Through a 2 ¬Ω day program highlighting a comprehensive series of nationally and internationally recognized speakers, attendees will learn and participate in discussions about several aspects of defining, developing and documenting success in working dogs. The conference will feature the latest in puppy selection and development from Puppies Behind Bars, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Maranatha Kennels, Transportation Security Administration, and the University of Pennsylvania Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society. The practical and theoretical aspects of performance testing and certification will be presented by experts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency Search and Rescue Canine Component, The Seeing Eye, University of Texas, University of Bristol (UK), University of Twente (Belgium), and Florida International University. National and international experts in nutrition, physical conditioning and unique aspects of fitness from Auburn University, Johns Hopkins University, Virginia Tech/ Department of Defense Military Working Dog Veterinary Service Hospital, University of Alfort (France), University of Sydney (Australia), and the Family Enhancement & Play Therapy Center will also be presenting. In addition, new research findings will be presented in the Highlights from the Field sessions. Furthermore, this conference is an anchor event in the 9/11 Finding One Another: 10th Anniversary Tribute to Search and Rescue Dogs and the veterinarians that support them.

This conference is unique in that if offers attendees more than just the opportunity to listen to presentations from the experts. The open format is designed to initiate stimulating discussions among participants and presenters, to foster the exchange of ideas between trainers, scientists and veterinarians, and to inspire the overall advancement of the working dog.

Supporting this conference provides many unique opportunities for the AKC CHF to play a vital role in providing the working dog community with information that will improve the breeding, selection, and training of successful and healthy working dogs. Additionally, the conference provides an opportunity to educate attendees about the AKC Canine Health Foundation and its role as the largest funder of exclusively canine health research in the world.