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The ACO Voice -

February 2018

The ACO VoiceA Monthly Magazine from Animal Control Training Services

The Only National Monthly Magazine Dedicated to Animal Control

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Occupational Outlook:Animal Control Officers

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Occupational Outlook - Animal Control OfficersSource: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.

Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook,Data for Occupations Not Covered in Detail, on theInternet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm

Last Modified Date: Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Handle animals for the purpose of investigations ofmistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, orunattended animals.

2016 employment: 13,400May 2016 median annual wage: $34,550Projected employment change, 2016–26:• Number of new jobs: 1,100• Growth rate: 8 percent (As fast as average)Education and training:• Typical entry-level education: High school

diploma or equivalent• Work experience in a related occupation: None• Typical on-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-

job training

33-9011.00 - Animal Control WorkersSource: www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-

9011.00

Handle animals for the purpose of investigations ofmistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, orunattended animals.

Sample of reported job titles: Animal Attendant,Animal Control Officer, Animal Park Code EnforcementOfficer, Community Service Officer, Dog Control Officer

Tasks• Investigate reports of animal attacks or animal

cruelty, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, andwriting reports.

• Capture and remove stray, uncontrolled, or abusedanimals from undesirable conditions, using nets, nooses,or tranquilizer darts as necessary.

• Examine animals for injuries or malnutrition, andarrange for any necessary medical treatment.

• Remove captured animals from animal-controlservice vehicles and place animals in shelter cages orother enclosures.

• Euthanize rabid, unclaimed, or severely injuredanimals.

• Supply animals with food, water, and personalcare.

• Clean facilities and equipment such as dog pensand animal control trucks.

• Prepare for prosecutions related to animaltreatment, and give evidence in court.

• Educate the public about animal welfare, andanimal control laws and regulations.

• Contact animal owners to inform them that theirpets are at animal holding facilities.

• Write reports of activities, and maintain files ofimpoundments and dispositions of animals.

• Issue warnings or citations in connection withanimal-related offenses, or contact police to reportviolations and request arrests.

• Answer inquiries from the public concerninganimal control operations.

• Examine animal licenses, and inspectestablishments housing animals for compliance with laws.

• Organize the adoption of unclaimed animals.

Technology Skills• Database user interface and query software —

Animal Shelter Manager; ARK Software Ark ShelterSoftware; RoseRush Services Shelter Pro; TRAX AnimalControl and Dog Warden Officer Software (several otherexamples)

• Electronic mail software — Microsoft Outlook• Internet browser software — Web browser

software• Map creation software — Geographic information

system GIS software• Office suite software — Microsoft Office• Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel• Word processing software — Microsoft Word

Knowledge• Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal

codes, court procedures, precedents, governmentregulations, executive orders, agency rules, and thedemocratic political process.

• Public Safety and Security — Knowledge ofrelevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategiesto promote effective local, state, or national security

Occupational Outlook: ACO’s

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operations for the protection of people, data, property,and institutions.

• English Language — Knowledge of the structureand content of the English language, to include the meaningand the spelling of words, rules of composition, andgrammar.

• Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge ofprinciples and processes for providing customer andpersonal services. This includes customer needsassessment, meeting quality standards for services, andevaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Education and Training — Knowledge ofprinciples and methods for curriculum and training design,teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, andthe measurement of training effects.

• Communications and Media — Knowledge ofmedia production, communication, and disseminationtechniques and methods. This includes alternative waysto inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

• Telecommunications — Knowledge oftransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, andoperation of telecommunications systems.

Skills• Active Listening — Giving full attention to what

other people are saying, taking time to understand thepoints being made, asking questions as appropriate, andnot interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning toidentify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativesolutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

• Speaking — Talking to others to conveyinformation effectively.

• Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complexproblems and reviewing related information to developand evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Judgment and Decision Making — Consideringthe relative costs and benefits of potential actions tochoose the most appropriate one.

• Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others'reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

• Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performanceof yourself, other individuals, or organizations to makeimprovements or take corrective action.

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• Service Orientation — Actively looking for waysto help people.

• Active Learning — Understanding the implicationsof new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

• Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation toothers' actions.

