The Behaviour Eh! Conference in Calgary Set to Advance Cross-Species Cooperative Care and Animal Training in 2027

The highly anticipated Behaviour Eh! conference is scheduled to convene in Calgary, Alberta, from March 5th to 7th, 2027, offering a three-day intensive program focused on the critical areas of cooperative care and advanced animal training methodologies across diverse species. This event is poised to be a pivotal gathering for professionals and enthusiasts dedicated to fostering ethical and effective human-animal interactions, with a strong emphasis on the latest scientific advancements in animal behavior. Dr. Zazie Todd, a prominent voice in the field of animal welfare and behavior science, has announced her participation as both a presenter and an advocate for the conference, extending a special discount code, TODD10%, to facilitate broader attendance.

Advancing the Science of Cooperative Care and Training

The core theme of the Behaviour Eh! conference revolves around cooperative care, a modern paradigm in animal welfare that emphasizes voluntary participation by animals in their own care routines, including veterinary examinations, grooming, and daily husbandry. This approach is rooted in positive reinforcement and consent-based training, moving away from traditional coercive or force-based methods. The principles of cooperative care are increasingly recognized as essential for reducing stress, improving animal well-being, and strengthening the human-animal bond across all species, from companion animals to those in zoological or working environments. By enabling animals to actively engage in and even direct aspects of their care, practitioners aim to minimize fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS), thereby enhancing overall quality of life. The conference’s focus on "across species" learning underscores the universality of behavioral science principles, suggesting that insights gained from one species can often be adapted and applied effectively to others, promoting a holistic understanding of animal behavior.

A Diverse Spectrum of Expert Speakers

The conference boasts an impressive lineup of distinguished speakers, each contributing their unique expertise to the multidisciplinary discussions. Confirmed presenters include Dr. Zazie Todd, Dr. Eduardo Fernandez, Marine Laberge, Robin Horemans, Monty Gwenne, and Cindy Peacock. This diverse panel reflects the conference’s commitment to a broad, integrated approach to animal behavior.

Dr. Zazie Todd, renowned for her evidence-based insights into dog and cat behavior and her significant contributions to popularizing scientific findings, is expected to deliver presentations drawing from her extensive research and practical experience. Her work often bridges the gap between scientific theory and practical application for pet owners and professionals alike, advocating for humane and effective training strategies.

Dr. Eduardo Fernandez, whose background often involves applied animal behavior, may offer perspectives on complex behavioral challenges, potentially drawing from work with exotic or zoo animals, or specialized training protocols. His contributions are anticipated to provide a deeper dive into the scientific underpinnings of behavior modification.

Marine Laberge, Robin Horemans, Monty Gwenne, and Cindy Peacock represent a spectrum of expertise that could include specialized areas such as equine behavior, avian training, wildlife rehabilitation, or advanced canine/feline behavior consulting. The inclusion of professionals working with species as varied as dogs, cats, parrots, horses, and even grizzly bears, as highlighted by Dr. Todd, exemplifies the conference’s dedication to cross-species learning. This breadth ensures that attendees will gain insights applicable to a wide array of animal populations, fostering a richer, more nuanced understanding of animal cognition and emotional states. The collaborative environment aims to facilitate the exchange of best practices, cutting-edge research, and innovative training techniques that transcend species-specific boundaries, emphasizing shared learning principles.

The Evolving Landscape of Animal Training and Welfare

The decision to host such a comprehensive conference in 2027 reflects the accelerating evolution within the fields of animal training and welfare. Over the past two decades, there has been a significant paradigm shift from traditional, often confrontational, training methods to those based on positive reinforcement, operant and classical conditioning, and a deep respect for animal autonomy. This shift is not merely ethical but also empirically supported, with extensive research demonstrating the superior efficacy and welfare outcomes of force-free methods. Organizations such as the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) consistently advocate for these humane approaches, influencing veterinary practice and professional training standards globally.

The demand for qualified animal behavior professionals continues to grow exponentially. Statistics indicate a steady increase in pet ownership worldwide, coupled with a heightened awareness among pet guardians regarding animal welfare and the importance of addressing behavioral issues humanely. This societal shift creates a strong need for ongoing professional development and knowledge dissemination, making events like Behaviour Eh! crucial for the continuous education of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, professional trainers, shelter staff, researchers, and dedicated animal owners. The pet care industry, valued at hundreds of billions globally, increasingly invests in services that align with these progressive welfare standards, further solidifying the relevance and impact of evidence-based behavior science.

Calgary: A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration

Calgary, Alberta, provides an ideal backdrop for a conference of this magnitude. Known for its vibrant community and growing emphasis on innovation, the city offers excellent facilities and a welcoming atmosphere for international and national attendees. Alberta, and Canada as a whole, has a strong history of contributing to animal welfare discussions and advancements, with numerous organizations and individuals actively engaged in promoting ethical animal treatment. The choice of Calgary as the venue for "Behaviour Eh!" underscores its potential to serve as a significant hub for thought leadership in animal behavior and welfare, attracting professionals from across North America and beyond. The subtle nod to Canadian identity in the conference title, "Eh!", further imbues the event with a sense of local character while maintaining a global outlook on animal science.

Anticipated Impact and Future Implications

The Behaviour Eh! conference is expected to yield several significant impacts. Firstly, it will serve as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, allowing attendees to learn directly from leading experts and engage in peer-to-peer discussions. This collaborative environment is instrumental in disseminating the latest research findings, refining practical skills, and fostering innovative solutions to complex behavioral challenges. The focus on cross-species learning will break down disciplinary silos, encouraging a more integrated approach to understanding and interacting with animals.

Secondly, the emphasis on cooperative care will undoubtedly elevate standards of animal welfare across various sectors. By equipping professionals with advanced techniques for stress reduction and voluntary participation, the conference will contribute to improved outcomes in veterinary medicine, animal shelter management, zoological care, and everyday pet ownership. This ultimately leads to healthier, happier animals and stronger human-animal bonds.

Thirdly, the event will contribute to the professionalization of the animal training and behavior consulting industries. By promoting evidence-based practices and providing opportunities for continuing education, Behaviour Eh! helps to establish and uphold high standards of competency and ethics within the field. This benefits both practitioners, through enhanced credibility and effectiveness, and the public, who can seek out professionals operating at the forefront of humane animal care.

Finally, the conference serves as a forward-looking indicator for the trajectory of animal welfare. By bringing together diverse perspectives and focusing on progressive methodologies, Behaviour Eh! contributes to shaping the future discourse on animal rights, cognition, and the ethical responsibilities inherent in our relationships with animals. The discussions and collaborations initiated in Calgary in 2027 are likely to have lasting implications for research, policy, and practical application in animal behavior for years to come.

Registration and Participation

Prospective attendees are encouraged to secure their spots early for what promises to be an enriching and transformative experience. The full conference details, including the agenda, speaker biographies, and registration information, are available through the official conference website. Dr. Zazie Todd’s special promotional code, TODD10%, offers a valuable opportunity for individuals to access this premier event at a reduced cost, reflecting the organizers’ commitment to making cutting-edge knowledge accessible to a wide audience. The conference website, https://www.chasin-tails.ca/behaviour-eh-2027, provides all necessary links and information for registration. The anticipation builds for March 2027, when Calgary will host this landmark event, furthering the dialogue and practice of humane, effective, and scientifically informed animal care.