Input your text in this area

Experience the science of dog behavior like never before at our exhilarating 2-day event!

K9 Brain Lab

Hosted by

Paul Edward and Dr. Melanie Uhde

When

July 6-7, 2024

Where

Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers

Santa Rosa, CA

Whether you choose to join us in person or virtually, embark on a journey of discovery and awe. Learn how a deeper understanding of your dog's inner workings can forge an unbreakable bond.

Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to witness the beauty of the dog-human bond unfold.

Get Ticket

Experience the science of dog behavior like never before at our exhilarating 2-day event!

K9 Brain Lab

Hosted by

Paul Edward & Dr. Melanie Uhde

When

July 6-7, 2024

Where

Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers

Santa Rosa, CA

Whether you choose to join us in person or virtually, embark on a journey of discovery and awe. Learn how a deeper understanding of your dog's inner workings can forge an unbreakable bond.

Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to witness the beauty of the dog-human bond unfold.

Share on Instagram

Event Schedule

Day 1

Topic 1 - Learning and Memory

Unlock the Secrets of Learning and Retention

Delve deep into the labyrinth of canine memory and learning processes. This session will dissect various memory forms and introduce advanced training concepts designed to accelerate learning and engrain lasting behaviors. Engage in live demonstrations, audience-involved experiments, and breakdowns to uncover how best to manipulate training techniques for optimum results.

Topic 2 - Emotions and Behavior

Decoding the Heart of Behavior

Do dogs feel? Distinguish between emotions and feelings as we explore the neurobiological underpinnings of emotional states. Learn how to read and reshape behaviors through understanding the emotional drives of your dog, enhancing both training outcomes and the human-dog bond.

Topic 3 - Motivation

Harnessing Motivation for Transformation

Examine the vital role of motivation in animal behavior through a neurobiological lens. This discussion will explore how motivation fuels everything from basic survival to complex behaviors. Learn strategies to inspire your dog's desire for change, leading to exceptional performance and the overcoming of behavioral challenges.

Topic 4 - Arousal

Turning a Challenge into an Advantage

Often misunderstood, arousal can be a powerful ally if harnessed correctly. This session will teach you how to manage and leverage arousal levels to maintain your dog’s functionality. Dive into the latest research that showcases the critical role arousal plays in canine behavior and performance.

Day 2

Topic 1 - Types of Play

Beyond Fun: Building Resilience and Readiness

Explore why play is more than mere entertainment—it's a complex, brain-stimulating activity that prepares dogs for life's challenges. This session will reveal the profound psychological impacts of play and how mastering it can forge mental resilience and readiness for any situation.

Topic 2 - Stress

Utilizing Stress for Growth and Learning

Redefine your understanding of stress with a neurobiological twist. Learn to distinguish between harmful and beneficial stress, and how to use this knowledge to enhance training and well-being. This enlightening session will provide tools to not only manage stress but to harness it as a positive force in your dog’s life.

Topic 3 - Reinforcement & Punishment

Ethology and Neurobiology in Training

Move beyond traditional training paradigms and delve into a sophisticated blend of ethology and neurobiology. This session challenges conventional concepts, offering a nuanced perspective on reinforcement and punishment that will revolutionize how you interact with and train your dog.

Tickets for everyone around the world

We would be delighted to meet everyone in person, but we recognize that traveling to California may not be feasible for all.

Therefore, we are offering both in-person tickets (limited availability) and virtual tickets.

The lectures and activities will approximately run from 9 AM til 5 PM PST.

In Person Ticket (limited)

$385

Get ticket

Want to bring your dog to demonstrate teaching concepts and get live feedback from Paul and Melanie? There is no additional fee to bring your dog if selected!

Apply HERE!

Virtual Ticket

$190

Virtual tickets include live streaming of the 2-day event only. At this point, we are not offering a recording.

About Us

Dr. Melanie Uhde

Passionate dog trainer, pioneer of innovative training programs, and speaker. Melanie's unique approach is rooted in a deep understanding of dogs, encompassing their behavior, neurobiology, and motivation. Her research at Columbia University has left a lasting impact on the field, with 16 peer-reviewed publications in prestigious scientific journals such as Brain Behavior and Immunity and Psychiatry Research.

With qualifications that include a Ph.D. in Natural Sciences and a Master's Degree in Biology, Dr. Melanie Uhde continues to push the boundaries of canine research and training. Additionally, she completed advanced studies of anxiety disorders at Stanford University, and is a Certified AKC Evaluator, further attesting to her dedication in the field.

Paul Edward

Paul Edward has dedicated his career to fostering enduring and rewarding relationships between dogs and their owners. His training champions a unique educational approach, emphasizing exploration and play to tailor bespoke programs that cater to the individual needs of each dog.

Paul divides his expertise between local dog owners and a national audience, regularly traveling across the country to lead seminars for fellow trainers and dog sport enthusiasts. His passion extends into the competitive arena of protection sports, where he excels with his two Belgian Malinois, Bronson and Iris. Currently, he is preparing his promising new family member, Hilde, for the challenges of Mondio and French Ring sport, underscoring his commitment to excellence in canine training and sport.