WW594 May 10 - The Power of Connection
You and your dog are a team. We often expect strong engagement from our dogs—but connection is a two-way street. Our dogs are working hard to be right, and they rely on us to stay present and connected with them.
Workshop Details
You and your dog are a team. We often expect strong engagement from our dogs—but connection is a two-way street. Our dogs are working hard to be right, and they rely on us to stay present and connected with them.
Connection also acts as an emotional anchor. Training and competing can be challenging, and dogs experience shifts in arousal just like we do. Whether a dog is feeling over-aroused or under-aroused, they are not comfortable in that moment. A strong connection helps reassure the dog, offering stability and support when they need it most.
In this workshop, Petra will explore how to intentionally develop and maintain connection with your dog throughout the training and competition experience. Building these habits in training helps ensure they carry into the ring when it matters most.
You’ll explore how to:
- Build consistent connection during everyday training
- Maintain connection outside the ring and when entering the ring
- Support your dog through transitions
- Stay connected when your dog is working in close proximity
- Maintain connection as your dog returns to you during exercises
- Provide support that helps your dog stay confident and engaged
This workshop is appropriate for teams just starting out as well as experienced competitors who want to strengthen their partnership and teamwork.
Your dog wants to be right and is giving their best effort. When you maintain connection, you provide the support they need to stay confident, engaged, and successful.
Watch the Trailer:
Instructors
I have been training and competing for several decades in a variety of sports including Hunt Tests, Field Trials, Nosework, Agility and Rally. My first love has always been competition obedience. I have been fortunate to win the AKC National Obedience Championship four times with three different dogs. (Click here for full bio and to view Petra's upcoming courses)...
Registration
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:
April 22, 2026 - May 31, 2026
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:
April 22, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Why choose us?
We offer a variety of online training solutions designed to help you and your furry friend achieve success
FAQ
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Start by clicking on the Course Schedule link at the top of this page. If registration is open, select the course you wish to take from the list and click on that link. From that page, click on the registration link and choose the enrollment level you are interested in. This webpage describes the steps in more detail.
Registration opens on the 22nd of the month preceding the course start date (ie March 22 for courses beginning April 1st) and close on the 15th day of the month the session has started (ie April 15 for courses starting April 1st). You cannot register for 6 week courses outside of this period.
Scholarships are offered to students who do not feel they can afford the full tuition, but who have a sincere interest in expanding their skills as a dog sport trainer. Scholarships are offered in the form of a 50% tuition credit at the Bronze level. To apply, select the Scholarships link from the top menu (under new students) or click this link. We ask that if you are on a scholarship, you limit yourself to one class. There are a maximum of three scholarships per student permitted in a calendar year.
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