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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251203T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251203T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T222032
CREATED:20251009T004831Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T004831Z
UID:10000025-1764786600-1764792000@www.iwdba.org
SUMMARY:Breeding to Strategy: The Role of Production Planning in Organizational Success
DESCRIPTION:Production planning ensures that the right number of dogs\, with the necessary traits\, are available at the right time to meet training\, client\, and breeding demands. Beyond numbers\, it is a key element of strategic planning that requires organization-wide attention. Over- or underproduction can waste resources\, while factors such as staff skills\, breeding colony fertility\, facility capacity\, volunteer availability\, and financial support all impact outcomes. This presentation will outline internal and external influences on production and provide guidance on integrating production planning into broader organizational strategy. \nAbout the Speaker:\nRachel is a private consultant specializing in reproduction\, puppy socialization and development\, behavior testing\, and strategic planning. With over 15 years of experience in the industry\, she began her career at Nestle Purina before working for Southeastern Guide Dogs and subsequently with organizations such as Guide Dogs of America and Freedom Service Dogs. She has a B.S in Agricultural Science with an emphasis in animal reproduction and biology from Truman State University. At the IWDA\, she develops educational opportunities\, including contributions to the IWDA knowledge base and webinar programs. She leverages her diverse industry experience to contribute to strategic planning and the improvement of IWDA services. \nRegister or Buy Tickets:\n\nIWDA members\, register via Zoom by accessing your Account Hub.\nNon-members can purchase tickets via Eventbrite.
URL:https://www.iwdba.org/event_old/breeding-to-strategy-the-role-of-production-planning-in-organizational-success/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.iwdba.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/p.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260107T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260107T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T222032
CREATED:20251120T050117Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251121T005907Z
UID:10000026-1767780000-1767785400@www.iwdba.org
SUMMARY:Breeding Forum - January Session (Zoom)
DESCRIPTION:Date: Jan 7th \nTime: 10am EST \nAbout This Discussion Group: \nThis meetup will allow industry experts and breeding program managers for working dog programs to discuss current issues in a professional forum. Sessions aim to provide a collaborative environment within which concerns and options may be explored\, with the goals of promoting best breeding practice and positive program outcomes while also preparing for the rapidly-expanding needs of working dog programs worldwide. \nThis month’s topic is What is a Selection Index and how to create and use them? \n  \nAttendance and Registration: \n\nRegistration is required. Click here to register via Zoom.\n\n 
URL:https://www.iwdba.org/event_old/breeding-forum-january-session-zoom/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iwdba.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/breedingprogramdesign-copy.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T203000
DTSTAMP:20260403T222032
CREATED:20260109T063155Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260111T225423Z
UID:10000029-1769022000-1769027400@www.iwdba.org
SUMMARY:Breeding Forum - January 2025 - Oceania Timezone
DESCRIPTION:Date and Time: Wed Jan 21\, 2026 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)  ||  Thurs Jan 22\, 2026 10:00 AM Australian Eastern Standard Time \nAbout This Discussion Group: \nThis meetup will allow industry experts and breeding program managers for working dog programs to discuss current issues in a professional forum. Sessions aim to provide a collaborative environment within which concerns and options may be explored\, with the goals of promoting best breeding practice and positive program outcomes while also preparing for the rapidly-expanding needs of working dog programs worldwide. \nThis month’s topic is What is a Selection Index and how to create and use them? \n  \nAttendance and Registration: \n\nRegistration is required. Click here to register via Zoom.\n\n 
URL:https://www.iwdba.org/event_old/breeding-forum-january-2025-oceania-timezone/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iwdba.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/breedingprogram_socials-copy.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T190000
DTSTAMP:20260403T222032
CREATED:20260106T061035Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T062252Z
UID:10000027-1770832800-1770836400@www.iwdba.org
SUMMARY:Canine Welfare: Kenneling
DESCRIPTION:Are your dogs thriving in kennel environments or just getting by? For many working dog and assistance dog organizations\, kenneling is a major part of a dog’s daily life. The question is: are we setting them up for success? Join Working Dog Innovations (WDI) for a webinar where we break down what it really takes to support the welfare and performance of kenneled dogs. In this session\, WDI Co-Founders Jackie Clark and Dr. Katelyn Mills will share the latest science\, real-world insights\, and actionable best practices to help you: understand the core welfare needs of dogs in kennels\, identify common challenges and how to address them and implement evidence-based strategies. Whether you oversee a small program or a large facility\, this webinar will leave you with tools to enhance your dogs’ experience and strengthen your organization’s impact.\n\nDate and Time: Feb 11\, 2026 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)\n\nRegister here:\nNon-IWDA members can register via Eventbrite: click here\nIWDA members can register for free from their member page: sign in and click here.\n\nAbout the speakers:\nWith a combined 30+ years of experience in the assistance dog industry\, Jackie Clark and Dr. Katelyn Mills founded Working Dog Innovations in 2025. WDI was born out of a desire to help guide and assistance dog organizations thrive by offering strategic\, educational\, and operational support. With deep expertise in strategic planning\, evidence-based dog training\, breeding\, animal welfare\, staff development\, SOP development\, research\, and operational systems\, they understand both the science of producing excellent working dogs and the mechanics of running an effective nonprofit. To learn more about WDI visit: www.workingdoginnovations.com\n\nAbout Working Dog Innovations:\nWorking Dog Innovations mission is to offer strategic\, educational and operational support to working dog organizations\, empowering them to advance their missions and positively impact their communities. To learn more about WDI visit: www.workingdoginnovations.com
