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Ian Dunbar        

Renowned Veterinarian, Dog Trainer, and Animal Behaviorist; Director of The Center for Applied Animal Behavior

Dr. Ian Dunbar, a veterinarian, dog trainer, and animal behaviorist, is the Director of The Center for Applied Animal Behavior. In 1982, he established Sirius Dog Training, the first off-leash training program specifically for puppies. Dunbar also created and developed the San Francisco SPCA's Animal Behavior Department. In 1993, he founded the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, the world's largest association of dog trainers. He has taken his expertise to the screen, hosting the UK television series "Dogs With Dunbar" for five seasons, and appearing on various other radio and television programs, including the "Today Show" and "Dash Village".

Dunbar's influence extends beyond television appearances, having consulted on movies such as Pixar's "UP." He has authored numerous books and videos on puppy/dog ethology and training, including "Before and After Getting Your Puppy," "How To Teach A New Dog Old Tricks," and the "SIRIUS Puppy Training" video series. Further expanding his reach, he founded the K9 Games, which he promotes internationally, and Animalin, an organization promoting games for dogs and puppies at a global level.

Dunbar hosted a TED talk in titled "Dog-friendly dog training" that was delivered at the 2007 EG conference. His work aims to foster better relationships between dogs and humans by understanding the canine perspective and improving human behavior towards dogs. Over the years, Dunbar has given over one thousand seminars and workshops worldwide, promoting reward-based and scientifically sound dog training methods.

Speech Topics

Resolving Dog-Dog Reactivity

When dogs are involved in a scuffle, scrap, or fight, owners often lay blame on the other dog and owner, and sometimes on their own dog. However, it takes two to tango, or in this case four: your dog, the other dog, the other owner, and you. When two dogs and their owners approach each other, dogs and owners often become increasingly anxious, stressed, fearful, and in extreme cases, downright scared. If one of the four reacts, all four will erupt, causing the original dog to erupt more and so, create a vicious circle. Owners often feel helpless because they feel there is nothing they can do to change or stop the other dog’s behavior. But there is, and you can.

Results-Based Reward Training

Learn how to teach your dog: to Sit on cue anytime, anywhere, no matter what the distraction: to eliminate on cue, so you can teach when and where; to Settle Down promptly, quietly, and happily, with a food-stuffed chewtoy, so your dog learns what to chew and to enjoy little quiet moments by itself; to Shush on cue, so your dog learns when to stop alarm or recreational barking; to Jazz-up & Settle Down on cue, so your dog gets the opportunity to let off steam, when and where appropriate for you, yet settles when requested; and to greet visitors and unfamiliar people and dogs in an appropriate fashion. Who would have thought that dog training could be this Easy and so much FUN?

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