This workshop is designed to help handlers understand why many dogs struggle with focus, impulse control, or emotional regulation not because they lack training, but because they lack orientation.Before a dog can offer calm behavior, they need to understand where they are in space, what matters in the moment, how pressure works, and which choices lead to resolution. Without that information, dogs often default to extra movement such as pacing, circling, barking, grabbing, freezing, or disengaging.In this interactive workshop, students learn how to observe their dog’s problem-solving process and identify missing cognitive skills before attempting to change behavior.
This workshop is designed to help handlers understand why many dogs struggle with focus, impulse control, or emotional regulation not because they lack training, but because they lack orientation.Before a dog can offer calm behavior, they need to understand where they are in space, what matters in the moment, how pressure works, and which choices lead to resolution. Without that information, dogs often default to extra movement such as pacing, circling, barking, grabbing, freezing, or disengaging.In this interactive workshop, students learn how to observe their dog’s problem-solving process and identify missing cognitive skills before attempting to change behavior.
Rather than focusing on obedience or performance, the class teaches participants how to recognize:• how their dog responds to uncertainty• whether their dog solves problems through motion, avoidance, handler dependence, or scattered effort• how their dog recovers from mistakes• how pressure affects thinking• where clarity is breaking down
Students will practice simple, low-pressure diagnostic exercises using everyday household objects. These are observation-based rather than performance-based and are designed to reveal each dog’s default coping strategies and decision-making patterns.
Handlers will learn when to wait, when to support, when to simplify, and how to reduce pressure so their dog can stay engaged with the problem rather than escalating behavior.
The workshop emphasizes three core concepts:• Seeing Before Doing• Orientation Under Pressure• Recovery and Choice
Participants leave with practical observation skills, a clearer understanding of their dog’s cognitive strengths and gaps, and concrete ways to support calmer, more thoughtful responses in both training and daily life. The class is appropriate for dogs of all ages and experience levels, including sport dogs, working dogs, and companion dogs. No prior coursework is required.
Founder and Lead Trainer, The Dog’s Den Training School Barbara Lloyd, with over 24 years of experience, is a trailblazer in the world of dog training. As the owner of The Dog’s Den Training School, she has dedicated her career to transforming the lives of both dogs and their human companions.(Click here for full bio and to view Barbara's upcoming courses)...
Enrollment limit: 13
Working participants will submit a short video (approx. 90 seconds) for instructor feedback. Limited number of spots available.
Registration dates:
May 22, 2026 - June 30, 2026
Enrollment limit: Unlimited
Unlimited number of spots available. Will receive access to all materials, may ask general questions on course materials in class forum.
Registration dates:
May 22, 2026 - June 30, 2026
We offer a variety of online training solutions designed to help you and your furry friend achieve success

Explore the questions we get asked most often and find out everything you need for a smooth experience with us.
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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