My Experience at the 2nd Annual Aggression in Dogs Conference

In October 2021, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2nd Annual Aggression in Dogs Conference, an event hosted by renowned canine aggression expert Michael Shikashio. The conference was an exceptional learning experience, featuring an impressive lineup of presenters and a well-executed virtual format that felt like a high-budget, professional production.

Unlike typical online conferences, this event was live-streamed from a studio in Chicago, which added to its polished and engaging feel. The quality of the production made it easy to stay focused and absorb the wealth of knowledge shared throughout the event.

A Seamless Virtual Experience

One of the unique aspects of this conference was its ability to maintain an interactive element despite being virtual. Due to ongoing COVID-19 travel restrictions, some presenters were unable to be physically present in the studio. However, their presentations were pre-recorded with live participation in the chat, followed by real-time Q&A sessions via video. This setup ensured that attendees could still engage directly with the experts, ask questions, and gain deeper insights into canine behavior and training.

Standout Presentations

All of the presenters brought valuable perspectives and expertise, but a few sessions particularly stood out to me:

• Michael Shikashio’s Opening Presentation – As always, Mike set the tone for the conference with an engaging and insightful opening session that laid the groundwork for the topics to come.
• Canine Enrichment with Allie Bender & Emily Strong – This session provided a deep dive into the importance of enrichment for dogs, highlighting ways to enhance their well-being through mental and physical stimulation.
• Kathy Sdao’s Presentations – Kathy delivered two incredible talks, filled with her signature blend of science-backed training methods and compassionate, practical advice. Her ability to break down complex concepts into actionable strategies made her sessions a standout experience.

Looking Ahead to 2022

Attending this conference reinforced my passion for understanding and working with canine aggression cases. The knowledge and strategies shared by the experts were both inspiring and practical, making this event a must-attend for trainers, behavior consultants, and dog enthusiasts alike.

I’m already looking forward to the 2022 Aggression in Dogs Conference—whether that means attending in person in Rhode Island or tuning in virtually once again. If it’s anything like this year’s event, I know it will be another unforgettable experience!