WW602 Jun 28 - Orientation Before Action: Why Calm Is an Information Problem

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.

Workshop Details

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.


Instructors

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)...

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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:

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

World Class Trainers

Learn from professionals with years of experience in canine behavior

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Proven methods

Science-backed positive reinforcement techniques that actually work

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Personalized approach

Programs tailored to your dog’s unique needs and personality

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Engaging lessons

Keep training exciting with interactive exercises and games

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FAQ

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

Our testimonials

Don't just take our word for it — see what our clients say about their experience working with us.

I have struggled to find a trainer in my area that would consistently work with my reactive dog. We often got dumped in the summer, classes cancelled, or was told that we weren't part of the trainers focus. I thought that I would never be able to improve my training beyond reading and watching DVDs. I thought that I would never get personal feedback. I felt discouraged and excluded from the dog training community. I thought that I would always have mediocre training and a mediocre relationship with my dog. A friend recommended FDSA and I enrolled in "It's All Tricks" with Deborah Jones at Gold level. In 6 weeks my dog has become more confident than I've ever seen her. She is more motivated and eager to learn. Furthermore, my confidence as a trainer has improved. I finally feel like I have a resource that I can rely on. At FDSA it doesn't matter that my dog is reactive, we can finally work on exercises that would have been completely inaccessible before. Deb has been absolutely wonderful to work with. She provides kind, encouraging and constructive feedback with meaningful critique. This experience has been the epitome of what I have always dreamt that training my dog would be. I cannot be thankful enough to have discovered FDSA. It has given my dog and I a second chance at having a successful, meaningful relationship. I cannot wait to enroll in more classes. I wasn't so certain that online classes would be REALLY useful - I am blown away by how much one can learn and implement through the online system - certainly makes it possible to participate in novel learning experiences that would not otherwise be available!

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This was my first Fenzi course. I really enjoyed it and definitely thought I got my money's worth. Will definitely be signing up for more courses in the future. Also really enjoyed the instructor -- she was knowledgeable and did a great job. Thank-you! I've taken a class ever since the academy opened and I plan on taking a class every session - even if it is like this session where I am so busy with other things I can't take full advantage. I can always go back and re-look at the lessons and that is worth the low price I pay. Once again Fenzi Dog Sports Academy hits a home run! Fantastic content, great instructor! I learned a ton and can't wait for more. The Fenzi Academy has opened up a whole new world for me. I'm learning things I didn't even know I needed to know and I'm realizing why I've struggled in the past. Each course is jammed full with great information and the instructors are top notch. This is a learning journey for me and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

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I live in a remote area several hours away from experienced positive competitive obedience dog trainers, so Fenzi Academy gives me a great opportunity to get instruction from some of the best positive reinforcement trainers in the country. My current dog is getting a much better foundation than my previous dogs due to having access to this great instruction. Thank you! It is amazing to realize that Internet training isn't "second best". The success of training through video and critiques and lectures is nothing short of amazing. Thank you for bringing this quality of instruction to everyone, regardless of their geographical location The class was thoughtfully planned with just enough material each week to keep us busy but not overwhelmed. The lectures and videos were clear and easy to follow. Can't wait for the next class!

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