Course Details
You and your dog are a team. We often expect strong engagement from our dogs—but connection is a two-way street. Our dogs are working hard to be right, and they rely on us to stay present and connected with them.
Connection also acts as an emotional anchor. Training and competing can be challenging, and dogs experience shifts in arousal just like we do. Whether a dog is feeling over-aroused or under-aroused, they are not comfortable in that moment. A strong connection helps reassure the dog, offering stability and support when they need it most.
In this workshop, Petra will explore how to intentionally develop and maintain connection with your dog throughout the training and competition experience. Building these habits in training helps ensure they carry into the ring when it matters most.
You’ll explore how to:
- Build consistent connection during everyday training
- Maintain connection outside the ring and when entering the ring
- Support your dog through transitions
- Stay connected when your dog is working in close proximity
- Maintain connection as your dog returns to you during exercises
- Provide support that helps your dog stay confident and engaged
This workshop is appropriate for teams just starting out as well as experienced competitors who want to strengthen their partnership and teamwork.
Your dog wants to be right and is giving their best effort. When you maintain connection, you provide the support they need to stay confident, engaged, and successful.
This workshop previously ran under a different course number. Please check your Class and Workshop Library to prevent a duplicate purchase.
Watch the Trailer:
Lecture Publish Date: Sunday May 10th
Video Submissions Due Date: Sunday May 17th @ 12pm noon PT
Feedback & Questions Video Publish Date: Wednesday May 20th
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)
