For many trainers “proofing” means setting the dog up to make a mistake and letting them know their wrong. This creates a dog that’s nervous about making mistakes and adds pressure to the exercise. Proofing should be fun and confidence building! Proper proofing breaks the challenges down into pieces dogs can master. Overcoming challenges becomes a game that the dog knows how to win. Dogs start looking forward to challenges because winning feels good. With proper proofing dogs’ understanding of and commitment to the exercises gets stronger. When the dog encounters challenges in the ring, they will handle them with ease. In this workshop I will show you how to break down proofing challenges and turn them into games the dogs will love.

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Lecture Publish Date: Sunday May 15th

Video Submissions Due Date:  Sunday May 22nd @ 12pm noon PT 

Feedback & Questions Video Publish Date: Wednesday May 25th

Instructor: Petra Ford

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)