From Start to Finish with Michael Shikashio & Dr Moira Hechenleitner

FROM START TO FINISH:

SUCCESS IN AGGRESSION AND SEPARATION ANXIETY CASES

With Michael Shikashio CDBC and Dr. Moira Hechenleitner DVM, CSAT

NOTE: All prices in AUD

You asked for how to — not just why it matters — so we built this workshop just for you.

In this first-of-its-kind, interactive and engaging session, you won’t just hear theories about aggression and separation anxiety — you’ll learn the actual steps, tools, decision making, and client-ready processes you need to confidently work these cases from start to finish. In this hands-on environment, you will:

• Experience real-world case workflows, not just high-level concepts

• Practice step-by-step strategies and assessments

• Engage with Mike and Moira through interactive exercises and real cases

• Leave with actionable skills and tools you can immediately apply to your next client

This is not a sit-back-and-watch workshop. You won’t be spending the day passively listening to slide decks from a chair. Instead, this highly interactive format is designed to actively engage you in the learning process. Through guided exercises, discussion, and real-world scenarios, you’ll practice and refine the consulting skills required for serious behavior cases, including decision-making, client communication, case progression, and treatment planning. The goal is to help you think, respond, and problem-solve more effectively in the moment, just as you would in real consultations!

You will also receive access to the whole recording for the seminar to go back to time and time again to refresh your memory.

If you can't make it in person, you still have an opportunity to purchase a livestream ticket. You'll miss the interactive part and the networking opportunities and social connection, but still get the learning component from the amazing NEW workshop.

Over three days you'll discover the step-by-step processes involved in the successful diagnosis, treatment, training, behavioural modification, client discussion, and follow-up for aggression and separation anxiety in domestic dogs

FRIDAY, MARCH 20TH, 2026

SATURDAY, MARCH 21ST, 2026

SUNDAY, MARCH 22ND, 2026

FRIDAY, MARCH 20TH, 2026

Beyond the Bite: Working with Dog Aggression

Presented by Michael Shikashio, CDBC

Keeping it simple is key to understanding aggressive behavior. In this session, Mike will explore the many reasons dogs may display aggression and share the straightforward concepts and techniques he uses to achieve positive outcomes in aggression cases.

He’ll also dive into the emotions that influence dog aggression — what they look like, why they matter, and how they guide our approach. You’ll see videos of dogs displaying body language, behaviours, and physiological signs that reveal their underlying emotions, along with practical strategies for helping clients and their dogs.

From emotions to underlying medical factors to the wide range of motivations behind behaviour, we’ll take an in-depth look at aggression and learn how to best support dogs and their guardians.

The Truth About Separation Related Behaviors
Presented by Dr. Moira Hechenleitner, DVM, CSAT

The term separation related behaviours (SRBs) has gained popularity in recent years, yet it’s still often used interchangeably with separation anxiety—a mix-up that can lead to confusion and ineffective treatment.

In this talk, Dr. Moira Hechenleitner will clarify the difference between SRBs—the unwanted behaviours dogs may show when left alone—and true separation anxiety, which is driven by a persistent stress response that does not improve with repeated exposure.

Through real-life video examples, you’ll explore the diverse range of underlying causes behind SRBs. Some may be rooted primarily in anxiety, while others arise from different emotional or environmental factors. Understanding these distinctions is the first step toward selecting the right path forward for each individual dog.

Safety First: Management in Aggression Cases

Presented by Michael Shikashio, CDBC

Safety is the top priority when working with dogs who have a history of aggression — for the handler, the public, and the dog. In this session, Mike will share practical, effective management strategies and tools to reduce risk and create a safe working environment in any aggression case.

We’ll cover the essential safety considerations to put in place before beginning any behaviour modification plan, from environmental setup and secure handling protocols to the strategic use of equipment like muzzles, barriers, and leashes. You’ll learn how to match the right tools to each unique case, ensuring you have layers of protection that support both safety and progress.