URL:https://www.iwdba.org/event_old/canine-welfare-kenneling/
LOCATION:Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iwdba.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/FullLogo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260311T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260311T190000
DTSTAMP:20260403T222032
CREATED:20260107T032559Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T033401Z
UID:10000028-1773252000-1773255600@www.iwdba.org
SUMMARY:Canine Welfare with Dr. Mia Cobb
DESCRIPTION:Date and Time: Mar 11\, 2026 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)\n\nRegister here:\nNon-IWDA members can register via Eventbrite: click here\nIWDA members can register for free from their member page: sign in and click here.\n\n\nMia Cobb is an interdisciplinary scientist who researches the welfare of dogs. She is currently interested in how the intersections of animal welfare science\, human psychology\, science communication\, economic theory\, and emerging technologies can help dogs and their people lead happier lives. Mia worked in animal shelter and working dog facilities for over a decade before shifting focus to research and advance the welfare of Australia’s working and sporting dogs. Dr Cobb was awarded her PhD from Monash University\, which examined the human attitudes and kennel management practices related to the welfare and performance of working dogs. This research included monitoring behaviour and stress physiology to assess the impact of an enrichment program for kennelled working dogs. Mia believes in helping scientific research escape academic journals and founded the popular canine science platform\, Do You Believe in Dog?. Currently based at the University of Melbourne’s Animal Welfare Science Centre\, she has also taught science communication and worked as a researcher at the University of Sydney\, Monash University\, La Trobe University and Deakin University.\n\nResearch explores human attitudes\, housing and management practices\, animal behaviour\, stress physiology and how animal welfare relates to the sustainability of animal-based industries. Active in the exciting domains of science communication\, emerging technologies (including digital technologies and intelligent systems for animal welfare)\, citizen science\, welfare auditing\, and all things dog. Mia shares her home with a rehomed pandemic pup called Luna\, often a temporary foster dog\, and four chickens named after characters from the musical Hamilton.
URL:https://www.iwdba.org/event_old/canine-welfare-with-dr-mia-cobb/
LOCATION:Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.iwdba.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/m.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T222032
CREATED:20260109T063950Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T063950Z
UID:10000031-1773828000-1773833400@www.iwdba.org
SUMMARY:Breeding Forum - March 2025
DESCRIPTION:Date and Time: Mar 18\, 2026 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) \nAbout This Discussion Group: \nThis meetup will allow industry experts and breeding program managers for working dog programs to discuss current issues in a professional forum. Sessions aim to provide a collaborative environment within which concerns and options may be explored\, with the goals of promoting best breeding practice and positive program outcomes while also preparing for the rapidly-expanding needs of working dog programs worldwide. \n  \nAttendance and Registration: \n\nRegistration is required. Click here to register via Zoom.\n\n 
URL:https://www.iwdba.org/event_old/breeding-forum-march-2025/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iwdba.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/breedingprogram_socials-copy.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T203000
DTSTAMP:20260403T222032
CREATED:20260109T063738Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260213T033256Z
UID:10000030-1773860400-1773865800@www.iwdba.org
SUMMARY:Breeding Forum - March 2025 - Oceania Timezone
DESCRIPTION:Date and Time: Wed March 18\, 2026 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)  ||  Thurs March 19\, 2026 9:00 AM Australian Eastern Standard Time \nAbout This Discussion Group: \nThis meetup will allow industry experts and breeding program managers for working dog programs to discuss current issues in a professional forum. Sessions aim to provide a collaborative environment within which concerns and options may be explored\, with the goals of promoting best breeding practice and positive program outcomes while also preparing for the rapidly-expanding needs of working dog programs worldwide. \n  \nAttendance and Registration: \n\nRegistration is required. Click here to register via Zoom.\n\n 
URL:https://www.iwdba.org/event_old/breeding-forum-march-2025-oceania-timezone/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iwdba.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/breedingprogram_socials-copy.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T193000
DTSTAMP:20260403T222032
CREATED:20260213T025453Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260213T025453Z
UID:10000032-1776880800-1776886200@www.iwdba.org
SUMMARY:Mind and Motherhood: Promoting Mental Wellbeing in Brood Bitches
