WW603 Jul 05 - Acclimation for Engagement
Dogs are naturally drawn to the environment.
Workshop Details
Dogs are naturally drawn to the environment.
Sights, sounds, smells are inherently self-reinforcing and valuable.
As handlers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to compete with that. We ask for attention, lose it, and then ask again. We start to feel like we need to try harder… but that often leads to frustration and pressure for both ends of the leash.
We’ve all been there!
The reality is, effective engagement doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from doing less.
In this workshop, we’ll look at how to shift from asking and reminding… to allowing your dog the space to choose you. Because when engagement is the dog’s idea, everything changes.
We’ll cover:
- Why the environment is so reinforcing—and how that impacts your training
- How to use acclimation to help your dog feel safe, settled, and ready to work
- The importance of timing, patience, and realistic expectations
- How to avoid unintentionally adding pressure when your dog isn’t ready
- Strategies to build true, voluntary engagement in distracting environments
When dogs are given the time they need to process the environment, something powerful happens—they begin to choose you. And when they do, they’re all in.
Whether you’re working with a young puppy or an experienced competition dog, this workshop will help you build engagement that holds up in real-world and trial environments.
Because lasting engagement isn’t something we demand… it’s something the dog offers.
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
- Access to video lecture
- Ask question via forums
- Submit 90 minute video for personalized feedback
Audit
$29.95
Enrollment limit: Unlimited
- Access to video lecture
- Ask question via forums
Why choose us?
We offer a variety of online training solutions designed to help you and your furry friend achieve success
Our testimonials
Don't just take our word for it — see what our clients say about their experience working with us.
Thanks again for this opportunity and for the awesome timely feedback and encouragement you showed to all the posting students. Even though I was only at the bronze level I really felt like part of the class and feel that I got alot out of it. Kudos to you for the initiative!
Read all testimonialsIncredibly informative and helpful class. I am a crossover student, with 35 yrs experience training the "traditional" way. This is a challenge for me! But I have seen significant improvement in my dog's problem areas, so I am now committed to learning these training techniques; I'm starting over with her, having lots of fun and learning new things as fast as I can keep the clicker going! I have high expectations for achieving all of my performance goals using the Fenzi Academy to help me get there. I can't wait for my next class!! Really enjoyed the course! I'm still catching up, but am already looking forward to the next class. So useful, especially if you don't have a really good positive methods trainer where you live!! Helped my dog revive his enthusiasm for working.
Read all testimonialsI'm addicted to the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy! I have never been dissatisfied with any course that I've taken at FDSA. My list of classes that I’ve taken there just gets longer and longer. Fantastic course material and fantastic Instructors! And the courses available just keep growing. After studying at FDSA, I will never take an on-line course somewhere else ..... unless, and only if, it has a full course description and a syllabus (like FDSA). Love FDSA's course syllabus! But, it's very unlikely that I will be interested in another on-line academy! I'm really pleased with the online auditing experience and will do so again. Thank you!
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