Through real-world examples and video demonstrations, Mike will highlight proactive management techniques that not only prevent incidents but also set dogs and their handlers up for success. Whether you’re working in a client’s home, a shelter, or a public space, this session will give you the confidence to manage even the most challenging aggression cases with skill and foresight.

Home Alone Horrors: Assessing Separation Anxiety
Presented by Dr. Moira Hechenleitner, DVM, CSAT

When a dog struggles alone, the behaviours you see are only the tip of the iceberg. This session shows you how to uncover what’s underneath. Building on the distinction between separation-related behaviours (SRBs) and true separation anxiety, Dr. Moira Hechenleitner walks you through a clear assessment process designed to identify the real driver of the behaviour.

You’ll learn how to combine context, thorough background history, and direct observation to piece together an accurate picture of what’s happening. We’ll explore what to ask (life stage, environment, recent changes, health considerations, learning history), what to watch for during the assessment, and how to interpret these findings without jumping to conclusions.

We’ll also cover the practical side of setting up an assessment—whether live or recorded—including how to position cameras for the clearest view, what details to capture, and how to ensure your observations are complete and objective. By the end, you’ll have a repeatable, real-world framework for distinguishing anxiety-driven distress from other look-alike behaviours, giving you the clarity needed to plan the next steps effectively.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21ST, 2026

The Three Pillars of Separation Anxiety Training: An Integrative Approach
Presented by Dr. Moira Hechenleitner, DVM, CSAT

Once a thorough assessment confirms separation anxiety, the real work begins—designing a training plan that addresses not only the behavior, but the dog’s overall well-being. In this talk, Dr. Moira Hechenleitner will guide you through the three essential pillars of an effective, integrative separation anxiety plan:

·       Suspension of Absences: Why preventing your dog from being left alone outside of training sessions is a non-negotiable foundation.

·       Systematic Desensitization Training: A gradual, step-by-step approach to increasing absence tolerance.

·       Medical Support: Veterinary collaboration, health care, and behaviour medication when appropriate.

You’ll also see how these pillars fit together in an integrative framework—one that treats the dog as a whole being, not just a “separation anxiety case.” With help from a “village” of support—owners, vets, other trainers, and SA specialists—this approach turns an overwhelming challenge into a structured, compassionate path to success.

Prognosis and Realistic Goal Setting in Aggression Cases

Presented by Michael Shikashio, CDBC

One of the most critical aspects of working an aggression case is guiding clients and adopters toward a clear, realistic understanding of what success might look like for their unique situation. In this session, Mike will walk you through how to assess and communicate a prognosis that sets achievable goals, while balancing the needs of the dog, the household, and safety considerations.

We’ll explore the many factors that influence prognosis, including the dog’s history, environment, triggers, behavior patterns, and responsiveness to intervention. You’ll learn how to frame realistic expectations in a way that empowers clients, keeps them engaged in the process, and fosters long-term management and improvement.

This approach not only supports better outcomes for dogs and their people but also helps prevent burnout and compassion fatigue for trainers, shelter staff, and other professionals working with challenging behaviour cases. By the end of this session, you’ll have practical strategies for blending empathy with honesty, ensuring you can deliver assessments that are both hopeful and grounded in reality.

Separation Anxiety Demystified: Real Stories, False Fixes, and Keys to Prognosis
Presented by Dr. Moira Hechenleitner, DVM, CSAT

Separation anxiety advice is everywhere—but not all of it works. In this talk, Dr. Moira Hechenleitner separates fact from fiction, tackling some of the most persistent myths about treating separation anxiety and explaining why these “quick fixes” often fall short.

You’ll also explore what really shapes prognosis: factors within the dog’s world, their health, learning style, and co-existing behaviour challenges, as well as the realities of the human side—time, resources, and emotional bandwidth.

