The Cornell Duffield Institute for Animal Behavior hosted its second annual service dog symposium on Aug. 6-7 at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). It brought together members of the service dog community, including breeders, handlers, trainers, researchers, veterinary professionals and students for two days of learning, collaboration and discussion centered on evidence-based practices and research.

The agenda featured five presenters that offered two separate lectures throughout the conference. The speakers covered a wide range of topics and represented several organizations including Canine Companions, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Harvard University, Nestle Purina PetCare and CVM.

"Watching the Duffield Institute Service Dog Symposium grow into its second year has been incredibly rewarding,” said Ashley Mclean, events coordinator and primary organizer of this year’s symposium. “Bringing together professionals across service dog organizations, veterinary medicine, and research to learn from one another and build new partnerships reflects the very best of this community. We're proud to foster collaboration that advances education, research, and the human-animal bond, helping shape a brighter future for service dogs and the people whose lives they enrich."

The two-day symposium offered attendees the opportunity to earn 10 Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and Veterinary Professional Continuing Education Credits. In total, the conference welcomed 66 human attendees and 25 canine companions that represented over 30 dog-centric groups, 12 states and two countries.

The symposium was sponsored by Purina and hosted and organized by the Duffield Institute for Animal Behavior. The institute was established in 2022 following a transformative gift to CVM from the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation. 

Photos and story by John Enright, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

 

Guests line up to register on the opening day of the second annual Duffield Institute Service Dog Symposium. 

 

Two young service dogs make a quick trip outside to enjoy the sun and practice commands in Lefty's Plaza at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. 

 

An attendee looks on during a presentation from Dr. Sarah-Elizabeth Byosiere, director of canine research and development at Guide Dogs for the Blind.

 

A young pup in training takes a moment to say hello and smell some flowers before heading in to see an early talk from Dr. Martha Cline, senior manager of veterinary technical communications at Purina.

 

Attendees and their companions sit atop the upper level of the atrium during a lunch break on the second day of the symposium.

 

Guests enjoyed a lecture focused on identifying and nurturing future service dogs by Dr. Brenda Kennedy, chief scientific officer with Canine Companions.

 

Dr. Margret Lenfest, assistant clinical professor of sports medicine and rehabilitation at Cornell University, gave back-to-back presentations covering canine elbow and hip dysplasia and obesity.

 

A service dog and his handler eagerly await the start of the next presentation following a break between sessions.

 

A faithful canine companion waits for instruction and potential treats during breakfast and registration on the opening day of the symposium.

 

Dr. Erin Hecht, associate professor in the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University,  served as the keynote speaker and gave lectures on both days of the symposium.