• Reading Comprehension — Understanding writtensentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Abilities• Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to

and understand information and ideas presented throughspoken words and sentences.

• Oral Expression — The ability to communicateinformation and ideas in speaking so others willunderstand.

• Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell whensomething is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does notinvolve solving the problem, only recognizing there is aproblem.

• Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combinepieces of information to form general rules or conclusions(includes finding a relationship among seeminglyunrelated events).

• Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep yourhand and arm steady while moving your arm or whileholding your arm and hand in one position.

• Deductive Reasoning — The ability to applygeneral rules to specific problems to produce answersthat make sense.

• Near Vision — The ability to see details at closerange (within a few feet of the observer).

• Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly soothers can understand you.

• Written Comprehension — The ability to read andunderstand information and ideas presented in writing.

• Written Expression — The ability to communicateinformation and ideas in writing so others will understand.

• Speech Recognition — The ability to identify andunderstand the speech of another person.

• Far Vision — The ability to see details at adistance.

• Information Ordering — The ability to arrangethings or actions in a certain order or pattern accordingto a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers,letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

• Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly moveyour hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two

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hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.• Static Strength — The ability to exert maximum

muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities• Performing for or Working Directly with the

Public/Citizens — Performing for people or dealingdirectly with the public. This includes serving customers,and receiving citizens or guests.

• Communicating with Persons Outside theOrganization — Communicating with people outside theorganization, representing the organization to customers,the public, government, and other external sources. Thisinformation can be exchanged in person, in writing, orby telephone or e-mail.

• Getting Information — Observing, receiving, andotherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events —Identifying information by categorizing, estimating,recognizing differences or similarities, and detectingchanges in circumstances or events.

• Resolving Conflicts/Negotiating with Others —Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolvinggrievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating withothers.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems —Analyzing information and evaluating results to choosethe best solution and solve problems.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, orSubordinates — Providing information to supervisors,coworkers, and subordinates by telephone, in writtenform, e-mail, or in person.

• Documenting/Recording Information — Entering,transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaininginformation in written or electronic/magnetic form.

• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliancewith Standards — Using relevant information andindividual judgment to determine whether events orprocesses comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

• Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands andarms in handling, installing, positioning, and movingmaterials, and manipulating things.

• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, orEquipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, ordriving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such asvehicles or water craft.

• Performing General Physical Activities —Performing physical activities that require considerableuse of your arms and legs and moving your whole body,such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping,

and handling of materials.• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings —

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials,events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, orcreating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems,or products, including artistic contributions.

• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge —Keeping up-to-date technically and applying newknowledge to your job.

• Establishing and Maintaining InterpersonalRelationships — Developing constructive and

cooperative working relationships with others, andmaintaining them over time.

• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, orPeople — Assessing the value, importance, or quality ofthings or people.

• Assisting and Caring for Others — Providingpersonal assistance, medical attention, emotional support,or other personal care to others such as coworkers,customers, or citizens.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material —Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identifythe cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work —Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize,organize, and accomplish your work.

• Interpreting Information for Others — Translatingor explaining what information means and how it can beused.

• Processing Information — Compiling, coding,categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifyinginformation or data.

• Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying theunderlying principles, reasons, or facts of information

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by breaking down information or data into separate parts.• Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the

educational needs of others, developing formaleducational or training programs or classes, and teachingor instructing others.

Detailed Work Activities• Examine crime scenes to obtain evidence.• Interview people to gather information about

criminal activities.• Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.• Provide care for animals.

• Use weapons or physical force to maintainsecurity.

• Check physical condition of people or animals.• Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.• Inform the public about policies, services or

procedures.• Issue warnings or citations.• Collaborate with law enforcement or security

agencies to respond to incidents.• Maintain operational records.• Write operational reports.• Examine personal documentation to ensure that it

is valid.• Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with

security or safety regulations.• Train employees in proper work procedures.• Find occupations related to multiple detailed work

activities.

