PPG has released the schedule and opened registration for its third annual Force-Free Summit, taking place at the at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort in Orlando, Florida from Thursday, November 16 to Monday, November 20, 2017. Registration is already open, and PPG is offering three value package options: the Great Dane, the Golden Retriever and the Border Terrier. Those registering for the all-inclusive Great Dane package can take advantage of an early bird special that offers a 10-month, interest-free financing plan. PPG has, meanwhile, negotiated competitive rates at the resort during the event, as well as three days before and afterwards.This year, PPG will be also using an event app, Zwoor, whereby registrants can track the development of the event, read speaker bios and session information, review the daily schedule, download presentation PDFs, and much more, making it a more interactive experience for all. We hope to see you there!

PPG is offering an array of vendor and sponsorship opportunities at the annual summit. If you'd like to target the right market with your product, service or branding, consider sponsoring the gala dinner, the official event T-shirt, the lanyard, the official summit guide, or a tea and coffee break. Or, for just $300, you can get your company's name in the spotlight with an insert into the official swag bag. Don't miss out on these fabulous opportunities! Apply here.

Join PPG All About Cats on Facebook to learn all about cat behavior and ask questions on anything feline related. Recent topics of discussion have included introducing a geriatric cat to a feeding toy and the continuing importance of mental and physical enrichment, feline body language, desensitizing a cat to the noise of the vacuum cleaner, and what to do when the family cat suddenly and unexpectedly lashes out at the resident baby.

Workshop Discounts Available

Great discounts are on offer for the following two residential workshops in Tampa, Florida:

Saturday, February 18 - Sunday, February 19, 2017: Two-day workshop, The Gift of a Gray Muzzle: Active Care for Senior Dogs, with Kathy Sdao and Lori Stevens.

Saturday, March 18 - Sunday, March 19, 2017: Two-day workshop, Foundation Skills for Dog Sports & Heel Workshop 101, with Kamal Fernandez.

DogNostics eLearning and Doggone Safe have sponsored a limited number of auditor and working places at these incredible events. Savings of up to $100 are available. Email Rebekah King to register.

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE! FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED!

Live Facebook Chats

PPG is now hosting live chats in the PPG members' Facebook group. The most recent chat was on the topic of platform training. The next live chat takes place on Friday, March 3 at 4 p.m. EST. If you'd like to participate in the live chats - or just simply observe - they are announced in the PPG members' group and on social media. You will need to request to join the The Pet Professional Guild Members group on Facebook if you are not already in the group. All PPG members may join this group regardless of location. Email membership manager Rebekah King if you need further assistance. You can read all the past chats on the PPG members' group Facebook page.

New +R Rack Cards Now Available

New PPG member 4 x 9 rack cards promoting +R training are now available in the member area of the website in the Graphical Artwork section. These are for you to download and print to promote the force-free message in your community.

Try Training Meister Apprentice Course with Sample Module

Are you interested in taking a comprehensive online force-free training course instructed by PPGBI membership manager and PPG steering committee member, Louise Stapleton-Frappell? Register now for this introductory sample of the Training Meister Program! The course is suitable for anyone starting out in reward-based, science-based, force-free training, as well as already established trainers who wish to improve their training mechanics and build on their knowledge. The course will teach you all about the science behind force-free training and how to effectively and skillfully teach new behaviors while having lots of fun. You will learn how to clearly communicate with your student in order to set them up for success, and how to eliminate as many 'errors' as possible from your training, thus enabling you to teach your dog or other companion animal in the most enjoyable, stress-free way.

LIVE Webinars

Dog*tec business coaches will be on hand for one-on-one in-person sit downs at this year’s annual summit in Orlando. If you’ve ever thought about taking advantage of their friendly, individualized consulting, this is a great chance to give it a try. Get some advice about how to start your dream business, or a little help with the business you already have. Wish you had more clients or students? Wondering how to raise your rates without risk? Need some support solving a pesky problem? A chat with dog*tec is just the thing. Consults will be pre-scheduled on a first come, first served basis later this year, so watch for the sign-up announcement!