The BehavioUr Eh! Conference in Calgary, AB, March 2027

Calgary, Alberta is set to host a seminal gathering of animal behavior professionals and enthusiasts at the inaugural Behaviour Eh! conference, scheduled for March 5-7, 2027. This three-day event promises an intensive exploration of animal behavior across diverse species, with a particular emphasis on the burgeoning field of cooperative care. Organized by Chasin’ Tails, a recognized entity in the Canadian animal community, the conference aims to foster interdisciplinary learning and advance best practices in humane, science-based animal training.

Advancing Animal Welfare Through Cooperative Care

The core focus of the Behaviour Eh! conference on cooperative care underscores a significant paradigm shift in modern animal management and training. Cooperative care refers to the practice of training an animal to voluntarily participate in its own care, medical procedures, or husbandry, rather than being forced or restrained. This approach not only reduces stress and fear for the animal but also enhances the human-animal bond and improves the safety and efficiency of care providers.

Recent years have seen a growing acknowledgment of the ethical imperative and practical benefits of cooperative care. Data from professional veterinary associations and animal welfare organizations indicate a rising adoption rate of positive reinforcement techniques, which are foundational to cooperative care. A 2022 survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) noted that over 60% of veterinarians reported integrating fear-free or low-stress handling techniques, directly aligning with cooperative care principles, into their daily practice. This trend is not confined to companion animals; zoological institutions and wildlife rehabilitation centers are increasingly employing these methods to manage and treat a wide array of species, from large mammals to avian and reptilian populations.

The benefits of cooperative care extend beyond individual animals. For pet owners, it translates into a calmer household and a deeper understanding of their animal’s needs. For veterinary professionals, it means less risk of injury, more accurate diagnostic results due to reduced stress-induced physiological changes, and improved client compliance. For trainers and behavior consultants, it represents the pinnacle of ethical and effective intervention. The Behaviour Eh! conference is poised to delve into the practical applications and scientific underpinnings of these methods, providing attendees with actionable strategies.

The Power of Interspecies Learning and Comparative Ethology

A distinguishing feature of the Behaviour Eh! conference is its commitment to cross-species learning. The program is designed to transcend traditional species-specific training silos, offering insights from experts working with a broad spectrum of animals, including dogs, cats, parrots, horses, and even grizzly bears. This interspecies approach is rooted in the principles of comparative ethology and behaviorism, which posit that many fundamental learning processes and behavioral principles are shared across diverse taxa.

By examining how cooperative care and training techniques are applied to animals ranging from domestic companions to formidable wildlife, attendees will gain a richer, more nuanced understanding of animal cognition and emotion. For instance, a technique successfully used to encourage a horse to accept hoof trimming might offer valuable insights into training a dog for nail trims, or a parrot for beak inspections. The challenges and successes encountered in training a grizzly bear for voluntary participation in veterinary procedures can provide profound lessons in building trust, managing powerful animals, and adapting reinforcement strategies for highly intelligent and potentially dangerous species.

The scientific community has long recognized the value of comparative studies. Research published in journals like Animal Cognition and Behavioural Processes frequently highlights the commonalities in learning, problem-solving, and social structures across species. Conferences that facilitate such cross-pollination of ideas are crucial for accelerating the development of universal best practices in animal welfare and training. This approach helps to break down disciplinary barriers and fosters a more holistic understanding of animal behavior, benefiting all species under human care.

A Distinguished Roster of Speakers

The Behaviour Eh! conference boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, each bringing unique expertise to the forefront of animal behavior science. Among the announced presenters is Dr. Zazie Todd, PhD, a highly respected animal behavior scientist, author, and founder of the popular blog "Companion Animal Psychology." Dr. Todd is renowned for her evidence-based approach to pet behavior and her ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible, practical advice for pet owners and professionals alike. Her work often emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement and understanding the emotional lives of companion animals.

