Education Seminars

Dr. Emmanuel Fontaine graduated from the Toulouse Veterinary School in 2004 and continued his studies at the Alfort Veterinary School (Paris) in the department of small animal reproduction. From 2005 to  2011, he worked at the Centre d’Etude en Reproduction des Carnivores (CERCA) [Research Centre for Reproduction in Carnivores], a unit specializing in pet breeding assistance. Emmanuel Fontaine is also qualified at the European College for Animal Reproduction (ECAR) and did his PhD thesis on the use of GnRH agonists implants in small carnivores . He joined Royal Canin Canada ‘s PRO team in September 2011.

Our genetics, environment and experiences shape us into who we become.  Interestingly enough those same factors shape dogs into who they become.  My early experiences with dog ownership were not positive ones. Although I loved dogs and tried my best with what was available to me, I ended up owning dogs with very serious behavioural issues.  My life was busy at the time, working and raising children (just like the majority of today’s puppy owners) and my attempts at rehabilitation were met with negativity, hostility and suggestions of finality.  I felt pretty defeated, sad and lost. When the 2nd of my dogs was nearing the end of her natural life, I tearfully decided I would no longer own dogs as I was under the impression that owning a good one was luck of the draw.

So what happened to change my mind?  I saw something very impactful that opened my eyes to dogs.  I realized they have an extensive language and code of ethics which they live by and yes, many could be rehabilitated.  I dove into the study of dogs on that very same day many years ago and have not stopped since.  Today I am very grateful that I don`t take defeat lightly because I have now raised the dog of my dreams and somewhere along the way, have helped thousands to do the same.

My studies included:

• Thousands of hours immersed in books, visual recordings, and seminars;
• Observing many training instructors with various techniques;
• Working hands on with dogs at rescues and shelters, exposing me to many breeds   with varied backgrounds and issues;
• Working at grooming salons, washing and drying dogs, as I had read that it`s the 2nd most stressful place for dogs (2nd to the vet`s office);
• Joining our local kennel club, observing and eventually assisting in class;
• Assisting and training obedience classes in a private facility;
• Running off-leash adolescent socializing classes for over 2 years now.  This is my favourite class as owners learn about body language, etiquette, re-direction, de-arousal and the dogs have an incredible time learning to socialize properly;
• I continue to read, attend seminars and am currently enrolled in a dog behaviour program in order to remain current on the latest research and controversies.
• Being a Ring Steward in Obedience and Rally-O for 3 consecutive years now.

Something very impactful happened along the way which allowed me to put a lifetime of experiences to make a difference and that`s when I created the Happy Puppy Training Kit.

Now my assistant, Elaine Johnston (who is also a breeder of Golden Retrievers) and I, travel and promote the benefits of early proactive training and the Kit.  It helps puppies in the transition to their new homes and owners to raise their puppies proactively the moment they come through the door. 

The Kit will never be stagnant.  As we continue to learn more about dogs, it will flourish.  We also work hand in hand with our breeders across Canada and the US to make it the best that it can be and will continue to do so.  We are forever grateful to our breeders for their faith, support and participation.

Presentation:

The following will be covered during my presentation:

We have incorporated all of the above into our program. It goes far beyond simple exercises.  It taps into the very every essence of canine ownership and canine development. 

Please note that for this presentation, application has been made for one and one half (1.5) hours of credit for the OVMA Continuing Education Recognition Program.

Pigmentary uveitis, also known as Golden Retriever uveitis, is an important cause of blindness in Golden Retrievers.  Unlike other forms of uveitis, pigmentary uveitis is not associated with any known systemic disease or underlying cause.  It is typically a disease of middle-aged and older Goldens, with most diagnosed starting at five years of age. (ACVO, 2007).  Approximately 10% of older Golden Retrievers are affected.  Pigmentary uveitis causes them to lose vision due to glaucoma or formation of cataracts.  Current therapies can slow progression of the disease, but there is, as yet, no cure or prevention for the condition.
Many ophthalmologists believe that early detection provides the best opportunity for effective treatment.  However, signs of PU are often subtle and may be confused with less serious conditions such as conjunctivitis.  Therefore, many now feel that every Golden Retriever should have a yearly eye examination by an ophthalmologist, even in the absence of symptoms.  These exams should begin prior to breeding for breeding dogs, but pet owners may wish to begin these yearly exams at about 3-5 years of age.

Dr. Wendy Townsend, DVM, MS, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine is the leading researcher into golden retriever pigmentary uveitis.  She is currently working to identify the gene that causes PU so that breeders can make informed decisions, at risk dogs can be identified, and better therapies can be developed.

Dr. Townsend’s presentation will focus on the unique clinical presentation that differentiates Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis from other causes of uveitis in dogs.  In addition, risk factors for the disease, complications of the disease, therapeutic options, breeding advice, and on-going research efforts will all be discussed in this comprehensive presentation.
For more detail on pigmentary uveitis, go to http://www.grca.org/health/uveitis2.html

Dr. Townsend will also be examining dogs and collecting DNA samples for her research at the Kemptville College site on August 2nd and 3rd and at the GRCGT Regional Specialty at Milton on August 8th and 9th. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about this awful disease and to contribute to Dr. Townsend’s vital research towards finding a cause.  Please join us!!!