Ken McCort: Wolves and Dogs: Differences and Similarities

This 3-day event will take a look at the evolution of dogs and dog breed types.   It will focus on the motor patterns of predatory behavior and how they have been altered by man’s influence through selective breeding.  In our discussions, we will examine the “drivers” that some trainers refer to when discussing the motivation of particular dogs.  In addition, we will look at some of the cognitive processes dogs have and specifically intentionality.  How far can dogs go and what does that mean to our understanding of their interactions with humans?  Can they maintain a linear hierarchy and does that include us?  One of the highlights of this seminar will be discussing research in the neurochemistry of aggression and how owners and trainers can beneficially effect and change a dog's neurochemistry through a combination of management and training.

Come spend three days with the staff and animals of Wolf Park.  Learn about the specific way their wolves are raised and socialized to accept humans in a way that allows researchers to study them up close and personal.  Participants will be invited to enter a gray wolf enclosure with the staff to get face-to-face interactions with these magnificent animals (situation permitting).  There will be opportunities to observe all of Wolf Park’s animals, which include 14 wolves, 9 bison, 2 foxes and 2 coyotes.  Participants will also be invited to join in two Howl Night opportunities, early morning wolf observation time and a presentation on wolf body language and safety.  This is an opportunity to learn about a variety of canids, with lots to see and do, that dog lovers and trainers will not want to miss!

All presentations will be conducted inside Wolf Park’s new, comfortable education building with state-of-the-art equipment and new restroom facilities.  Each participant will receive a personalized folder full of information about the park and notes for many of the presentations given during the weekend.  Sign up today for a July event you will never forget!

Participants in this seminar are eligible for  CCPDT CEU credits.  Trainers will receive 13.5 credits and Behaviorists will receive 13 credits (make sure to bring your ID number with you.)

Cost includes
- 3 full days of seminar activities and instruction
-One year membership to Wolf Park
- Wolf Park Mug
- 3 lunches and two breakfasts
-Ethogram, Management Chapter
- Binder with Ken’s handouts

Ken McCort Biography

Ken McCort owns and operates Four Paws training center in Doylestown, Ohio. Along with his wife, Marilyn, a veterinarian, he lives with 6 dogs, 7 cats, 8 large birds, 2 goats, a pony and 4 llamas. In his profession, he works with animals with behavioral concerns. Most clients and animals are acquired by referred from veterinarians or other clients. He has been training animals full time and on a one-on-one basis since 1986. Currently, he works with dogs, cats, birds and llamas. In addition to his business, Ken is a certified master instructor with the Delta Society's Pet Partner program. Not only does he evaluate and  certify animal/handler teams to visit in hospitals, nursing homes and many other areas, but he also helped to develop and now teaches the Licensed Team Evaluator Course given by the Delta Society both nationally and internationally. Currently Ken is working with 15 hospitals that have visiting animal programs including the "Doggie Brigade" at Children¹s Hospital Medical Center of Akron, OH. Ken has taught courses on animal behavior at the University of Akron and Columbus State University. He has presented before the Midwest Veterinary Conference, the Society of Anthrozoologists, the Delta Society, Tufts University Animal Exposition, and many other animal related groups. In addition, Wolf Park in Battleground, Indiana, which is a research facility that studies wolf behavior, utilizes Ken for some of its presentations, and has allowed him to train with their wolves for several years.

Participants must be over 18 years of age in order to enter the enclosure with the wolves.

CANCELLATION POLICY
Wolf Park reserves the right to cancel a seminar if there are fewer than 5 participants registered as of 30 days before the start of the seminar.  In the case of cancellation, we will refund registration fees in full, or the participant can choose to transfer into a different seminar.  

Call the Wolf Park office at (765) 567-2265 between 9-5 Mon-Fri if you have any questions about any of our seminars.