1. Set Simple Goals
There are a lot of luscious choices at ClickerExpo, so how do you choose wisely? Perhaps the single most important thing you can do is to set simple goals.
Even simple goals help you get the most out of Expo decisions, because you eliminate what’s extraneous and focus us on what helps meet your goals. Interested in seeing as much of Ken Ramirez as possible? Easy. You can identify his courses quickly and set up your schedule to include them.
Want to get a solid grounding in clicker training? Easy, look for the Foundation-level courses.
Want courses in particular topic areas like dog-sport competition or teaching others? That’s easy, too. Every course has an associated topic area, such as Competition, Aggression and Behavior Management, Teaching, Skill Development, Science, and more.
2. Measure Twice
The most common reason for schedule conflicts is not realizing that a Learning Lab (an interactive course where you reserve a spot) may have a prerequisite Session (a lecture-style course with open seating). How will you know? First, that requirement is indicated in the description of the Learning Lab. Second, a clue is in the Learning Lab title. Labs with prerequisite Sessions have titles that include the lingo “In Action.” For example the Learning Lab with Sarah Owings, Right On Source - Clicker Training and the Nosework Team - In Action!, has a Session that precedes it. If you are participating in a Learning Lab, be sure it’s a good fit! The description header of the Lab will detail the kinds of solid skills or behaviors you and your dog will be expected to have in order to participate. For example, here is the header to Hannah Branigan’s Orient Express - In Action! We will have approximately 12 dog/handler teams. Teams should be clicker-savvy and have advanced experience with shaping and behavior chains. Dogs should have a repertoire of fluent behaviors including stationary positions, targeting. They should be familiar with working on platforms (without a lure). Dogs must be comfortable working in a group setting, in close quarters with other working dogs, even when excited. To participate in this Lab, you are expected to attend the prerequisite Session. You may participate with your dog or you may attend as an observer. Observers should not bring their dogs to the Lab.