The session wraps up with real-life case studies, following each dog’s journey from initial assessment through training, setbacks, and breakthroughs. You’ll see how evidence-based strategies and thoughtful decision-making can lead to meaningful progress, even in the most challenging cases.

Tried and True: Behavior Change Strategies in Aggression Cases That Don't Bite

Presented by Michael Shikashio, CDBC

Creativity and ingenuity in training and behaviour change strategies have been wonderful aspects of the dog training community, especially when it comes to addressing aggression issues. Throughout the years, numerous excellent protocols have emerged, ranging from the "ATs" such as LAT, BAT, CAT, or RAT, to more traditional techniques like desensitisation and counterconditioning. With such a wide array of options available, it can be challenging to determine the most suitable protocol for your specific case, and which approach will yield the most effective results.

Join aggression specialist Michael Shikashio as he shares his personal experiences with a variety of techniques and highlights those he considers "tried and true."

SUNDAY, MARCH 22ND, 2026

Let’s Play Behaviour Consultant: Solving Dog to Human Aggression Cases

Presented by Michael Shikashio, CDBC

Step into the role of a behaviour consultant and get ready to put your problem-solving skills to the test in an exciting, interactive session with Mike. You’ll gain valuable insights into the intricacies of dog-to-human aggression and, through real-life case studies, have the chance to analyze and understand these complex issues in depth.

Attendees will actively collaborate with Mike, working through every critical step in addressing aggression cases — from the initial history-taking process for a thorough understanding, to safety protocols and effective management strategies, and finally, the implementation of behaviour change techniques. This engaging session will equip you with the knowledge and skills to handle a wide range of aggressive behaviours with confidence.

Practice Time! Solving Separation Related Behaviour Cases
Presented by Dr. Moira Hechenleitner, DVM, CSAT

Step into the role of a separation anxiety specialist and put your assessment and training-planning skills to the test in this interactive, two-part session with Dr. Moira Hechenleitner. Through detailed mock cases based on real-life scenarios, you’ll work alongside Moira to untangle the complexities of separation-related behaviours.

Attendees will actively collaborate to identify underlying causes, interpret case histories, and decide on next steps—whether it’s ruling in separation anxiety, pinpointing another driver, or mapping out an initial plan. Together, you’ll navigate the decision-making process from first observations to training strategy, learning how to think critically, stay flexible, and problem-solve in real time.

By the end, you’ll walk away with sharper skills, fresh insights, and the confidence to tackle SRB cases with clarity and precision.

Let’s Play Behaviour Consultant: Solving Dog to Dog Aggression Cases

Presented by Michael Shikashio, CDBC

Step into the role of a behaviour consultant and get ready to put your problem-solving skills to the test in an exciting, interactive session with Mike. You’ll gain valuable insights into the intricacies of dog-to-dog aggression and, through real-life case studies, have the chance to analyze and understand these complex issues in depth.

Attendees will actively collaborate with Mike, working through every critical step in addressing aggression cases — from the initial history-taking process for a thorough understanding, to safety protocols and effective management strategies, and finally, the implementation of behaviour change techniques. This engaging session will equip you with the knowledge and skills to handle a wide range of aggressive behaviours with confidence.

Practice Time! Solving Separation Related Behavior Cases
Presented by Dr. Moira Hechenleitner, DVM, CSAT

Step into the role of a separation anxiety specialist and put your assessment and training-planning skills to the test in this interactive, two-part session with Dr. Moira Hechenleitner. Through detailed mock cases based on real-life scenarios, you’ll work alongside Moira to untangle the complexities of separation-related behaviours.

Attendees will actively collaborate to identify underlying causes, interpret case histories, and decide on next steps—whether it’s ruling in separation anxiety, pinpointing another driver, or mapping out an initial plan. Together, you’ll navigate the decision-making process from first observations to training strategy, learning how to think critically, stay flexible, and problem-solve in real time.

By the end, you’ll walk away with sharper skills, fresh insights, and the confidence to tackle SRB cases with clarity and precision.