Can dogs have ADHD? A look at recent research on impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention in dogs. Presented by Dr. Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB

CEUs: PPAB 1, CCPDT 1, KPA 1, IAABC 1

As professionals, we often attribute hyperactive and impulsive behavior to age and lack of exercise, training, and/or enrichment. But is it possible that something else is going on in some dogs? Owners often joke that their dogs have ADHD. Could this be true? What do we actually know about inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in dogs? How can you use this information to more effectively address these behaviors in dogs?

This webinar will look at this issue by focusing on a recent research paper on this topic, but we will also discuss the findings of other, similar studies.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain what ADHD-like behaviors are and why that term is used
• Define impulsivity and describe how it's measured
• Summarize the research on ADHD-like behavior in dogs
• Explain how we can use this research when working with dogs

About The Presenter

Dr. Kristina Spaulding

Dr. Spaulding has a PhD in biopsychology - the study of the biological basis of behavior - and is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist through the Animal Behavior Society. She specializes in stress and behavior, social cognition and emotion, positive welfare and the prevention and treatment of behavior problems in dogs. In addition to her academic background, she has been in the dog training and behavior profession for 19 years. She currently splits her time between private behavior work and teaching other dog trainers and behavior consultants online and through seminars and conferences.

In addition, Dr. Spaulding is a long-standing member of the APDT Education Committee. She is also a member of the Fear Free Advisory Group and an authorized Speaker for Fear Free. She also chairs a task force for Meeting of the Minds, a coalition of top dog professionals across the country charged with improving the quality of life for our dogs and is a member of the IAABC Foundation Board. You can find out more about her on her website. (http://smartdogtrainingandbehavior.com/online-services/)