June 2020: Issue 54

PPG Postpones Summit 2020 and Announces Virtual “Geek Week”

Given the current situation with COVID-19 and our industry, PPG has decided to move its 2020 Summit in Phoenix, Arizona to next year. The same program will now take place on September 17-21, 2021. Further details will be released in due course.

To replace the in-person Summit this year, PPG will host a special event on November 11-15, 2020, titled Geek Week: For the Love of Science. Geek Week will be a unique, fun and educational virtual experience to include fun-filled activities, competitions and prize-winning opportunities plus three days of virtual ‘Science & Skill’ sessions presented by industry leaders. Complete this short form to confirm your interest in the event - we will email you when it's time to register and grab your 50% member discount!

PPG Signs UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter

PPG has signed up to be one of seven founding organizations to support the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter which was launched on June 8, 2020. The initiative aims to provide clarity regarding the future direction of dog behavior and training throughout the United Kingdom in relation to professional standards, tools and methodologies, with canine welfare at the heart of its mandate. The logo for the U.K. Chapter is available on the PPGBI website. PPGBI members who are accredited through the Pet Professional Accreditation Board may fly the badge with the accompanying text. Read news release.

PPG Appoints New Advisory Group Heads

On June 4, 2020, PPG released a statement affirming its commitment to Stand in Solidarity against Racism in support of #BlackLivesMatter. As such, PPG has appointed Connecticut-based dog trainer Christina Horne (above, left) and Virginia-based dog trainer Laurie C. Williams (above, right) to help it formulate, establish and oversee a new advisory group that can identify and develop tangible, actionable programs to help move the pet services industry forward so that both PPG and the pet services industry at large better represent the diversity of our population. Horne and Williams will report directly to PPG president Niki Tudge. Read full statement.
Volunteer to be on the advisory team.

PPG Publishes Code of Ethical Conduct

To meet current challenges faced by the pet services industry, PPG has reviewed and revised its position on professional ethical conduct and released a Code of Ethical Conduct. The Code is intended as a supplement to its robust and forward thinking Guiding Principles which are specific and measurable, and provide a clear way forward for the industry and its membership while supporting professional autonomy and without sacrificing unambiguous ethical guidelines regarding tools, equipment, philosophy and approach. Read full Code of Ethical Conduct and download PDF.

           
Don't Miss Our COVID-19 Panel Discussion Webinar!

Thursday, June 25 - 2 p.m. EDT: Adapting To a ‘New Normal’ in the COVID-19 Pandemic with five panelists from the Yale School of Medicine

PPG has put together a panel of experts from the Yale School of Medicine, including Dr. Anna York, Dr. Chantal Vogels, Dr. Anne Wyllie, Dr. Stephanie Perniciaro and Dr. Maikel Boot to discuss how you can keep your clients, staff and business safe. Submit questions in advance!

PPG Reschedules 2020 Workshops

Due to the current health and financial crisis, PPG has postponed the following workshops:

Reactive to Relaxed: Next Steps in Control Unleashed with Leslie McDevitt. New dates: Saturday, February 13 – Sunday, February 14, 2021.

Your PORTL to Shaping with Mary Hunter. New dates: Saturday, March 20, 2021 - Sunday, March 21, 2021.

Play is a Powerful Reinforcer with Craig Ogilvie. New dates: Saturday, October 9 – Sunday, October 10, 2021.

Advanced Agility Workshop with Marita Davies. New dates: Saturday, October 16  – Sunday, October 17, 2021.

Introduction to the Neuroscience of Dog Training and Behavior with Dr. Kathy Murphy. New dates: TBC.

Survey: How the COVID-19 Lockdown Affects Dogs

PPG member Tracy Krulik and her colleagues at the Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington, D.C., are collaborating with Prof. Daniel Mills and his team of researchers at the University of Lincoln in the U.K. to study what effects the pandemic stay-at-home orders may have had on pet dogs, how they are coping and how they will continue to cope after the pandemic. Please take a moment to help them gather as much data as possible to examine the effects of major changes in routine on our canine companions. Link to survey.

Survey: Interactions between Feline Littermates

Cat Committee Call-In Lounge

Business Contingency Planning for PPG Members

PPG is still offering a range of services to support members and their businesses during the current pandemic. These include free member webinars, Facebook Live sessions offering business and marketing advice in the PPG members’ Facebook group, virtual PPG Social events, educational blogs, deferral of membership renewal fees, waiving of Pet Professional Accreditation Board application and transfer fees and more. Watch out for the regular Business Contingency Planning member email updates and keep an eye on the new Business Contingency Planning section in the members’ area of the PPG website for more details and ongoing updates.

BARKS: Sneak Preview of July 2020 Issue

If you have not already registered for your free lifetime digital subscription to BARKS from the Guild, you can do so here. Sign up today for your exclusive member’s sneak preview of the July 2020 edition of BARKS, as well as read all back issues from 2014-2020 inclusive, or order a print on demand copy. Already subscribed? Enter your BARKS Membership Zone here.

Project Trade Announces May 2020 Ambassador

Congratulations to Holly Tedor of Howling Peaks Dog Training, LLC in Alaska, USA for trading three prong collars and who has been named Project Trade Ambassador for May 2020.

Project Trade is PPG's advocacy program whereby members offer service discounts in exchange for aversive training gear.

Find out how Project Trade can help your business in Helping Dogs, Helping Families.