Course 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.
Watch the Trailer:
Coming Soon!
Lecture Publish Date: Sunday July 5th
Video Submissions Due Date: Sunday July 12th @ 12pm noon PT
Feedback & Questions Video Publish Date: Wednesday July 15th
Instructor: Petra FordI 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)
