Denver (February 12, 2010)

Later this year, the American Humane Association expects to convene a national symposium of the best minds in the nation in the area of dog training and dog-friendly behavior modification, with a goal of improving the lives of companion animals and strengthening their relationships with the humans who care for them.

American Humane is committed to collaborating with organizations on initiatives that strive to ensure that pet owners receive accurate information and messages about what constitutes effective training and appropriate treatment of all animals, including the companion animals that are so much a vital part of our modern American families.

Recently American Humane met with the National Geographic Channel and Cesar Millan, with whom we have had some sharp differences of view in the past, to discuss issues of concern to both parties. We are pleased with the collaborative conversation that resulted, and while we do not agree in all areas, we are surprised with the many areas of mutual interest we find that we do share.

Millan has indicated an interest and intent to participate in the symposium. Both American Humane and Millan are excited about this idea and look forward to extending that dialogue more broadly by inviting the leaders in dog training and dog-friendly behavior modification to join us in a national symposium on humane dog training. The search for a date, venue and list of distinguished participants is currently in progress.