Dog
Reactivity
Theory & Practice
Join Dr. Hilliard for a two-day intensive course on understanding and remedying undesirable emotional responding (think fear, aggression, and predation) by dogs when on leash or any way they show up in life.
Although the main focus will be companion dogs, the course is relevant to work dogs as well because “drivey” work-bred dogs are at high risk of developing reactivity problems.
Stewart Hilliard, PhD Biography
Dr. Stewart Hilliard began breeding and training dogs in 1979, competing in Schutzhund and importing Belgian Malinois to the US. In 1987, he established French Ring Sport on American soil.
He received his PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience in 1998, then joined Lackland Air Force Base. He founded working dog breeding programs for the FAA and DoD, and performed research on substance detection. Dr. Hilliard managed the DoD Military Working Dog Breeding Program, led major reforms, and wrote the DoD training manuals.
He integrated scientific data with the needs of practical dog trainers, helping private owners remedy severe aggression. In 2023, he began the Kynology project to provide scientific and practical education to dog trainers. Stewart Hilliard still works with leash in hand nearly every day.
Curriculum
Lecture topics will include counterconditioning, flooding, differential reinforcement of other/alternative responses, Wolpeian systematic desensitization, response prevention, the role of aversive control, and the relative strengths and risks of Pavlovian conditioning-centered vs instrumental conditioning-centered approaches to the problem. We'll do as much practical application as time and dogs allow in two days, including introducing the basic principles of Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning, response-marking with incentive stimuli, aversive control (positive punishment and negative reinforcement), and the ethics of modern welfare-centered dog training.
Practically, we will cram in as much evaluation of dogs, formulation of training plans, and implementation and revision of plans as we possibly can in two days.
As always, discussion and practical applications will be anchored on the three supports of practical efficacy, welfare (dog, owner, and community), and ethics.
Schedule
- Foundations: Pavlovian & instrumental conditioning
- Reactivity — what it is, where it comes from
- Dog evaluations & training plan formulation
- Practical: counterconditioning & desensitization
- Response prevention & flooding — risk vs reward
- Aversive control done ethically
- Plan implementation, revision, and live coaching
- Welfare, ethics, and Q&A with Dr. Hilliard
Auckland, New Zealand
Tea, coffee, and light refreshments will be provided.
TBC
Dog Spots
We have a limit of 10 dog spots (by application only once you have purchased a non-refundable auditor spot). If you are interested in a dog spot please email through your dog's behavioural history, their current training level and detail the challenges you are currently working through relating to this topic, after you have purchased a ticket.
It is important that we have a range of dogs for the workshop. The purpose of dog spots is to demonstrate Dr. Stewart's approach.
Our team will need to sight proof of a current C5 vaccination (or equivalent) prior to attending the seminar. Please also ensure your dogs are up to date with their worming/flea/tick treatments.
Common questions.
Where is the seminar held?+
Auckland, New Zealand. Specific venue is TBA — confirmed ticket holders will be notified directly.
Is this suitable for working dog handlers?+
Yes. While the main focus is companion dogs, drivey work-bred dogs are at high risk of developing reactivity, and the principles transfer directly.
Can I get a refund on an auditor ticket?+
Auditor tickets are non-refundable. They are required before applying for a dog spot.
What do I need for a dog spot?+
A purchased auditor ticket, an emailed behavioural history, current C5 vaccination (or equivalent), and up-to-date worming/flea/tick treatments.
What experience level is assumed?+
The seminar covers first principles through advanced application — it's valuable for engaged owners, trainers, and behaviour professionals alike.
*Cancellation & Refund Policy
We do not offer refunds if your circumstances change, if you change your mind, or if your dog cannot attend.
You may privately sell or transfer your ticket to another handler. Please email us with the new attendee's details at least 48 hours before the event.
If the seminar is cancelled, postponed, or undergoes a major change (such as a change to the keynote speaker), you will be issued a full refund in accordance with the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act.
Note: No refunds are given if a dog is removed from the floor due to safety or aggression violations.