Joining Dr. Todd are Dr. Eduardo Fernandez, Marine Laberge, Robin Horemans, Monty Gwenne, and Cindy Peacock. While specific specializations for each speaker were not detailed in the initial announcement, the commitment to an "across species" theme strongly suggests a diverse array of backgrounds. Attendees can anticipate presentations covering topics relevant to canine and feline behavior, equine training, avian cognition, and potentially the specialized field of exotic animal or wildlife training, exemplified by the mention of grizzly bears. The opportunity to learn from professionals who have successfully applied cooperative care and positive reinforcement techniques to such a wide range of species is a rare and invaluable aspect of this conference.

These experts are expected to share their latest research, practical strategies, and case studies, fostering collaborative discussions on best practices. The format is designed to encourage interaction, allowing participants to engage directly with speakers and colleagues, exchanging ideas and troubleshooting challenges.

The Context of Animal Behavior Conferences in Canada

Canada has a vibrant and growing community of animal behavior professionals, and conferences like Behaviour Eh! play a critical role in its development. While numerous regional and species-specific events occur annually, a multi-species, cooperative care-focused conference of this scale is a significant addition to the national calendar. It reflects a maturing industry where ethical considerations and scientific rigor are paramount.

The choice of Calgary, Alberta, as the host city is strategic. Calgary is a major economic hub with a significant population of pet owners and a strong presence of agricultural, equestrian, and conservation communities in its surrounding regions. This geographic positioning makes it an accessible location for attendees from across Western Canada and potentially beyond, drawing professionals from varied backgrounds, including veterinary medicine, animal sheltering, professional training, zoology, and wildlife management.

Such events also contribute to the local economy, attracting attendees who utilize local accommodations, dining, and transportation services. Beyond the immediate economic impact, these conferences elevate the profile of the host city as a center for professional development and innovation in animal welfare.

Professional Development and Industry Impact

For animal professionals, continuing education is not merely beneficial but often a requirement for maintaining certifications and staying abreast of evolving best practices. The Behaviour Eh! conference offers a comprehensive opportunity for such professional development. Attendees, including certified professional dog trainers (CPDTs), veterinary technicians (RVTAs), veterinarians (DVMs), animal behavior consultants (CDBCs), and shelter staff, can expect to gain practical skills and theoretical knowledge that can be immediately applied in their respective fields.

The emphasis on collaborative discussions underscores the conference’s commitment to fostering a strong professional network. Opportunities for networking with colleagues who work with different species can lead to groundbreaking insights and cross-disciplinary collaborations. For example, a dog trainer might learn about novel reinforcement schedules from an equine specialist, or a vet tech might discover new low-stress handling techniques used by a wildlife rehabilitator.

From a broader industry perspective, conferences like Behaviour Eh! contribute to the standardization and professionalization of animal training and behavior consulting. By promoting evidence-based methods and ethical practices, they help to elevate the entire field, distinguishing qualified professionals from those employing outdated or harmful techniques. This, in turn, benefits the animals under care and enhances public trust in animal professionals.

Registration Details and Future Outlook

The Behaviour Eh! conference is scheduled for March 5-7, 2027, in Calgary, Alberta. Prospective attendees are encouraged to secure their spots early, as interest in science-based animal behavior and cooperative care continues to grow. Registration details, including venue information and a full program when released, can be accessed through the Chasin’ Tails website. As an added incentive, attendees can utilize the promo code TODD10% to receive a discount on the registration fee, courtesy of Dr. Zazie Todd.

The advent of the Behaviour Eh! conference signifies a forward-looking step for the animal behavior community in Canada and internationally. By bringing together diverse experts and fostering a culture of interspecies learning and cooperative care, it aims to shape the future of animal training and welfare. The commitment to ethical, science-based approaches promises to empower professionals with the tools and knowledge necessary to improve the lives of animals across all species, reinforcing the profound and evolving human-animal bond. This gathering will undoubtedly serve as a crucial platform for knowledge dissemination, skill enhancement, and collaborative innovation, ultimately benefiting countless animals and their human companions.