UPDATES! 2010 NAIA Conference, Billboard Campaign

The NAIA's Annual Conference held at the Crowne Plaza Conference in Aurora, Colorado, October 2-3, 2010 was a marvel of information. Subjects ranged from Circuses to Rodeos; from the prehistoric beginnings of dogs to the effect of behavior on the DNA, to the possible differences that specific hormones have on altering behavior.

CaRPOC Board Members Florence Blecher, Stormy Hope, Marion Bradshaw and Karen Dembrowski met with other NAIA attendees and presenters from all over North America. From Friday night's lovely reception through the next two days that were totally filled with presentations, we took notes, networked, listened and learned.

It is way beyond the scope of this newsletter to report details on all the informative, somteimes spellbinding presentations; however, following are snippets and links of what we brought back with us. During the next week or so, we hope to make full reports on each of the presentations which will be put on the CaRPOC website for all to read.

In order of presentation....

Stephen Budiansky, author historian, journalist, spoke on the Evolution of the human-animal bond. Some internet links: buckingbronco

Truth About Dogs/Nova , one of his books;
Budianski Interview
NY Times Book Review of The Truth About Dogs

Bob Wayne, PhD.UCLA professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, discussed the Domestication of wild canids.
Here is a link to his research paper: UCLA Newsroom

Meg Olmert, documentary producer and author, discussed the Social attraction and biology of the human-animal bond. Ms. Olmert is the author of "Made for Each Other, the Biology of the Human-Animal Bond."
A little bit about Ms. Olmert:

Cindy Schonholtz, NAIA Vice President serves as Director of Industry Outreach for the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association handling animal welfare issues as well as being the Program Manager for the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. Ms. Schonholtz spoke on horse issues including their stewardship in working situations as well as regarding horses as therapy animals.

Doug Ljungren, AKC AVP Performance Events spoke on Enduring Allies, and provided a tour of early working dogs and a look at their modern counterparts.

Scott Thomas, Manager TSA Breeding and Development Center's Program, discussed Future Dog - Maintaining the genes and heritage of man's best working partner. Some great links about this program are 'The Puppy Program' and 'The Prisoner Program'

Paul Mundell, National Director of Canine Programs for Canine Companions for Independence, NAIA Board Member spoke on the hard work, love and science that goes into selecting, breeding, training and conditioning service dogs. Their website explains their breeding program and more.

Ken Ramirez, trainer and Senior VP of animal collections and animal training at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium discussed the importance of animal training, its evolution and it's modern practical applications. Mr. Ramirez is involved with the Moorpark College Teaching Zoo in Southern California. His fascinating presentation of positive training methods with video examples was riveting.

Jan Aria, Director of Animal Stewardship, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation spoke on the issues of Animal conditioning, training and current best practices used in entertainment and education. While you read about the elephants, wander around the circus' website. Fun for all the family.
Margaret Poindexter,Attorney, AKC General Counsel and Director of AKC inspections addressed the Development of higher standards for keeping and breeding dogs. AKC field inspectors conducted approximately 5,300 inspections nationwide in 2009. The AKC dedicates nearly $6 million annually to its compliance programs to ensure the accuracy of its registry and the care and conditions of dogs raised by breeders of AKC dogs.

Thomas Famula, PhD, Professor, Department of Animal Sciences, UC Davis, discussed How to maintain genetic diversity without losing breed identity in small populations. The goals of breeding are to mate the best to the best while removing negative health and behavior issues. Research in which he took part on the Dalmatian' spots was used as one of many examples of research on genomes and dogs.

Patti Strand, NAIA Founder and Chairman, welcomed everyone to the conference and, in closing, spoke to the Challenges to the canine-human bond - preserving the gift of dog ownership for future generations. She suggested that animal owners focus on doing the best job that we can for the human-animal bond and not the negatives presented by other groups. Her comments included the positives and negatives of Humane Relocation, comments on pet "overpopulation" and possible future legislation.

The 2011NAIA Annual Conference will be in Pennsylvania, in 2011 and promises to be as exciting and informative as this one. CaRPOC will bring you information as it becomes available!

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