What's happening here? Are they about to fight?

Dog bites to humans and fights between dogs are serious risks and one of the major reasons people call in a canine professional. In this advanced webinar, an international panel of seasoned experts will dissect a range of videos showcasing dogs in conflict.

Drawing from their extensive experience in various settings, they will provide nuanced insights and actionable recommendations. Each panelist has a different perspective and focus of practice, with a shared commitment to prevent bites and fights in a way that also meets the need of the dogs involved.

Attendees will have the chance to engage directly with the panel via chat, pose questions about the video content, and acquire sophisticated techniques to prevent, manage, and rehabilitate aggression in dogs, whether towards other dogs or people.

Enhance your expertise and refine your approach to canine aggression by joining us for this in-depth exploration. Note that even though we are listing this as an advanced webinar, often what's needed are the basics, so we may be reviewing some of those, too. And even though this is a serious topic, expect it to also be fun, because we always enjoy getting together to chat!

Join us Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 10 am - noon Pacific. We may have a bonus session at the end for breakout discussions. The main webinar and Q&A will also be recorded for later viewing.

  • Suitable for dog trainers, behaviorists, shelter workers, or anyone who wants to help dogs.

  • Understand the prime motivators for dog bites and why dogs fight even though it's an 'expensive' behavior.

  • Watch our panellists as they assess real life videos and deep dive into bite and fight behavior.

  • Examine the differences and similarities of Bites and Fights in varied locations such as Shelter (Tom Candy), Multi Dog Households (Debby McMullen), Pet Dog Training Classes (Chirag Patel). What are the methods for peaceful resolution and how do they differ?

  • How can we kindly encourage alternative behaviours when the stakes are so high?

  • Ask the panelists your questions - do you see something different in the video shares?

  • This webinar and all of the other classes in the school are included with a Diamond Membership All Access Pass. For one low price per month, you get access to all of our emotionally enriching dog courses. See if Diamond is right for you.

So many ways to help dogs who are biting or fighting. What's the best in this situation?

Please keep reading to get the most out of this webinar.

  • Lively Panel Discussion

    We won't always agree, but we are friendly to one another, which makes for a nice contrast to the divisiveness in the world.

    You'll get the live session, streaming access to the recording and links to further resources.

    The recording also has an automated session transcript.

  • Resources & Continuing Education Units

    We post video recordings of webinars within 24 hours of the live session. You are free to watch the recording as many times as you like.

    CEUs will be available for Course Purchasers and Diamond Members. They are currently pending.

  • Continue the Learning

    Attendees are also eligible to continue the conversation in the Grisha Stewart Learner Support Facebook Group.

    Diamond members can also post in the special group for Diamonds

Behavior and Training Consultant

Chirag Patel, BSc(Hons), CPBZC, DipCABT

Chirag is passionate about the application of ethical behavior change science to improve the life of animals living under human care by teach animals to be active participants in their own daily and veterinary care in a low stress manner. He is highly sought after for working with private clients, organizations as well as teaching workshops and presenting at conferences. Chirag was also an expert on BBC 1’s TV Series Nightmare Pets SOS and has gives TV interviews worldwide.


Chirag earned his BSc(Hons) in Veterinary Sciences from the Royal Veterinary College in London and a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Animal Behavior from the University of Lincoln, UK. He also holds an Advanced diploma in practical aspects of companion animal behavior and training from the Centre of Applied Pet Ethology. In 2005, Chirag completed an internship in dog behavior and training with a focus on aggressive behavior under the mentorship of Jean Donaldson at the San Francisco SPCA and developed his understanding and skills in puppy training under the mentorship of Ian Dunbar PhD, BVetMed, MRCVS. He is also a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers UK (00923).  He has also been invited and accepted as a Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant (CPBC), with the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC).

Certified Behavior Consultant

Debby McMullen, CDBC

Debby McMullen began her training career in 1998 as a volunteer instructor at Animal Friends shelter in Pittsburgh. She has taught thousands of classes through the shelter and at other locations. She started as a dog walker at the shelter, where she developed a keen interest in behavior and was asked to join the behavior program. This lead to a career switch and the creation of her own behavior business.

Debby also ran her own Doberman rescue for nearly 15 years before taking a less active role in the rescue world.

The author of "How Many Dogs? Using Positive Reinforcement Training to Manage a Multiple Dog Household", Debby's specialty is behavior consultations with an emphasis on multiple dog households as well as aggression cases. She owns Pawsitive Reactions, LLC in Pittsburgh, PAs and is certified in behavior through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

Senior Training and Behavior Advisor

Tom Candy BSc (Hons.), MSc, CCAB, CSBS, CBATI-KA

Tom Candy is a Senior Training and Behaviour Advisor for one of the largest dog rehoming organisations in the United Kingdom and is also a behaviour and welfare Trustee for Hope Rescue Wales. His duties include assessment, management and behaviour modification.

A passion for animal welfare and training led Tom to undertake a BSc (Hons) in bio-veterinary science, and an MSc in clinical animal behaviour from the University of Lincoln, UK.

Having started volunteering in rescue at the age of 15, Tom has been involved in a variety of aspects of rescue, including fundraising, home checks, transporting, and general day-to-day activities.

An international speaker, Tom is Clinical Animal Behaviourist with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council, and a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, a Certified Shelter behaviour specialist with the IAABC, a Certified Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor - Knowledge Assessed (CBATI-KA), and a full member of the APBC. He is the host of Simplifying Shelter Behaviour Podcast available on Spotify.

Registration: Join us for a panel discussion on dog bites and fights

It's your choice: buy this online session individually or get it (and a lot more) for FREE as a Stellar Villager or Diamond Member.

  • $29.00

    $29.00Bites and Fights Discussion Panel with Chirag Patel, Debby McMullen, Grisha Stewart and Tom Candy. Hosted by Claire Goyer. October 23, 10am Pacific.

    $29 One-time payment to add this recording of the live session to your library of courses. Your access will not expire.
    Buy Now

  • $29.99 / month

    $29.99 / monthStellar Village Membership

    Full-access membership to our online Village! The intention of Stellar Village is to do our part to help resource the planetary nervous system. Big goal, we know, but small things like your own breathing and acts of care make a difference, especially when we come together with love to learn!

    We have a diverse team with offerings on self-care, dog training, relational skills, and more. We have live classes, on demand classes, community singing, and chances to collaborate and go deep with each other.

    Village members get access to everything in Stellar Village online (except for the bonus features Diamond membership for dog trainers). [Learn More]
    Sign Up

  • $39.99 / month

    $39.99 / monthDiamond Membership All Access Pass

    Dog Trainers: Get it all and learn in community! Diamond members are villagers who also get bonus perks for dog trainers and behaviorists: a free professional dog pro directory listing, the dog trainer Facebook group, and the ability to apply for the CBATI Certification assessment. This is the best choice if you are a professional or aspiring dog trainer and are looking for an empathetic, kind community experience.

    Note that regular Village members still get to take all the dog training classes you want.

    [Learn More]
    Sign Up

If you choose to purchase a Stellar Village or Diamond Membership, your subscription will go for a month from the start date and then renew automatically each month after that. You can easily cancel renewal at any time and your access to the content will just expire on your renewal date.

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