WW616 Sep 06 - Sept 6: Games & Challenges for Confident Fronts

Does your dog have beautiful fronts at home, but in the ring they become slow, crooked, or hesitant? Have you found yourself repeating fronts or focusing on precision, only to watch your dog's enthusiasm fade?

Workshop Details

Does your dog have beautiful fronts at home, but in the ring they become slow, crooked, or hesitant? Have you found yourself repeating fronts or focusing on precision, only to watch your dog's enthusiasm fade?

You're not alone. Fronts are one of the most frequently performed skills in both obedience and rally, yet they're surprisingly difficult to maintain. They require precision, confidence, and commitment—all while your dog is working under increasing levels of distraction and pressure. The more we drill and nitpick, the more likely we are to lose the attitude and animation that make great fronts possible.

The good news is that improving fronts doesn't have to mean more repetition. Petra's game-based approach teaches dogs to love coming to front while building the confidence, resilience, and understanding needed for success in both training and competition.

In this workshop, you'll discover how to turn front training into something your dog can't wait to do.

You'll learn how to:

  • Build confident, enthusiastic fronts through games instead of drilling.
  • Create challenges your dog can successfully solve, increasing confidence and resilience.
  • Maintain speed, animation, and accuracy as distractions and ring pressure increase.
  • Prevent front training from becoming repetitive or frustrating.
  • Keep your dog motivated while improving precision and consistency.
  • Adapt games and challenges for both novice dogs and experienced competition teams.

Whether you're introducing fronts to a young dog or polishing the performance of a seasoned competitor, you'll leave with practical games and training strategies that make front practice engaging, rewarding, and effective for both you and your dog.


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)...

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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:

August 22, 2026 - September 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:

August 22, 2026 - September 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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Our testimonials

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

This is the first online class I have taken. Although I took it at the bronze level, I was amazed at how much I got out of it and couldn't wait to try the exercises and share them with my training partners. As an inexperienced handler with little competition experience, I was nervous. There was no need to worry. Denise accepts her students, canine and human, right where they are. She is very clear that you don’t have to keep up, make comparisons or master it all in the 6 week session. Her feedback is prompt, frequent and right to the point. As she discusses areas that need work, she is encouraging and reinforcing. I always felt like wagging my tail and working harder after every interchange. Getting to know and watch the other students is fun and instructive. I am looking forward to taking classes regularly through the Fenzi Academy. And I highly recommend that you go for the gold!

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Love the Fenzi Academy! It's great that finally there is a place where force free trainers can get good, detailed instruction, support and be part of a community. The material covered is up to date and fully relevant - no 'hocus pocus' just good, solid science and understanding of dog behviour. Also love the online FB groups; everyone is so supportive!

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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!

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FAQ

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