Work Context• Face-to-Face Discussions — 95% responded

“Every day.”• Telephone — 86% responded “Every day.”• Contact With Others — 83% responded “Constant

contact with others.”• Deal With External Customers — 78% responded

“Extremely important.”• Freedom to Make Decisions — 66% responded

“A lot of freedom.”• Structured versus Unstructured Work — 72%

responded “A lot of freedom.”• In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — 68%

responded “Every day.”• Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — 54% responded

“Every day.”• Consequence of Error — 67% responded

“Extremely serious.”• Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — 74%

responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”• Frequency of Decision Making — 53% responded

“Every day.”• Work With Work Group or Team — 53% responded

“Extremely important.”• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such

as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection,Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 54% responded “Everyday.”

• Impact of Decisions on Coworkers or CompanyResults — 51% responded “Very important results.”

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 49%responded “Extremely important.”

• Letters and Memos — 40% responded “Everyday.”

• Exposed to Contaminants — 42% responded“Every day.”

• Exposed to Disease or Infections — 43%responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”

• Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings —32% responded “Once a month or more but not everyweek.”

• Frequency of Conflict Situations — 38% responded“Once a week or more but not every day.”

• Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 36%responded “Very important.”

• Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 39%responded “Every day.”

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control,or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 32% responded“Less than half the time.”

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• Time Pressure — 50% responded “Once a weekor more but not every day.”

• Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — 30% responded“Every day.”

• Duration of Typical Work Week — 44% responded“More than 40 hours.”

• Coordinate or Lead Others — 31% responded“Extremely important.”

• Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — 43%responded “Very high responsibility.”

• Outdoors, Under Cover — 42% responded “Oncea year or more but not every month.”

• Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting orUncomfortable — 40% responded “Once a year or morebut not every month.”

• Spend Time Sitting — 66% responded “About halfthe time.”

• Physical Proximity — 27% responded “Moderatelyclose (at arm's length).”

Job Zone• Education — These occupations usually require a

high school diploma.• Related Experience — Some previous work-

related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.For example, a worker would benefit from experienceworking directly with the public.

• Job Training — Employees in these occupationsneed anywhere from a few months to one year of workingwith experienced employees. A recognizedapprenticeship program may be associated with theseoccupations.

• Job Zone Examples — These occupations ofteninvolve using your knowledge and skills to help others.

Interests• Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently

involve work activities that include practical, hands-onproblems and solutions. They often deal with plants,animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, andmachinery. Many of the occupations require workingoutside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or workingclosely with others.

• Social — Social occupations frequently involveworking with, communicating with, and teaching people.These occupations often involve helping or providingservice to others.

• Conventional — Conventional occupationsfrequently involve following set procedures and routines.These occupations can include working with data anddetails more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear lineof authority to follow.

Work Styles• Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.• Dependability — Job requires being reliable,

responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.• Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting

criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with highstress situations.

• Self Control — Job requires maintainingcomposure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger,and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficultsituations.

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• Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant withothers on the job and displaying a good-natured,cooperative attitude.

• Independence — Job requires developing one'sown ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little orno supervision, and depending on oneself to get thingsdone.

• Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitiveto others' needs and feelings and being understanding andhelpful on the job.

• Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being opento change (positive or negative) and to considerablevariety in the workplace.

• Attention to Detail — Job requires being carefulabout detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

• Innovation — Job requires creativity andalternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answersto work-related problems.

• Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzinginformation and using logic to address work-related issuesand problems.

• Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take onresponsibilities and challenges.

• Persistence — Job requires persistence in the faceof obstacles.

• Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishingand maintaining personally challenging achievement goalsand exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

• Social Orientation — Job requires preferring towork with others rather than alone, and being personallyconnected with others on the job.

• Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead,take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

Work Values• Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work

value allow employees to provide service to others andwork with coworkers in a friendly noncompetitiveenvironment. Corresponding needs are Coworkers, MoralValues and Social Service.

• Independence — Occupations that satisfy this workvalue allow employees to work on their own and makedecisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity,Responsibility and Autonomy.

• Support — Occupations that satisfy this work valueoffer supportive management that stands behindemployees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies,Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision:Technical.

