Unlock secrets of how your dog thinks through interactive games inspired by real canine cognition research! Join RCIScience and Toronto Dog Moms to explore how dogs communicate, detect deception, show empathy, and even differentiate between big and small treat amounts. Get ready for a paws-on experience that reveals the fascinating ways our furry friends understand the world–and how that can help us be better trainers!
Please note: Each ticket covers entry for one person and one dog. Seating is limited but this will be an active workshop where you will be working with your dog. Please ensure your dog is comfortable being in close proximity with other dogs.
About Toronto Dog Moms
Toronto Dog Moms is a community for pet parents to find resources, dog-friendly spots and more. We host events, experiences and more. At TDM we want pet parents to be proud of the city they live in with their beloved dogs.
About the Speakers
Karen Baxter
Co-Founder, Behaviour Consultant & Dog Trainer, Unified K9 Behaviour Centre
CDBC, Dipl.CBST, L-CCC, CPDT-KA
Certified Behaviour Consultant and Trainer
Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
Amanda Nickerson
Co-Founder, Behaviour Consultant & Dog Trainer, Unified K9 Behaviour Centre
MA, CPDT-KA, Dip. CBST, FDM
Professional Member
International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants
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Karen Baxter has loved dogs all her life and feels privileged that she has the ideal job…following her life-long passion and working with dogs. Beginning her professional career with dogs over 20 years ago, Karen brings an experience and joy to her work that can be felt by each dog and dog owner that she works with regardless of the size or the breed of dog. Karen’s training philosophy is “one size does NOT fit all!” and true to the Unified K9 philosophy, tailors her training protocols and/or treatment plans to the needs of the dog and the lifestyle and goals of the dog’s owner. Her positive and fair techniques are designed to bring out enthusiasm in each dog so they learn to love training which results in building stronger relationships with their humans, based on trust.
Karen has participated in various training programs over several years preparing for her career in dog training. She is a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant with the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants, a Professional Dog Trainer having passed the Knowledge Assessment examination through the Certification Council for Professional Pet Dog Trainers as well as a graduate of Animal Behaviour College’s Certified Dog Trainer program. Karen has also studied and completed training on the practical application of Behaviour Adjustment Training for fearful, anxious and aggressive dogs and Aggressive Dog Conflict Resolution with Behaviourist and author Cheryl Smith. Her most recent accomplishments include completing the Master Aggression Course with world renowned Behaviour Consultant and expert on dog aggression, Michael Shikashio and she has completed her diploma in Canine Behaviourology with a specialty in working with aggressive dogs. Karen has also worked with local animal shelters and Rescue organizations to assist in the care and rehabilitation of rescued dogs who are usually suffering from trauma and stress related behaviour issues. Her participation in researching the effects of captivity on dogs that were free living has developed her expertise in this area.
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Amanda Nickerson is an accomplished dog trainer who has been working as a professional trainer for a number of years. She enjoys working with families to create a better connection with their dogs through learning and fun games. Through personal experience and a lifetime of learning Amanda has honed her teaching skills to make dog training obtainable to all people. She prides herself on helping people understand and better communicate with their companion animals in order to have fulfilling and enriched lives.
Not only is she an experienced trainer, Amanda is an established researcher who is always advancing her skills with the most up to date research. She has a Masters in Psychology from York University where she was fortunate enough to work with one of the leading animal behaviourists, Dr. Suzanne MacDonald. During her graduate work, she was able to work with various species including raccoons, gorillas, and, most importantly, canines. Her research focused on learning more about expectation in dogs, along with their decision making process and their understanding of physical traits in the world such as gravity. Amanda worked with Dr. MacDonald once again along with Karen Baxter to study the impact captivity has on dogs that were once free living.
Since completing her Masters, Amanda has continued to advance her knowledge in dog training. She is a professional member of the IAABC (International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants) and follows the tenet of LIMA (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) in her everyday work. She has also received a Diploma in Canine Behaviour Science and Technology from the Companion Animal Sciences Institute, a graduate of L.E.G.S.® Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation® Professional Course and is a certified dog trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers.