LIVE 2-DAY PROFESSIONAL WEBINAR
When Withholding Backfires:
Predictable Side Effects of Extinction
and the Better Path Forward

A research-based webinar for animal trainers and behavior consultants who want to understand the risks of extinction—and make more informed, ethical decisions when behavior needs to change.

Trust that feeling when training doesn't feel right.

"Just ignore your dog when they bark or jump."

Have you ever been given this advice, only to feel a knot in your stomach as you turned your back?

You watched as a simple bark spiraled into frantic jumping, eventually escalating until you were nipped or scratched. In that moment of total overwhelm, feeling like you had to do something just to stay safe, did you blame yourself for "failing" the rule? Did you feel like you weren't "strong enough" to see the extinction through?

You are not alone.

In fact, that "unsettled" feeling was right. When we use extinction, behavior often gets worse before it gets better. This isn't a fluke, and it isn't because you did it "wrong." It is a scientifically predictable reaction called an Extinction Burst.

The fact that the barking intensified or the jumping escalated the moment you turned away wasn't your fault. Your instinct that something felt "off" actually aligns perfectly with behavioral data.

So, why does this happen? And is there a way to change behavior without relying on the pain of extinction? Join us in this webinar as we search for those answers together.

Webinar Description

What Happens in the Moment of Silence?

In behavior analysis, Extinction is defined as withholding the reinforcement that previously maintained a behavior in order to decrease that behavior in the future. "Reinforce the good; ignore the bad"—this "Golden Rule" sounds logical in theory. But in real-life applications, it is rarely that simple.

Since Dr. B.F. Skinner’s seminal research in 1938, extinction has been studied for decades. What we have learned is that extinction comes with predictable side effects. Responses like "Extinction Bursts" and "Extinction-Induced Aggression" aren't just concepts in a lab; they happen every day in our living rooms, shelters, and clinics.

In this webinar, we will examine actual research graphs to visualize exactly what happens the moment reinforcement is removed. Together, we will face the tough questions:

Is extinction truly an "unavoidable" part of learning?
Were you "wrong" because you couldn't keep ignoring the behavior?
In the split second an error occurs, what should you actually do?

Dr. Sean Will and Maasa Nishimuta will unpack the complex science into clear, accessible insights. Join us as we explore the path toward a more ethical, compassionate approach and find the tools to live and train more harmoniously with the animals who cannot speak for themselves.

Through the webinar, the attendees will learn:

By the end of this two-day webinar, you will be able to:

Understand the Science of Extinction: Gain a deep understanding of the definition and historical background of "Extinction," from Skinner’s early research to modern applications.
Analyze the Data: Interpret seminal research graphs to objectively identify predictable behavioral changes that occur when reinforcement is withheld.
Develop a Multi-Faceted Perspective: Explore the diverse viewpoints of modern experts to help you make more informed clinical and personal choices.
Redefine "Errors": Shift from blaming the animal to analyzing undesirable behavior as a functional interaction with the environment.
Exercise Ethical Decision-Making: Assess the risks and side effects of extinction to consider more humane and effective alternatives.
Take the First Step Toward a Constructional Approach: Move beyond "stopping" behavior and understand the foundations of navigating a learner toward success by "building and expanding" desirable behavior repertoires.

◼️ Choose Your Webinar Session

The content of both sessions is identical. You are welcome to register for whichever day and time best fits your schedule, regardless of your geographic location.

Tuesday Session (Europe & Scandinavia Friendly): Registration for the Tuesday session is closed

Dates: July 14th and July 21st (Tuesdays)

Time: 12:00pm to 3:00pm EDT

(3 hours per session)

Local Time Reference:

6:00pm – 9:00pm CEST (Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, etc.)
5:00pm – 8:00pm BST (UK, Ireland)
7:00pm – 10:00pm EEST (Finland, etc.)

Webinar timetable:

(Attendees can enter the zoom meeting at 11:50am EDT)

*Scheduled time may change during the webinar.

First lecture: 60 min
Short Q&A: 5-10 min
Break: 5 min
Second lecture: 70 min
Break: 5 min
Q&A: 30 min

Thursday Session (America Friendly): Registration for the Tuesday session is closed

Dates: July 16th and July 23rd (Thursdays)

Time: 5:00pm to 8:00pm EDT

(3 hours per session)

Local Time Reference:

5:00pm – 8:00pm EDT (New York, Florida, Toronto)
4:00pm – 7:00pm CDT (Chicago, Mexico City)
2:00pm – 5:00pm PDT (Los Angeles, Vancouver)

Webinar timetable:

(Attendees can enter the zoom meeting at 4:50pm Eastern Time)

*Scheduled time may change during the webinar.

First lecture: 60 min
Short Q&A: 5-10 min
Break: 5 min
Second lecture: 70 min
Break: 5 min
Q&A: 30 min

◼️ Instructors

Sean Will, Ph.D

Maasa Nishimuta, M.S., BCBA

About the Instructors

Registration

◼️ Registration Fee

Early Bird Pricing: Early Bird pricing ended

Non-member: $120
CAAWT Premium Member: $60
CAAWT Basic Member: $96

Regular Pricing: Regular Bird pricing ended

Regular/non-member: $150
CAAWT Premium Member: $75
CAAWT Basic Member: $120

Learn more about CAAWT Membership from HERE

■ Who is this webinar for?

For everyone who wants to uncover the scientific truth behind the question: "Why does it get worse when I ignore it?"

In this webinar, we use research data and graphs from behavior analysis to dive deep into training "common sense" that has been taken for granted for decades. While the data might seem technical at first, our priority is to break down the science into clear, accessible insights you can use immediately in real life.

This webinar is especially recommended for:

Animal Training Professionals: Trainers and consultants working with dogs, cats, and any other species
Veterinary & Care Professionals: Veterinarians, vet nurses/technicians, groomers, and stylists.
Animal Welfare & Shelter Staff: Shelter employees, rescue organization staff, and dedicated volunteers
Students: Those currently studying Behavior Analysis or Animal Science.
Families living with animals: Families who have wondered, "I followed the advice to ignore the behavior, so why did it get worse?" and want to find answers rooted in science.

There is no need to feel intimidated by the science. If anything is unclear, we encourage you to ask questions during our Q&A session. Let’s work together to build a new "toolkit" of perspectives!

■ What is included in the registration?

Attend the webinar live
- You can ask any questions at the Q&A!
Webinar lecture slides
- Presentation slides sent to you the day before the webinar
Webinar recordings
- Those who are unable to attend live, as well as those who wish to review the content, can participate with peace of mind.
- Access Information: Within 48 hours after the webinar ends, a recording link will be sent to you via email.
- Viewing Period: Available until October 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT
- (During this period, you may watch the recording as many times as you like.)

◼️ CEU

You can earn CEUs from the organization below. We will explain how to earn CEUs at the webinar.

CCPDT (4 CEUs), KPA (4 CEUs), IAABC (6 CEUs), BCBA (5 CEUs)

◼️ All the profit from the webinar will fund the behavior support and training we offer to shelter dogs ♡

CAAWT is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to remove financial barriers to behavior support and training for individuals and organizations who need training but cannot afford it. As you learn with us, you are helping shelter dogs! We thank you for your support.

◼️ Contact us

If you have any questions about the webinar, feel free to email us.