hampton by Hilton - Kettering/Corby
88 bedrooms, 3 star hotel
Rockingham Leisure Park, Princewood Road, Corby, Northants NN17 4AP
Telephone: 01536 211 001
hamptoninn.hilton.co.uk
Distance from us: 7.75 miles

In the countryside

The Country House Hotel
A seven bedroom country house hotel. Price guide from £51
The Country House Hotel, Loddington Road, Great Cransley, Northamptonshire, NN14 1PY
Telephone: 01536 791600
Email: jenny@the-country-house-hotel.co.uk
www.the-country-house-hotel.co.uk
Distance from us: 3.5miles

Rushton Hall
Country House
£120-£280
30 bedrooms
Rushton Hall, Rushton, Northamptonshire NN14 1RR
Tel: 01536 713001
Email: enquiries@rushtonhall.com
www.rushtonhall.com

The Hunting Lodge
53 bedrooms
Prices from £75
High Street, Cottingham, Leicestershire
www.huntinglodgehotel.com
Telephone: 01536 771370