Related Occupations13-1041.02 — Licensing Examiners and Inspectors31-2012.00 — Occupational Therapy Aides Bright

Outlook33-3012.00 — Correctional Officers and Jailers33-3021.02 — Police Identification and Records

Officers33-3021.03 — Criminal Investigators and Special

Agents33-3051.01 — Police Patrol Officers33-3052.00 — Transit and Railroad Police53-2022.00 — Airfield Operations Specialists53-3011.00 — Ambulance Drivers and Attendants,

Except Emergency Medical Technicians53-6061.00 — Transportation Attendants, Except

Flight Attendants

Wages & Employment Trends• Median wages (2016) — $16.61 hourly, $34,550

annual• Employment (2016) — 13,000 employees• Projected growth (2016-2026) — Average (5%

to 9%) Average (5% to 9%)• Projected job openings (2016-2026) — 1,600 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2016 wage data

external site and 2016-2026 employment projectionsexternal site. "Projected growth" represents theestimated change in total employment over theprojections period (2016-2026). "Projected jobopenings" represent openings due to growth andreplacement.

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By Jeffrey ClemensStand-By: Bankers Hours or the Midnight Shift?

It has always been interesting to inquire as to howeach animal control agency provides coverage to servethe needs of their communities. Most agencies providestandard coverage from either 8 to 4 or the traditionalbanker’s hours of 9 to 5. In addition to daytime shifts, the"after-hours" are normally governed by a standby shift tohandle calls of an emergency nature. ACO's arecompensated by a percentage of their hourly rate or given1-2 hours of overtime to address the after-hour responses.In many cases they are only paid in the event that theyrespond to handle a call. Depending on the size of theagency is also a consideration. Larger departments havedeveloped 24 hours of service by scheduling daytime,swing and midnight shifts. They have eliminated thestandby position all together. As with all public safetyprofessions, the required shift coverage isn't alwaysfamily friendly; working weekends, holidays and overtimehas its drawbacks. ACO's often find it difficult to scheduledays off and vacations due to a lack of coverage. Manyemployees sign-up for the standby to compensate for lowpaying salaries and high cost of living expenses. It isvery easy to become overwhelmed in a hurry. Fatigue,stress, health problems and burn out are just to name afew of the unhealthy consequences of trying to take ontoo much. In regards to standby, the phrase "moderationis the key" is very fitting.

Measuring the Return on your Training InvestmentIf one were to make a financial investment, the most

important question that can be asked is, what will be thereturn on my investment? The same question should alsobe asked regarding training and instruction that is providedto departmental staff. A financial investment is easy toevaluate, what's the bottom line, how much did theprinciple investment return monetarily speaking.Evaluating training requires a 5 prong approach in orderto properly identify the dividends. In an attempt to measurethe effectiveness of training the following is a list to assistin the process.

1. The taxonomy of the ACO. Everyone comes tothe table with some degree of training, knowledge andexperience. Previous knowledge is important as it maynot have been proper or correct training which can resultin liability concerns. Has the ACO received accurate

Jeff’s Corner

training on a topic that is correct, truthful, objective andlegal?

2. Learning comprehension. What facts, new skills,knowledge did the ACO gain from the training. One ofthe best ways to measure this concept is to provide abefore and after test/quiz questionnaire. This approachis helpful as it is a true reflection of the individualsknowledge as well as identify the individuals learningneeds and knowledge deficit.

3. Performance application. Once new skills andknowledge are acquired, they can be measured duringand after training. New recruits can be supervised,evaluated and trained by a field training officer (FTO)or senior officer. The performance objective is easilymeasured, did the officer maintain his or her safety, werePPE and tools of the trade used properly, was the gainedknowledge accurately applied, enforced or benefit allparties involved?

4. The learners response. Did the learner gain anynew knowledge, skills or insight relating to the subjectmaterial? Was the information helpful to the learner andapplicable to their perspective field or position? Last,but not least, will the ACO use the information that waspresented to them?

5. Test for trustworthiness. Did the training andinstruction meet the goals and objectives of the individualand the department. Material should be accurate, legal,current and relevant. Training should never compromisethe safety of the employee or the public, it should protectthe department and the employee from issues of liability.Finally, was the training and instruction applied uniformlywithin the department.

