Free Online Group Class

This group class is ideal for anyone concerned with behavioral challenges, such as a hyperactive dog who jumps, nips, gets mouthy, or is destructive. This class is also ideal if you would like to learn more about Constructional Affection. We will share how we can build the kind of interaction that both you and your dog desire and work together to achieve your goals through the group class.

 

After participants learn the basic knowledge and training techniques of Constructional Affection, participants will learn how to design constructional programs which align with their goals. Participants will receive individualized feedback as they implement programs with their dogs. At the end of the group class, everyone will share their accomplishments and what they discovered. This provides an excellent opportunity to learn together and support each other. 

 

**If you are concerned with fearful behaviors or aggressive behaviors, please contact us for a private consultation. If you are interested in or want to learn more about the private consultation, please reach out to us at caawtcontact@gmail.com.

 

-------------------

 

⚫︎ Description of the Group Class 

This is an intensive 4-week group class, where we have weekly group class and weekly open house. 

 

In the group class, we will share new information and assign a weekly goal. We start with a lecture, Q&A and discussion, and then talking to each participant to set up a weekly goal. If the participant and their dog are ready during the group class, they can practice training and receive feedback. But, this is not mandatory. We want participants to do the training when they and their dogs are calm and ready. If the participant has a training video, we can look at the video and give feedback during our open house sessions. 

 

In the open house, the participant can show up anytime during the one hour open house. The open house is held on a different day than the group class. The participants can ask any questions, show us training videos, and receive feedback. 

 

⚫︎ Learning Objectives 

• Learn the philosophy and concept of the Constructional Approach

• Learn how to help your dog or your client's dog using Constructional Affection 

• Learn what kind of benefits the Constructional Affection has

• Learn how to establish calm behaviors using the Interaction Guidelines

• Learn how to transfer that calm behaviors to new situations important to you and your dog through the Affection Loop

 

 

⚫︎ Instructor

 

Sean Will, M.S.

Sean studied under Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz and earned a master's degree in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas. While studying at UNT, he spearheaded the development of Constructional Affection under the instruction of Dr. Rosales-Ruiz and developed constructional shelter programs to increase efficiency in local animal shelters. Sean has over 15 years of experience as a professional trainer and has provided consulting for individuals and organizations that oversee the care of animals. Currently, Sean is in Florida Tech's doctoral program researching problem-solving and animal training.

​

In 2020, Sean and Maasa founded the Constructional Approach to Animal Welfare and Training (CAAWT). CAAWT is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of animals and the people who care for them by providing educational content on animal behavior, care, and ways to solve behavioral problems. Sean and Maasa have a monthly podcast and host an annual conference by the same name.

​

​

Maasa Nishimuta, M.S.

Maasa Nishimuta studied under Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz and earned a master's degree in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas. In her master's thesis, she studied the reinforcing effects of affection in the form of petting and gentle scratching with rescued equines. She modified Constructional Affection for use with equines and continues to apply Constructional Affection with animals in shelters where she volunteers.

​

In 2020, Maasa and Sean founded Constructional Approach to Animal Welfare and Training (CAAWT), whose mission is to provide educational content on animal behavior, care, and ways to solve behavioral problems. With Sean, she produces a monthly podcast, runs online private and group classes, and hosts webinars and annual conferences to continue to improve relationships between people and the animals in their care.

 

 

⚫︎ Place

The group class will be held via Zoom. You can join group classes wherever if you have secure internet. We will send you the Zoom meeting link and the detailed information via email before the first day of our group class. If you are not used to using Zoom, Maasa can have a practice session before the group class so that the participant is ready to learn in the first group class.

​

​

⚫︎ Registration 

① If you are interested in joining CAAWT free online group class, please fill out the sign up form below. After you fill in your name and email address, we will like to get a photo copy of your adoption form on the next page. When you send us the photo copy, and click "send," this will complete signing up for our group class!

​

**If you are concerned with fearful behaviors or aggressive behaviors you see with your dog or the dog of your client, this is ideal for a private consultation. If you are interested in or want to learn more about the private consultation, please reach out to us at caawtcontact@gmail.com.

 

② After we check your adoption form, we will send you the date and time for the group class and the Zoom meeting link.

 

 

⚫︎ Cancelation

If you cannot attend the group class, please let us know. 

​

 

⚫︎ Contact us

If you have any questions regarding CAAWT online group class, please feel free to reach out to us at caawtcontact@gmail.com

 

​

We are looking forward to connecting with and working with

you and your animal companion in the group class!

​