A Comprehensive Guide to Canine Communication
A Science Pub lecture with Brie Blakeman, Certified Canine Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA) and Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), founder of Noble Woof Dog Training
About the Lecture
Dogs are always communicating – but are we really listening? In this comprehensive presentation, learn to recognize and respond to your dog’s complete communication system. From subtle stress signals to the full ladder of escalation, understanding canine body language is essential for creating trust, preventing behavioral issues, and even preventing dog bites.
This presentation covers:
- The science of canine emotion and how that affects behavior
- Reading individual signals: head position, ears, eyes, mouth, tail, and overall posture
- Identifying subtle stress signals and calming behaviors that are often missed
- Understanding the ladder of escalation and F’s of stress, Freeze, Flight, Fight, Fidget and Fawn
- Why it’s our moral obligation to learn to read and understand what they’re saying
Whether you’re a professional trainer, veterinary staff, a dedicated dog owner, or someone who simply encounters dogs frequently, this presentation will transform how you read and respond to dogs – building trust through genuine understanding of what they’re trying to tell us.
Science Pubs are a casual lecture series located in fun venues across the region, recommended for ages 10 and over.
Tickets
$8 suggested donation | Advance tickets recommended
Zoom Option
If you are unable to join us in person, you can watch on Zoom. You must register in advance. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
About the Speaker
Brie Blakeman is a Certified Canine Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA) and Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) specializing in canine behavior modification, reactivity, and cooperative care using science-based, force-free methods. She is a regular expert on KATU-2 Afternoon Live, and has presented at the WVC Annual Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas. She has been featured on podcasts including Dog Logical, From Dusk Till Dog, and Disorderly Dogs. She has also served as an expert reference for Rover.com and Redfin.com. Brie is the founder of Noble Woof Dog Training, a Portland-based company where she and her team of ten certified professionals focus on positive reinforcement methods to address everything from puppy socialization to complex behavioral challenges through private training, day training, group classes, puppy socialization and more.
Questions? Email sciencepub@omsi.edu
Ticketing questions call 503.797.4000 x0
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are unable to join us in person, you can watch on zoom. You must register in advance via the Zoom link above. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
To guarantee a seat at this event, we recommend you purchase your ticket in advance. Please show your ticket at the check-in table in front of the theater upon arrival.
We will always have tickets available at the door. They are first-come, first-served and admission will remain a suggested donation
Mission Theater offers pizza and sides, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. No outside food or drink is allowed.
The Mission Theater is wheelchair accessible. They have a ramp leading to the theater’s side entrance on 17th Avenue; just let OMSI or McMenamins staff at the front door know you need ramp access.
Street parking is available in the area surrounding the theater. Some spaces may be free, while others may require payment via Parking Kitty. Note that Parking Kitty does not require payment after 7pm.