The above-mentioned criteria will assist in theevaluation and appraisal process regarding effectivetraining.

Truthful Education or False Indoctrination?Over the past decade one area of training that

demonstrates the least amount of knowledge on behalf ofACO's and related shelter employees, is the subject ofcanine behavior. In the previous article relating toevaluating training, one tool that is used is to provide apretest to the attendees in the class. The pretest establishesnot only the lack of information possessed, but also

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ACTS Training ScheduleFor a registration form, visit www.aco-acts.com or call 913-515-0080

Basic Animal Control Officer CertificationHosted by Sacramento County Animal Care and RegulationFebruary 5-9, 2018 - Sacramento, CaliforniaSchedule of Training: State Laws, County Ordinances and City Codes; Tactical/Interpersonal Communication;Officer Safety and Self-Defense; Basic Animal Control Officer Investigations; Evidence Law and Collection;Courtroom Testimony and Report Writing; Safe Handling of Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs; Safe AnimalHandling/Capture and Restraint Equipment

Training Course for Animal Control ProfessionalsHosted by Westminster Animal ManagementFebruary 8, 2018 - Westminster, ColoradoSchedule of Training; Interview and Investigation Techniques; Tactical/Interpersonal Communication

Training Program for Animal Control ProfessionalsHosted by the Cuyahoga County Animal ShelterMarch 12-15, 2018 - Valley View, OhioSchedule of Training: Evidence Law and Collection; Community Cooperation: Education and Outreach;Understanding the "Link" in Animal Abuse; Taser Certification; Challenging Encounters in Animal Control;Diversion: Alternative Enforcement Programs; Sovereign Citizens; Building a Cooperative Working Environ-ment

Training Program for Animal Control ProfessionalsHosted by the Cuyahoga County Animal ShelterMarch 19-22, 2018 - Valley View, OhioSchedule of Training: Challenging Encounters in Animal Control; Diversion: Alternative Enforcement Programs;Pepper Spray Certification; Baton/Bitestick Certification; Officer Safety and Self Defense; Taser Certification;Citations, Dangerous and Vicious Declarations

Basic Animal Control Officer CertificationHosted by the Town of Marana Animal ServicesApril 2-6, 2018 - Marana, ArizonaSchedule of Training: State Laws, County Ordinances and City Codes; Tactical/Interpersonal Communication;Officer Safety and Self-Defense; Basic Animal Control Officer Investigations; Evidence Law and Collection;Courtroom Testimony and Report Writing; Safe Handling of Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs; Safe AnimalHandling/Capture and Restraint Equipment

Basic Animal Control Officer CertificationHosted by the Town of Pine PlainsApril 9-13, 2018 - Pine Plains, New YorkSchedule of Training: State Laws, County Ordinances and City Codes; Tactical/Interpersonal Communication;Officer Safety and Self-Defense; Basic Animal Control Officer Investigations; Evidence Law and Collection;Courtroom Testimony and Report Writing; Safe Handling of Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs; Safe AnimalHandling/Capture and Restraint Equipment

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Chemical Immobilization CertificationHosted by the Town of Pine PlainsApril 14, 2018 - Pine Plains, New YorkSchedule of Training: Chemical Immobilization Certification

Basic Animal Control Officer CertificationHosted by Yuba County Animal Care ServicesApril 16-20, 2018 - Marysville, CaliforniaSchedule of Training: State Laws, County Ordinances and City Codes; Tactical/Interpersonal Communication;Officer Safety and Self-Defense; Basic Animal Control Officer Investigations; Evidence Law and Collection;Courtroom Testimony and Report Writing; Safe Handling of Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs; Safe AnimalHandling/Capture and Restraint Equipment

Training Course for Animal Control ProfessionalsHosted by Beaufort County Animal ControlApril 23-27, 2018 - Washington, North CarolinaSchedule of Training: Chemical Immobilization Certification; Officer Safety and Self-Defense; Baton/BitestickCertification; Investigative Techniques for Cruelty and Neglect Complaints; Safe Handling of Aggressive andDangerous Dogs; Safe Animal Handling/Capture and Restraint Equipment

