WW610 Aug 09 - 7 Days to a More Connected Canine

Connection isn't something some dogs are born with and others aren't. It's a skill that can be built.

Workshop Details

Create a dog who chooses to stay connected.

Connection isn't something some dogs are born with and others aren't. It's a skill that can be built.

Many dogs happily work for treats, but staying connected between repetitions is a completely different challenge. They take the cookie and immediately look away. They disconnect to sniff the ground, scan the environment, or wait for you to ask for the next behavior. When distractions increase, that lack of connection becomes even more obvious, making training feel frustrating and inconsistent.

In this seven-day workshop, you'll learn simple games that teach your dog that staying engaged with you is always part of the game. Rather than constantly asking for attention, you'll begin creating a dog who naturally chooses to reconnect, stay present, and look to you for information, even when exciting things are happening around them.

These skills aren't just valuable for dog sports. They make everyday training easier, improve communication, and create a dog who genuinely enjoys working with you wherever you go.

During this workshop you'll learn how to:

  • Use "Where's Your Brain?" to determine whether your dog is truly ready to learn.
  • Build engagement before asking for work.
  • Teach your dog to reorient to you after reinforcement instead of disconnecting.
  • Create clean training loops that make learning faster and easier for both you and your dog.
  • Break distractions into manageable pieces while building reliable focus.
  • Keep your dog happily occupied when you need them to disengage from training.
  • Teach "Ready!" as a cue that predicts sustained engagement and attention.

This workshop is a great fit if:

  • Your dog seems more interested in the environment than working with you.
  • Your dog takes reinforcement and immediately disconnects.
  • You constantly find yourself reminding your dog to pay attention.
  • Your dog struggles to stay engaged once distractions appear.
  • You want a dog who chooses to work with you instead of simply responding to cues.
  • You compete in dog sports and want stronger engagement between exercises.
  • You simply want a stronger relationship and better communication with your dog.

By the end of the week, you'll have a collection of practical games you can use almost anywhere to build engagement, strengthen your communication, and create a dog who actively chooses to stay connected with you. Whether your goal is everyday life, dog sports, or simply enjoying training together a little more, these skills become the foundation for everything else you teach.

Watch the Trailer:


Instructors

Nicole Wiebusch CPDT-KA (she/her) has been active in dog sports for over 25 years. What began with 4-H quickly grew into a lifelong passion for dog sports. (Click here for full bio and to view Nicole'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:

July 22, 2026 - August 31, 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:

July 22, 2026 - August 31, 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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Our testimonials

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

I 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.

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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!

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As a newbie to dog sports I find the Fenzi academy an incredible way to get the best instruction from a wealth of knowledgable instructors with no intimidation or sense that I can't participate in a class alongside excellent seasoned trainers.

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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.