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As such, the newly-launched Advocacy Panel will host a series of live Expert Panel Discussions which will take place on Zoom, eventually on a bimonthly basis. During the sessions, the panel experts will focus on topical issues important to pet professionals and pet owners. Discussions will remain simple and straightforward, with panel members simply sharing their expertise on a variety of topics that will help inform both pet guardians and pet professionals. After the live session, a recording will be released as a podcast via PPG’s media platform, BARKS Podcasts, to reach an even wider audience.

The first Expert Panel Discussion is scheduled for Friday, August 27, 2021 at 3 p.m. ET with the topic, ‘How To Best Advocate for Positive Reinforcement Training.’ The second event will take place on Friday, September 24, 2021 at 3 p.m. ET and feature the topic ‘How To Reach and Work With Your Local Veterinarians.’ Zoom links will be posted on the Advocacy Panel webpage and announced on social media prior to each event.

Panel members to date include Dr. Laura Donaldson, Dr. Eduardo Fernandez, Dr. Robert Hewings, Judy Luther, Linda Michaels, Pat Miller, Helen Phillips, Kim Silver, Dr. Kristina Spaulding, Claire Staines, K. Holden Svirsky, Dr. Zazie Todd, Dr. Karolina Westlund, Kristi Benson and Sam Wike. Sessions will be moderated by Shock-Free Coalition chairman Don Hanson and PPG president Niki Tudge, with discussion topics announced at least four weeks before the scheduled air date.

“Hopefully, we will not only advocate and inform but also have some fun along the way and build some great relationships,” said PPG president Niki Tudge. “We intend to keep the Facebook Live sessions free flowing, giving each participant the opportunity to answer key questions and supplement other panelists’ responses. We also encourage audience members to participate with comments and questions, making it an interactive, educational and enjoyable experience for all. It is essential that the pet owning public is made more aware of the differences in training philosophies amongst pet professionals to ensure they can make the best decisions for themselves, their pets, and their families. We aim to address that need.”