Welcome to the 2025 IACP Annual Educational Conference!

Join us at the 2025 IACP Annual Educational Conference in Savannah, Georgia through July 28th – August 1st!

Attending an IACP conference gives you ample opportunities to broaden your knowledge in the canine professional world while also expanding your network of like-minded individuals. Listen to leaders in the industry present their insights. Grow on your expertise by participating in continuing education opportunities. At the 2025 IACP Annual Educational Conference, you are sure to leave inspired. In the canine professional community, we are Better Together. See you in Savannah!

The 2025 Conference has an amazing line-up of expert speakers who bring knowledge that is unmatched in the industry.  Whether you are a small business owner, work for a professional training facility, or serve in some other professional capacity with dogs, this conference is for you!

In addition to an incredible schedule of learning, our conference offers an unsurpassed networking opportunity where you can connect with other industry professionals who share your same passion.  The conference also hosts our annual paper plate races and other interactive events that make this an event you won’t want to miss!

2025 IACP Educational Conference Savannah

Our Incredible Speaker Lineup!

Dr. Stewart Hilliard

Double Header: "Pavlovian-Instrumental Interactions" & "Science and the Modern Use of Aversive Control"

Dr. Stewart Hilliard, a pioneer in dog training and breeding since 1979, introduced Belgian Malinois to the U.S., helped establish French Ring Sport, and spent decades aiding dog owners with behavior challenges. With a PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience, he now manages the 341st Military Working Dog Breeding Program and leads the Kynology lecture series to advance education for dog trainers.

IACP Conference Speaker Michael Shikashio

Michael Shikashio

"From Conflict to Companionship: Resolving Intra-Household Dog to Dog Aggression"

Michael Shikashio, CDBC, founder of AggressiveDog.com, specializes in educating professionals worldwide on managing canine aggression. A five-term IAABC president, he is a sought-after expert featured in major media outlets and hosts the podcast The Bitey End of the Dog. He has delivered keynote speeches in over 200 cities across 20 countries and offers programs like the Aggression in Dogs Master Course and annual conference.

 

Phyllis Smuland

Phyllis Smuland

"Tailoring Training According to Temperament"

Phyllis Smuland, owner of Canine Counselor, Inc., has been training dogs since 1985, specializing in rehabilitating severe aggression, anxiety, resource guarding, and dog-to-dog issues. Using her pack of dogs and a personalized approach, she focuses on building trust, establishing leadership, and achieving a relaxed state of mind. Smuland tailors her training methods and tools to each dog’s unique needs, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.

 

Jennifer Carter

"Unleashing the Power of Nutrition and Rehab"

Jennifer Carter is an accomplished author, certified canine nutritionist, and certified NACSW K9 Nosework instructor. She travels nationwide offering canine nutrition seminars, nosework classes, and Canicross clinics, including hosting Virginia’s first Canicross race with 135 human-dog teams. She is also writing a book on the role of nutrition in dog rehabilitation.

Dr. Melanie Uhde

"A Case Against Calm: Why Our Dogs Become Less Resilient in a World of Chaos"

Dr. Melanie Uhde’s unique approach, grounded in a deep understanding of dogs’ behavior, neurobiology, genetics, and motivation, is informed by her expertise and impactful research on gut-immune-brain interactions in gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric diseases at Columbia University.

 

IACP Speaker Kim Brophey

Kim Brophey

"The "Good Life" of a "Good Dog" - A Total Welfare Model for the Future of the Pet Dog Industry"

Kim Brophey, CDBC, CPDT-KA, is an applied ethologist whose trademarked Dog L.E.G.S.® model provides a groundbreaking framework that simplifies scientific principles for understanding pet dogs’ behavior.

Jay Jack

"Windows Theory: Clear Communication for a Liveable Dog"

Jay Jack, founder of GRC Dog Sports, is a renowned expert in biological fulfillment and relationship-based training, celebrated worldwide for his effective, scientific approach to play and behavior rehabilitation, remarkable teaching skills, and his wit, humor, and integrity in dog training.

Cyndy Douan

"Good Vibes Only: Resonating with Canines for Behavior and Bonding"

Cyndy Douan is a World Ranked Sport Dog Champion while also representing our organization as IACP Co-Founder, 10-year Board Member, AND 2012 IACP Hall of Fame Recipient.

 

April Goodwin

Class Information Coming Soon!

April Goodwin, an attorney based in St. Petersburg, Florida, founded The Goodwin Firm in 2015 to focus on pet law and employment law. Recognizing a lack of legal services for pet owners, she dedicated her practice to addressing issues like custody disputes, dog bite defense, and veterinary malpractice. A lifelong pet owner and advocate, April is committed to protecting the rights of pets and their guardians.

Duke Ferguson

"Unleashed Potential-How Personal Development Elevates Professional Dog Training"

Duke Ferguson, owner and CEO of Unleashed Potential K9 Academy, is a certified master trainer with nearly 40 years of experience in the canine industry. He collaborates with dog trainers, government agencies, and celebrities, focusing on personal, professional, and holistic development. Combining CHPC® coaching and NePoPo® dog training, Duke helps industry leaders achieve sustained success while fostering strong relationships and work-life balance.
Athena Haus

Athena Haus

"Fundamentals of Fun in Search & Rescue:

Athena Haus has 28 years of Search and Rescue experience, including 26 years in public service as a Firefighter/Paramedic and Fire Officer. As a founding member of FEMA Ohio Task Force One, she helped establish the team’s canine training program and disaster site operations. Additionally, she is the founder of K9 Karma, a canine training business, and has spent the past 20 years traveling nationwide as an instructor and evaluator for search and rescue and tactical medicine workshops.

Come Join Us at the Hyatt Regency in Charming Savannah, Georgia

An Amazing Conference Location!

The IACP is excited to announce the 7th Annual Dick Russell Paper Plate Recall Races

There is an entry fee of $25 to enter yourself and your dog. The competition will be held in a bracket format. Spectators are encouraged and welcome to attend all races. Every race will be a best out of three elimination race. There are no weight classes and no breed restrictions.

 

Check Out These Conference Scholarship Opportunities

IACP Educational Scholarships support individuals that are passionate about advancing their canine training knowledge and skills. The winners of each scholarship will receive financial assistance to travel and experience an IACP Annual Educational Conference, which consists of industry-leading speakers, continued education opportunities, networking with like-minded individuals, and more! Each scholarship consists of unique requirements to fulfill, so we encourage you to explore each opportunity thoroughly. These scholarships are thoughtfully crafted to help recipients grow professionally and make a positive impact on the canine training community.