WW599 Jun 07 - Play & Engagement Through a Cognitive Lens
Some dogs come alive when challenged. Others slow down, hesitate, or disengage when the path isn’t obvious. Problem solving changes how a dog experiences play, effort, and engagement.
Workshop Details
Some dogs come alive when challenged. Others slow down, hesitate, or disengage when the path isn’t obvious. Problem solving changes how a dog experiences play, effort, and engagement.
Many handlers focus on building engagement by making things easier or more exciting, but some dogs need the opportunity to figure things out. Others need support when challenges feel overwhelming. This workshop explores how dogs respond to problem solving, obstacles, and changing paths during play.
We will look at what happens when a dog is faced with a challenge. Do they persist, repeat the same behavior, try something new, or check out? Participants will explore how different dogs handle uncertainty, how patterns and expectations influence behavior, and how problem solving can build confidence, creativity, and resilience.
By the end of the workshop, handlers will have a clearer understanding of how their dog experiences challenge and how to adjust difficulty, setup, and expectations to support more confident, engaged participation.
This workshop is designed for handlers who want to better understand how problem solving influences play and engagement, and who are curious about how to support their dog when the answer is not immediately obvious.
Instructors
Crystal Wing (she/her) taught high school art for 23 years. She has been training dogs since 2006 and traveled the nation learning and competing in various protection sports. ...
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:
May 22, 2026 - June 30, 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:
May 22, 2026 - June 30, 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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