Speaking Engagements
We believe in providing the highest quality education possible – a philosophy which extends beyond our client work. Whether you are hosting a podcast, conference or workshop, we can provide expert insight into a wide variety of dog related topics.
Please contact us directly to inquire about booking Stasia Dempster, CDBC to speak at your event. If you have a podcast, show or other program, please contact us with the name of your publication and topic of interest.
Community Talks
We offer community talks and demonstrations for schools, educational groups, nonprofits, businesses, veterinary clinics and organizations. Below you will find a list of our most popular talks. If you are interested in having a presentation hosted on a particular topic, please reach out to us directly.
Search and Rescue (SAR) Dogs
What are search and rescue dogs and how do they find people? In this presentation, you will learn all about the different types of SAR dogs, where they deploy, how they find people and more. You will also have the opportunity to see SAR dog gear, ask questions, and even observe some search dogs in action!
Understanding Service Dogs
Service dogs fulfill a myriad of roles, and are an integral part of their handler’s lives. In this talk, you will learn what exactly a service dog is, how they differ from other working dogs, the different types of service dogs and some examples of tasks which they perform, and the specifics around service dog laws in the United States.
Kids and Canines
Kids and Canines teaches children how to safely interact with dogs. In this class, kids and their parents will learn how to read basic dog body language and recognize stress signals. They will also learn how to safely approach and interact with unfamiliar dogs, while also learning how to engage optimally with the dogs living in their household. Kids will learn which dogs to avoid petting, how to behave in a way which minimizes risk, and more. Finally, they will have the opportunity to put their new petting skills to test on a real dog!
Fundamentals of Cooperative Care
If your dog becomes anxious or stressed at the veterinarian or groomer, then this class is for you! Fundamentals of Cooperative Care will teach you how to turn your dog into an active participant in their own care with a science backed technique. By providing your dog agency and teaching them how to communicate in stressful handling environments, your dog will become calmer, more confident and less reactive.
Dog Learning 101
Do you want to set your dog’s training sessions up for maximum success? This class will teach the fundamentals of operant and classical conditioning, reinforcer basics, the foundations of how dogs process information, which factors improve learning and which can hamper learning, and more. Dog Learning 101 also teaches basic stress physiology and how the stress response impacts learning.
Your Dog’s Brain: From Puppy to Senior
Understanding your dog’s brain is imperative to understanding their behavior. Like humans, dogs undergo significant cognitive changes throughout life which impacts their perception of the world, their ability to learn new information and alters their behavioral responses. Whether you have a puppy, a senior, or anything in between – this class will help you understand your dog’s brain and how to make the most of it.
Stress in Dogs
If your dog often seems anxious, nervous or reactive to things around them, then this class is for you! This class is a deep-dive into stress in dogs and covers different types of stress, stress response physiology, how stress impacts learning, factors which can lower a dog’s stress threshold, and how chronic stress impacts a dog’s ability to cope with the world. Finally, this class will cover recognizing the signs of stress in dogs and what you can do to lower stress and begin building resilience in your dog.