Dec 07 - How to Handle a Rocket Ship: The High Arousal or High Drive Dog in Nosework
So you have a Rocket Ship? They are fun to watch but can be really challenging to get the most of them. Sometimes it can feel like you are skating the line between brilliance and a train wreck. Trying to skate that line can be frustrating to both the handler and the dog. This workshop is about developing the skills you need to handle the high arousal and/or high drive dog in Nosework. We will get into way more than the standard staging advice. We will also get into handling skills that can help you to get the most out of your dog.
Workshop Details
So you have a Rocket Ship? They are fun to watch but can be really challenging to get the most of them. Sometimes it can feel like you are skating the line between brilliance and a train wreck. Trying to skate that line can be frustrating to both the handler and the dog. This workshop is about developing the skills you need to handle the high arousal and/or high drive dog in Nosework. We will get into way more than the standard staging advice. We will also get into handling skills that can help you to get the most out of your dog.
We WILL talk about arousal and drive but probably not in the way you've heard it before. Arousal can be your friend as long as you know how to make it place nicely with the dog's natural drive levels.
We WILL talk about what you can do before the search and on the start line. More importantly though, we will cover how you can make adjustments DURING a search to help your dog to be successful. These adjustments will include during the search as well as during the reward. This workshop is appropriate for both food and toy reward dogs.
Rocket Ships are challenging dogs... left to their own devices they might implode (YIKES!) but with careful and focused handling, they can make it LOOK easy (it never really is... easy is a myth!!)
I will be bringing the wisdom that my own Rocket Ships have taught me. Some of these lessons were hard learned. My goal is to help you shorten your own learning curve.
Watch the Trailer:
Instructors
Stacy Barnett is a top nosework competitor and trainer, with many Summit Level titles in the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW), (Judd SMTx3, Brava SMTx5, Powder SMTx5). She is also a Wilderness SAR K9 handler with her certified dog, K9 Prize. Stacy has been a faculty member at FDSA since 2015 (Click here for full bio and to view Stacy's upcoming courses)...
Registration
Choose the plan that fits your goals and start learning at your own pace.
Working
$39.95
Enrollment limit: 13
Working participants will submit a short video (approx. 90 seconds) for instructor feedback. Limited number of spots available.
- Access to video lecture
- Ask question via forums
- Submit 90 minute video for personalized feedback
Registration dates:
November 22, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Audit
$29.95
Enrollment limit: Unlimited
Unlimited number of spots available. Will receive access to all materials, may ask general questions on course materials in class forum.
- Access to video lecture
- Ask question via forums
Registration dates:
November 22, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Scholarship available! Apply here
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