Wolf Park Guest Speakers Series Seminars

Guest Speakers Series Seminars

This is a selection of the "repeat offenders" in our guest speaker series program. These seminars may not be available every year, nor may they be the only seminars offered! We are always striving to expand our educational offerings. Please check the online gift store for current offerings and to sign up online.

Generally, these seminars run from Friday morning at 8:30 until Sunday afternoon at 5 pm. The fee includes a lot of small-group time with the speaker as well as a chance to meet our socialized wolves at least twice, and to participate in Howl Night and the Wolf and Bison demonstration. Three lunches and two light breakfasts are also included in the fee, as well as some beverages and snacks, and a souvenir Wolf Park ceramic mug. The fee does not include accommodations, or transportation. Go here for more information on you options for local motels, etc.

Click on a speaker's name to learn more about them, or click here to read all their biographies.


Suzanne Clothier	Ken McCort

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Ken McCort

Wolves and Dogs: Differences and Similarities
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Ken

This 3-day event will take a look at the evolution of dogs and dog breed types. It will focus on the motor patterns of predatory behavior and how they have been altered by man's influence through selective breeding. In our discussions, we will examine the "drivers" that some trainers refer to when discussing the motivation of particular dogs. In addition, we will look at some of the cognitive processes dogs have and specifically intentionality. How far can dogs go and what does that mean to our understanding of their interactions with humans? Can they maintain a linear hierarchy and does that include us?

Come spend three days with the staff and animals of Wolf Park. Learn about the specific way their wolves are raised and socialized to accept humans in a way that allows researchers to study them up close and personal. Participants will be invited to enter a gray wolf enclosure with the staff to get face-to-face interactions with these magnificent animals (situation permitting). There will be opportunities to observe all of Wolf Park's animals, which include 14 wolves, 9 bison, 2 foxes and 2 coyotes. Participants will also be invited to join in two Howl Night opportunities, early morning wolf observation time and a presentation on wolf body language and safety. This is an opportunity to learn about a variety of canids, with lots to see and do, that dog lovers and trainers will not want to miss!

Ken is a lifelong animal trainer with a background in dealing with "problem" or hard-to-train animals. He has worked with a variety of species, but shows a special talent for target training with our resident wolves, foxes, and coyotes -- even with some animals who have otherwise already closed their social circles. Topics for this seminar vary from year to year, but Ken is always wonderful to hear -- and the small class size makes for ample opportunities for students to ask questions.

CEU Credits: 13.5
CBCC: 13

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Suzanne Clothier

Inside Every Head A World
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An ethological approach to animals as individuals. How animals perceive and respond to their world has a profound effect on how they interact with each other and us. How they react to novel situations and concrete stimuli can offer valuable insights into how animals cope with their environments and how we can help them overcome adversity and enjoy life.

Suzanne is a world-class animal trainer who has worked with a variety of species -- including the humans who visit Wolf Park for educational seminars. Topics vary year to year, but she is always entertaining and deeply educational -- and the small class size makes for ample opportunities to ask questions.

Teachers: Suzanne Clothier and Pat Goodmann
Co-teachers: wolves, foxes, bison, frogs and even bugs. The workshop will consist of a combination of lectures, video, hands-on interactions, observation & group exercises.

CEU Credits: 16 for trainers, 16 for behavior consultants

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