Course Details
Success at a trial isn’t just about the time in the ring, it’s about everything that happens before, between, and after your runs. This session dives into the “soft skills” of trial management: setting up thoughtful crating spaces (indoors or in the car), navigating crowded walkways without draining your dog’s focus, or emotional reserves, and knowing when to step back from interacting to protect their mental energy. We’ll talk about active acclimation, helping your dog settle into the environment in a way that reduces uncertainty, and how to practice these skills well before you ever arrive at the show grounds.
You’ll learn why these details matter just as much as your training plan, and how to read the signs that your dog is coping well or needs extra support. We’ll cover strategies for managing stimulation, avoiding spikes, and giving your dog the decompression they need afterward. Help your dog stay happy, resilient, and ready to give their best performance.
About the Instructor:
Dr. Amy Cook is an Applied Animal Behaviorist, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with the IAABC, a longstanding professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), and was one of the first trainers nationally to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through independent evaluation.
She received her Ph.D. in Psychology from UC Berkeley, with her research focusing on the dog-human relationship and the impact that social support can have on stress. Dr. Cook is the founder and creator of the Play Way, a therapeutic approach for resolving behavior issues in dogs through social interaction and dog empowerment.
She has been training dogs for more than 30 years, and has specialized in the rehabilitation of shy and fearful dogs for over 20 years. Amy has worked for the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society, the San Francisco Animal Care and Control, has provided behavioral evaluations for shelters and rescues throughout the Bay Area of California, and was a member of the anti-cruelty team for the ASPCA, working in triage sheltering and rehabilitation for large rescue cases.
Amy gives seminars all over the country and is a frequent conference presenter. She also competes in sports with her dogs, and has titled in Competition Obedience, Rally, Agility, Barn Hunt, and Nosework.