DESCRIPTION:When assessing the welfare of female breeding dogs\, factors that are typically looked at include their health and how successful they are at having puppies. However\, research and real-world experience show the critical importance of psychological wellbeing in shaping maternal behaviour\, stress resilience and the developmental outcomes of puppies. This presentation explores the profound impact of mental health in brood bitches and how positive emotional states can be passed on to their offspring. \nTo illustrate this\, the presentation will examine key factors influencing mental wellbeing\, including housing conditions\, socialisation opportunities\, human–dog interactions and breeding management practices. Indicators of compromised mental health—such as stress responses and behavioural changes—will be discussed alongside practical methods for early detection and ongoing monitoring. The presentation will also showcase evidence-based strategies for promoting emotional stability and wellbeing\, including environmental enrichment\, structured social contact and stress-reduction techniques. These approaches are designed to be seamlessly integrated into operational routines\, enhancing welfare without compromising efficiency. \nBy prioritising mental health alongside physical care\, the quality of life for brood bitches is elevated\, puppy outcomes are improved and the overall welfare standards across breeding operations are raised. \nDate and Time: Apr 22\, 6:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)\n\nRegister here:\nNon-IWDA members can register via Eventbrite: click here\nIWDA members can register for free from their member page: sign in and click here.\n\nAbout the speakers:\nPresented by Suzannah Farrell\, Guide Dogs Victoria (Australia)
URL:https://www.iwdba.org/event_old/mind-and-motherhood-promoting-mental-wellbeing-in-brood-bitches/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iwdba.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/7.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Tokyo:20260512T080000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Tokyo:20260513T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T222032
CREATED:20250912T035233Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T003659Z
UID:10000023-1778572800-1778691600@www.iwdba.org
SUMMARY:2026 Breeder's Workshop - Yokohama\, Japan
DESCRIPTION:Registration is open from 20th November at 1:00 PM (JST)! \nPlease register for the IWDA Breeder’s Workshop 2026 via the link below. \nClick here to download the program in English.  | 日本語版プログラムをダウンロードするにはここをクリックしてください。 \n  \nAccommodation Options\nYou may choose your accommodation from either the InterContinental Yokohama Grand Hotel or the Yokohama Sakuragi-cho Washington Hotel. \n\nThe InterContinental Yokohama Grand is connected to Pacifico Yokohama via an indoor passageway\, allowing access to the venue in 1-2 minutes.\nThe Yokohama Sakuragi-Cho Washington Hotel is located directly in front of JR Sakuragi-cho Station. It takes approximately 20 minutes on foot to reach Pacifico Yokohama. While it is about a 7-minute taxi ride\, buses and taxis can become extremely crowded on rainy days\, potentially making travel to Pacifico Yokohama difficult.\nTherefore\, we recommend delegates stay at the InterContinental Yokohama Grand Hotel.\n\n  \nRegistering / Ticket Purchase\nThe registration page is shared for both the IWDA Breeder’s Workshop and the IGDF Conference. \nYou must complete separate procedures for registrations and accommodation arrangements. Please carefully confirm the plan you wish to register for and proceed with the registration process. Additionally\, you can apply for the optional tour to the General Center of Japan Guide Dog Association (as Fuji Harness)\, our largest breeding and training center\, located right at the foot of Mt. Fuji\, Japan’s highest and most beautiful mountain. \nThere are also two optional/extra tours available. You can add these on when you purchase a ticket: \n\nTour to Japan Guide Dog Centre (Fuji Harness) – May 14th from 8.30am to 6pm\nTour to Kanagawa Training Centre – May 17th from 2pm to 6pm\n\nClick here to visit the Registration page: https://amarys-jtb.jp/iwda-igdf2026_intl/
URL:https://www.iwdba.org/event_old/2025-breeders-workshop-yokohama-japan/
CATEGORIES:Partner Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iwdba.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/template-advert-ticketsnow.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Sao_Paulo:20270415T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Sao_Paulo:20270418T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T222032
CREATED:20260312T234056Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T234056Z
UID:10000033-1807776000-1808067600@www.iwdba.org
SUMMARY:International Working Dog Conference (IWDC) 2027
DESCRIPTION:SAVE THE DATE\nJoin working dog professionals from around the world for the next International Working Dog Conference\, a global gathering dedicated to advancing the science\, management\, and operational use of working dogs.\n  \nApril 15–18\, 2027\nConference Centre at The Prince George Hotel\nHalifax\, Nova Scotia\, Canada \n  \nHosted by the International Working Dog Association\, the IWDC has brought together working dog experts since 1999 to share the latest industry advancements and research. \nThe 2027 conference will feature presentations and discussions focused on topics such as: \n\nWorking dog health and welfare\nBreeding programs and genetics for operational dogs\nBehavior\, training\, and performance optimization\nProgram management and operational deployment of working dog teams\nEmerging research and innovations in working dog science\n\n  \nVenue\nThe conference will take place at the Conference Centre at The Prince George Hotel\, located in the heart of downtown Halifax. The hotel offers modern meeting facilities and luxury accommodations with convenient access to the Halifax Convention Centre and nearby attractions. \nMore details on registration\, speakers\, and program announcements will be shared soon. \nMark your calendar and stay tuned for more information about IWDC 2027.
URL:https://www.iwdba.org/event_old/international-working-dog-conference-iwdc-2027/
LOCATION:The Prince George Hotel\, Halifax\, Canada\, 1725 Market St\, Halifax\, NS\, B3J 3M3\, Canada
CATEGORIES:IWDC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iwdba.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/iwdc-2027-datesaver-copy.jpg
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