Creator of Behaviour Adjustment Training for dogs to give first UK seminar

Nov. 17, 2010 - PRLog -- BAT was developed by Grisha to deal with many of the problem canine behaviours owners and their dogs encounter.  Animals, like people, try to control their environment using a variety of behaviours when faced with challenging situations.  The strategy they will generally decide to use to deal with any challenge will be based on what has worked before.  For example some animals have learned that reacting in an aggressive manner will make the scary thing go away and this then becomes a self-reinforcing behaviour.

The aim of BAT is to teach the animal a set of more acceptable tools for dealing with situations they find stressful, and to which they currently respond in a way we humans don’t particularly like.

Commenting on her first UK seminar, Grisha Stewart said: “I'm thrilled that Oxfordshire Animal Behaviour Centre has invited me to share BAT with dog enthusiasts in the UK.  I've been getting a lot of questions from the UK and I’m looking forward to helping people understand the BAT process to rehabilitate adult dogs and socialise puppies.

"Aggression and fear are the most common issues that canine behaviourists see.  Trainers who have tried BAT have told me that they are very excited to have a new, effective way to help dogs learn to get along with people and other dogs."

Organised by the Oxfordshire Animal Behaviour Centre (OABC), the seminar will provide UK canine behaviour and training professionals the opportunity to learn first-hand the theory and practical skills needed to use BAT techniques.  Over the two days attendees will have the chance to participate in a number of hands-on practical demonstrations as well as Q&A sessions with Grisha.

Dr Muriel Brasseur of OABC, said: “I wanted to learn how BAT could be put into practice with my clients and their dogs and came to the conclusion that the best way was to ask Grisha to come to the UK to share her knowledge and skills.  I’m delighted to introduce Grisha to the UK and through the seminar, open up BAT techniques to other canine behaviour and training professionals.

“Behaviour Adjustment Training is a technique that can be quickly and easily taught to dog owners enabling them to deal with reactivity issues by themselves immediately, reducing the need for several one on one sessions with a behaviourist or dog trainer.”

Tickets and further information are available from http://www.oabc.org.uk  All seminar places booked before 4 February 2011 qualify for the early bird booking rate of £160.

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For further information please contact Susan McKeon on: 01652 639565

Notes to editors

1.   Oxfordshire Animal Behaviour Centre
The Oxfordshire Animal Behaviour Centre (OABC) was established by Dr Muriel Brasseur in 2007.  Muriel’s long-term plan is to find land and premises for the OABC in Oxfordshire and set up an associated non-profit organisation to raise funds towards a canine rehabilitation centre where severe behavioural problems can be safely addressed.

Muriel is a zoologist and experienced behaviourist. She has a PhD in behaviour and genetics and has undertaken post-doctorate research further investigating genetics and behaviour in canids.

2.   Grisha Stewart, MA, CPDT-KA, CTP
Grisha Stewart is the owner and founder of Ahimsa Dog Training in Seattle, USA and was voted Seattle’s Top Dog Trainer by the readers of CityDog magazine.  Grisha is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer, and active member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and a Certified Training Partner from the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior.

Grisha is an experienced speaker and seminar presenter. This seminar is Grisha’s first visit to Europe promoting BAT.

3.   Behaviour Adjustment Training
Traditionally, to help rehabilitate dogs exhibiting fear and aggression, behaviourists & trainers have mainly been using a technique called desensitisation and counter-conditioning.  BAT takes this concept somewhat further. While BAT also uses counter-conditioning and systematic desensitisation to build social skills, confidence around the trigger and trust in the handler, and while food or other rewards can be used, the main focus of BAT is on environmental rewards.

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