2026 IACP Annual Educational Conference

18-20 August 2026 | Newport Beach, California

The Conference You Can’t Afford to Miss!

The Trainers You Follow. The Experts You Admire.

The 2026 IACP Annual Educational Conference takes place in Newport Beach, CA from 18-20 August!

This year’s Conference lineup features some of the biggest names in the dog training world, providing talks on a wide range of industry topics. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage and share knowledge with your fellow professionals.

For canine professionals, there’s no better place to be! We’d love to see you in Newport Beach this August! Get your ticket today at the link below.

Speakers at the 2026 IACP Annual Conference

Stephanie Vichinsky

Speaker Details

Stephanie Vichinsky is a world-renowned trainer with 15 years of experience specializing in behavioral cases. She and her team have rehabilitated thousands of reactive and aggressive dogs worldwide and founded The Method K9 Institute to train future behavioral specialists. Passionate about rescue work, she partners with shelters nationwide to reduce surrenders and euthanasia of dogs with behavioral challenges.

Robert Cabral

Speaker Details

Robert Cabral, IACP Hall of Fame inductee, is an internationally recognized dog trainer and behavior expert with 20+ years of experience. Founder of Bound Angels, he has transformed shelter programs nationwide, helping once “unadoptable” dogs find homes. Through books, online courses, and social media, he equips shelters, trainers, and owners with proven tools to build stronger human-dog relationships.

Jay Jack, Joel Silverman, Larry Krohn

The Foundation In Teaching Behaviors

Speaker Details

Jay Jack, Joel Silverman, and Larry Krohn are three of the most respected names in modern dog training. With decades of combined experience, they bring unique expertise in behavior, communication, and relationship-based training. Together, they emphasize clarity, foundation, and balanced methodology—helping trainers and owners alike build stronger, more cooperative partnerships with their dogs.

Chad Mackin

Navigating the Dog's Emotional Landscape

Speaker Details

Chad Mackin took his first professional dog training job in March of 1993, and his passion has always been helping family dogs live happier, more fulfilled lives. Throughout his career, he has focused on finding ways to achieve that more efficiently and with less friction. A former co-host of the Dog Training Conversations and Something to Bark About podcasts, Chad has taught workshops across the United States, Canada, England, Australia, and New Zealand.

Jamie Penrith

Fear of Fear

Speaker Details

Jamie Penrith is an international advocate for evidence-based canine welfare and responsible training with 25 years of experience, including a decade as a UK police dog handler. Founder of the Association of Responsible Dog Owners (ARDO), he champions scientifically grounded, humane training, challenges ideologically driven bans, and promotes integrity, critical thinking, and moral responsibility in advancing true canine welfare.

Antonio Diaz

From Triggered to Trusted: Rethinking Reactivity and Working Dogs Past Thresholds the Right Way

Speaker Details

Antonio Diaz, owner of Leader of the Pack K9 Training in Las Vegas, is an internationally recognized dog trainer and behavior expert. A Starmark Academy graduate and certified Behavior Specialist, he’s known for his balanced, practical approach. Antonio’s programs and mentorship have helped thousands worldwide build trust and leadership with their dogs while bridging science with real-world training.

Kelly Dunbar

Modern Puppy Training Gets It Wrong: Why Puppies Need More Than Obedience, Exposure, and Management

Speaker Details

Kelly Dunbar is a dog trainer and educator specializing in puppy development, with over 30 years of experience. She served 24 years as COO and Training Director of Sirius Puppy and Dog Training, created the Essential Puppy Training Course, and co-founded Open Paw. She now mentors trainers and competes in French Ring with her Belgian Shepherds.

Lola Carter

Small Handlers, Big Impact: Navigating Service Dog Work for Children

Speaker Details

Lola Carter is a professional dog trainer with 23 years of experience, including 17 specializing in service dogs. As president of Mission Service Dog and founder of Zen Dog Training, she promotes ethical, LIMA-based balanced methods. Inspired by her family’s experiences, Lola’s work empowers children with special needs through transformative canine partnerships that build confidence and independence.

Brett Endes

Turning Sensitivity into Strength: A Sensory-Based Approach to Canine Behavior

Speaker Details

Brett Endes, The Dog Savant, has spent over 30 years helping dogs overcome anxiety and reactivity. Diagnosed on the autism spectrum, he’s transformed his sensory differences into a powerful gift for understanding canine behavior. A former TV host and pet expert, Brett shares how his journey shows that embracing uniqueness can heal both humans and dogs.

Dr. Moira Hechenleitner, DVM, CSAT

When the Humans Leave: Navigating Separation Anxiety from Start to Finish

Speaker Details

Dr. Moira Hechenleitner, DVM, CSAT, is a veterinary graduate from Chile and Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer. With 17 years of experience, she offers global consultations and professional education in both English and Spanish. A founding board member of APDT Chile, she specializes in separation anxiety and currently helps families worldwide through her practice based in Noank, Connecticut.

Behesha Doan

Leading the Change in PTSD Service Dog Training: Enhancing Human Capacity Through Trauma-Informed Canine Partnership

Speaker Details

Behesha Doan, Founder and Training & Trauma Resilience Program Director of This Able Veteran, pairs expertly trained PTSD service dogs with U.S. veterans through an integrated trauma-resilience curriculum. A 25-year IACP member with four decades in dog behavior and human psychology, she advances trauma-responsive, healing-focused training. An IACP Ambassador and certified trainer, she is a respected international speaker and leader in this field.

Dr. Beth Barrett

Presentation Title Coming Soon!

Speaker Details

Dr. Barrett, a veterinarian of 38 years, began in equine racetrack practice and developed a passion for animals as athletes. She now focuses on canine medicine, treating high-performance working and sporting dogs. Outside work, she trains her Golden and Labrador for hunt tests and obedience and competes in Working Equitation. She is dedicated to optimizing animals’ physical and mental performance through informed training.

Heather Beck

Keep Calm and Play On: Mastering Safe Dog Socialization

Speaker Details

Heather Beck is the founder of Heather’s Heroes® and K9 Lifeline®, a Utah-based training, boarding, and daycare facility with more than 30 years of experience serving tens of thousands of dogs. An inventor, author, speaker, trainer, and mentor, Heather is known for advancing canine safety, handling, and socialization through her educational programs, workshops, and professional mentorship worldwide.

An Amazing Conference Location

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach

1107 Jamboree Rd
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Use the button to get exclusive rates through the IACP room block. No code needed, simply click below!

NOTE **The IACP Conference is being held at the Hyatt Newport Beach. We are not at the Hyatt Newport Beach WEST

The best speakers. The best community. The best Conference.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn, network and engage at the IACP's Annual Educational Conference! We can't wait to see you in Newport Beach, CA on August 18-20, 2026!