Training Course for Animal Control ProfessionalsHosted by LaGrange Animal ServicesApril 26-27, 2018 - LaGrange, GeorgiaSchedule of Training: Tactical/Interpersonal Communication; Basic Animal Control Officer Investigations;Courtroom Testimony and Report Writing; Safe Handling of Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs; Safe AnimalHandling/Capture & Restraint Equipment

Training Course for Animal Control ProfessionalsHosted by Chatham County Animal ServicesMay 2-4, 2018 - Pittsboro, North CarolinaSchedule of Training: A Review of Cruelty and Neglect Laws; Illegal Animal Fighting; Investigative Techniquesfor Cruelty and Neglect Complaints; Animal Hoarding Investigations; Interview and Investigation Techniques;Evidence Law and Collection; Courtroom Testimony and Report Writing

Field Training Officer CertificationHosted by the Topeka Police DepartmentMay 17-18, 2018 - Topeka, KansasSchedule of Training: Field Training Officer Certification

Baton/Bitestick CertificationHosted by the Westminster Police DepartmentJuly 26, 2018 - Westminster, CaliforniaSchedule of Training: Baton/Bitestick Certification

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Training Course for Animal Control ProfessionalsHosted by the Nebraska Humane SocietyOctober 1-5, 2018 - Omaha, NebraskaSchedule of Training: Interview and Investigation Techniques; Evidence Law and Collection; InvestigativeTechniques for Cruelty and Neglect Complaints; Illegal Animal Fighting; Tactical/Interpersonal Communication;Sovereign Citizens; Challenging Encounters in Animal Control; Safe Animal Handling/ Capture and RestraintEquipment; Safe Handling of Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs

Training Course for Animal Control ProfessionalsHosted by Westminster Animal ManagementNovember 29, 2018 - Westminster, ColoradoSchedule of Training: Understanding the “Link” in Animal Abuse

identifies any knowledge or information that is notaccurate as it relates to the subject matter. Understandingcanine behavior is extremely important for the ACO, it isan area of exposure that the ACO deals with the most yetknows the least about.

As an example, at the beginning of each class,students are asked to identify the 5 servitude natures of adog, name and define the 5 behavior drives of a dog, andfinally, list the 6 different types of aggression that a dogwill display. When these questions are presented to theclass, at first there is a period of silence. Slowly, studentswill attempt to answer the questions. The responses area combination of incorrect answers and answers that havea foundation based on a subjective exposure or interactionwith a dog.

One of the most common uses of terms and definitionsto describe canine behavior is that of usinganthropomorphic wording. That is to say, that peopledescribe an animal’s behavior using language that appliesto human beings rather than to use the correct languagespecific to canine behavior. Words such as shy, friendly,sweet, loving, loyal, just to name a few. Most all behaviorsexhibited by a dog can be identified through their bodyand verbal communication. The term verbalcommunication relates to the barking, growling, whiningand howling made by the dog. The majority of the dogscommunication towards human or other animals is in theform of expressed body language. The danger lies whenbehaviors are observed and then incorrectly identified

and assigned the wrong terminology. This becomes asubjective approach as compared to an objective measure.A good question to ask is, where does this false teachingand indoctrination come from? What is influencing it?What are the inherent dangers if the wrong information isbeing used?

What are your Hobbies?What are your hobbies? This is a question that is

presented at the beginning of every ACTS training course.Often the reply is that ACO's don't have any hobbies astheir work schedule prevents them from having any freetime. ACO's find themselves becoming a slave to theindustry by being required to uphold the requirements ofstandby and overtime, leaving very little time (if any) tospend time away from work. Their identity becomesassociated with all things animal control.

The best advice I can give would be to balance outthe workload with spending time with family, participatingin any form of outdoor recreation, or finding severalhobbies that offset the demands of a grueling workschedule. The failure to do this results in the career turninginto a preoccupation as compared to an occupation. Astime goes on, stress, health and family problems develop,as well as burnout which causes the inevitable highturnover rate common to this profession.

That being said, I recently purchased a bamboo fly-rod building kit and fly tying kit. Time to head down tothe river, take a few casts, and with any luck, catch a fewtrout for dinner. Enjoy!

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