3 WEEK CLASS - Dogs are naturally drawn to motion. It’s instinctive—they orient to it, follow it, and engage with it. Yet in training we often ask them to do the exact opposite: sit still and stare at us.

Think about how difficult that actually is. Try sitting next to someone and simply staring at them without looking away. Now try it in a busy environment. How long before your attention drifts?

For our dogs, the environment is full of sights, sounds, and smells that are inherently reinforcing. When we ask them to sit still and maintain focus for long stretches, we often create “dead space” in training—moments where the dog has nothing meaningful to do. And that’s usually when we lose them.

Instead of nagging for attention, we can use something far more powerful: movement.

Motion naturally pulls dogs back into the game and helps create engagement without pressure or frustration.

In this workshop we’ll explore how to:

• Use movement strategically to build and maintain engagement
• Recognize and eliminate “dead space” in training sessions
• Replace nagging cues like “look” or “watch” with proactive training choices
• Use reinforcement strategies that incorporate motion rather than static rewards
• Build engagement through games, props, and movement-based rewards
• Adjust training when the environment becomes too challenging

When we keep dogs actively involved—moving, thinking, and participating—we make engagement easier and more natural. Instead of fighting the environment, we use the dog’s instincts to our advantage.

Because when training stalls, remember: Motion is your friend.

Teaching Approach:

This class will have written and video lectures each week. Each lecture will be broken down into small pieces. There will be video examples with instructions demonstrating all exercises. Because everyone has their own learning style, I encourage students to move at their own pace. Students will need to move around with their dog. However, I am happy to work with you to modify the training to your abilities. A few of the games will require quick physical movement from the trainer for short periods and distances. I understand that each dog and handler are unique and will do my best to accommodate their needs. Students will need access to distractions.

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)