WW608 Jul 26 - Reinforcement That Builds Confidence
As trainers, we often hear about reducing reinforcement as we prepare for the ring. And yes, that matters. But just as important is ensuring we’re reinforcing enough.
Workshop Details
As trainers, we often hear about reducing reinforcement as we prepare for the ring. And yes, that matters. But just as important is ensuring we’re reinforcing enough.
Reinforcement is more than motivation. It’s information.
It tells our dogs: "Yes, that’s correct. Keep going."
Without that information, dogs can begin to question themselves. Confidence drops, stress creeps in, and behaviors can start to unravel—especially as we begin building longer chains or practicing full exercises. We’ve all been there!
In this workshop we’ll explore how strategic reinforcement improves communication, builds confidence, and creates stronger, more durable behavior.
In this workshop we’ll cover:
- when more reinforcement is the right choice
- how to break behaviors down for better clarity
- building self-reinforcing behaviors through thoughtful training
- reinforcement options beyond food and toys—including praise, duration markers, motion, and play
Whether you’re just getting started or preparing a seasoned competition dog, this workshop will help you create more clarity, more confidence, and a dog that feels great about the work.
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.
I'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!
Read all testimonialsI am continually amazed at how much I learn with each class. Watching both the teacher's video's and the student's videos gives me lots of opportunity to think through the elements and break it down for myself and my dog.
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.
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