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The ISCP Big Psychology Summit 2025
Deep Dives into Canine Minds: Science, Research & Practice
1–2 November 2025 • Online • Global Access
Do you ever feel frustrated by “quick fix” training advice that ignores the science of how dogs think and learn?
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​Are you hungry for deeper, evidence-based insights that go beyond surface-level tips and tap into true canine psychology?
Do you want to connect with a global community of trainers, behaviourists, vets, and researchers who share your passion for dog science?
If you answered yes to any of these, you’re exactly who this Summit was designed for.
Why Attend?
For more than 13 years, the International School for Canine Psychology and Behaviour (ISCP) has set the standard for science-led, compassionate, and force-free canine education worldwide.
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The ISCP Big Psychology Summit 2025 is our flagship event - a two-day online gathering of the brightest minds in canine behaviour, cognition, and welfare.
This is not a “tips and tricks” conference.
This is where serious dog people come to go deep - exploring the research, theories, and applied psychology that shape our understanding of the dogs we live and work with and the people who work with them.
Meet the Faculty
Dr. Marc Bekoff – Ethologist & pioneer in animal emotions research
Linda Michaels M.A. – Creator of the Hierarchy of Dog Needs and author of the Do No Harm Dog Training & Behaviour Handbook
Jo Middleton - Leading canine cognition and neuroplasticity specialist
Jessica Pierce – Leading scientist specialising in canine cognition and emotions
Dr. Eduardo J. Fernandez – Renowned behavioural scientist & animal welfare researcher, brain behind the LIFE Framework!
Caroline Wilkinson – Certified behaviourist, exploring awe, glimmers & positive psychology
…and many more.
What You’ll Gain
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Deep scientific insights you won’t find in standard training seminars.
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Actionable tools grounded in psychology and research.
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CPD hours to advance your professional development.
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Global education with leading canine scientists and experts.
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Lifetime access to all talks, resources, and Q&A recordings.
Good to Know
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Date: 1–2 November 2025
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Location: 100% Online (join from anywhere)
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Pre-recorded talks with live hosting (no tech glitches or time zone worries!)
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Recordings distributed to delegates daily
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On-demand access afterwards
What People Say About ISCP
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“Great course and material thoughtfully presented. Feedback was timely and supportive.” - AdASTRA Canine Co.​
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“The ISCP Diploma provided an excellent scientific foundation for my work as a behaviourist.” - ISCP Graduate
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For over a decade, the ISCP has been trusted in 60+ countries as the global home of canine psychology education.
The Agenda: Deep Dives into Canine Minds
Day 1 – Understanding the Science Behind Behaviour
9:30 – 9:40 | Welcome & Introduction
Kick off the seminar with a 10-minute introduction from our host, setting the scene for two days of rich discussion and discovery.
9:40 – 10:40 | Rewiring Recovery Through Neuroplasticity – Jo Middleton
Explore how neuroplasticity shapes recovery and learning — in both dogs and humans — and what this means for behaviour change.
10:40 – 11:00 | Morning Break
11:00 – 12:00 | From Training Animals to Teaching People: The Science of Learning – Dr Eduardo Fernandez
Dr Fernandez delves into the science of how animals and humans learn, and why understanding this can transform the way we teach and train.
12:00 – 1:00 | Lunch Break
1:00 – 2:00 | Beyond the Bark: Why Pet Pro Wellbeing is Vital to Canine Welfare – Nathan Dunleavy
An honest exploration of how professional wellbeing impacts the dogs in our care — and how to create healthier environments for both.
2:00 – 3:00 | Our Dogs are Not from the Movies – Mark Skelly
A deep dive into the myths, misconceptions, and media portrayals that shape unrealistic expectations of dogs and their behaviour.
3:00 – 3:30 | Afternoon Break
3:30 – 4:30 | A Fascinating History of Dogs and Canine Psychology – Linda Michaels
Linda Michaels explores the long and intricate history of dogs alongside humans — and how that journey continues to shape canine psychology today.
4:30 – 5:30 | When System Science Transforms Canine Psychology: The CNSS Breakthrough – Sparky Smith
Sparky Smith reveals how a breakthrough systems science framework helps you work smarter, not harder, showing you which cases are ready to succeed and which are not.
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Day 2 – Behaviour, Emotions, and the Human Connection
9:30 – 9:40 | Welcome & Introduction
9:40 – 10:40 | Decoding Separation Anxiety in Dogs – Ness Jones
Understand the roots of separation-related distress and learn evidence-based approaches to supporting affected dogs and their caregivers.
10:40 – 11:00 | Morning Break
11:00 – 12:00 | When Dogs Direct Predatory Behaviour Toward Other Dogs – Tracy McLennan
Tracy examines the science of predatory behaviour between dogs, what drives it, and how we can safely intervene.
12:00 – 1:00 | Lunch Break
1:00 – 2:00 | What Science and Common Sense Tell Us About the Ethology of Aggression and Dominance – Dr Marc Bekoff
Dr Bekoff brings scientific insight and compassion together to unpack long-standing myths about dominance and aggression.
2:00 – 2:30 | Afternoon Break
2:30 – 3:30 | From Triggers to Glimmers: Finding Awe on Dog Walks – Caroline Wilkinson
A refreshing session on rediscovering connection, presence, and wonder in everyday moments with our dogs.
3:30 – 4:30 | Curiosity, Collaboration and Care – Dr Jessica Pierce
Jessica explores the ethics and empathy at the heart of the human–dog relationship, and how curiosity can deepen our mutual understanding.
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