SD Handler Symposium

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 Crazy2Calm Canine Coaches are pleased to host the first Service Dog Handler Symposium!

June 19th - 22nd

Get ready for something truly special! The first-ever Service Dog Handler Symposium is bringing together an international group of service dog handlers, trainers, behavior consultants, and canine coaches for four days of powerful conversations, practical education, and heartfelt community. Whether you're living the service dog journey or supporting others through it, this event is here to uplift, connect, and empower.

This four-day event brings together an international lineup of trainers, behavior consultants, and SD handlers (including me!) for conversations that matter. From emotional wellbeing to dog welfare, hard decisions to practical training tips—it’s all on the table.


Meet the Speakers & Panelists

2025 Service Dog Handler Symposium June 19–22 | Hosted by Crazy2Calm Canine Coaches

We’re bringing together a brilliant lineup of trainers, behavior consultants, SD handlers, and canine welfare advocates. Here’s a sneak peek at the powerhouse presenters and panelists guiding each day of our symposium!

Thursday, June 19 Theme: Emotional Wellbeing for Humans & Dogs

Presentations:

  • Mindfulness of the Handler – Bonnie Guier
  • Dealing with Stressful Situations – Rene Smith
  • Bonding Outside of SD Work: The Story of Azul – Penny Beeman (Interviewed by Cindy Campbell)
Live Panel: Emotional Challenges in Your SD Journey 6 PM CDT 
Led by Pine Irwin
Panel Experts: Bonnie Guier, Rene Smith, Penny Beeman, Amanda VanTessel, & Scott Stauffer

Bonus Feature: ​SD Handler Chat with Holly Tett

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Friday, June 20 Theme: Welfare of Service Dogs

Presentations:

  • Ensuring Positive Welfare for Service Dogs – Danielle Beck 
  • Enhancing Enrichment to Build Teamwork – Scott Stauffer & Penny Beeman
  • Body Language & Calming Signals – Robert Kotrc
Live Panel: Extra Welfare Needs SD Teams Experience 11 AM CDT 
Led by Penny Beeman  
Panel Experts: Dr. Holly Tett, Scott Stauffer, Pine Irwin, & Rosee Riggs

Bonus Feature: ​Understanding Canine Choice Worksho​p


Saturday, June 21 Theme: Making the Hard Decisions

Presentations:

  • Selecting the Right Dog for Your Lifestyle – Pine Irwin
  • The Difference Between Socialization & Public Access Training – Coming Soon
  • Choosing What’s Best for Your Team – Ashley Lambert

Live Panel: Let’s Talk About the Ethics Behind Your Decisions 11 AM CDT 
Led by Robin Armstrong
Panel Experts: Pine Irwin, Ashley Lambert, Bonnie Guier 

Bonus Feature: ​SD Handler Chat with Pine Irwin

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Sunday, June 22 Theme: Training Tips That Build Teamwork

Presentations:

  • Building Up Leash Manners Around Distractions – Amanda VanTessel
  • Choosing Tasks and How to Prioritize Them – Jamie Robinson
  • Fitness for SD Teams – Erica C. Boling, PhD
Live Wrap-Up Panel Discussion 6 PM CDT 
Led by Penny Beeman Let’s reflect, share, and look ahead together. 
Featuring: Cindy Campbell, Scott Stauffer, and YOU!

Bonus Feature: ​Barking Mad 5 Day Workshop





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