Course Details
This course helps dogs learn patience, precision, and self-control through structured pattern games and targeted conditioning exercises. Each week blends mental focus work with physical awareness to build calm, thoughtful movement (see syllabus for details).
Pattern games provide predictability and emotional regulation, while conditioning enhances coordination, strength, and focus. Through clear communication and consistent routines, dogs develop the ability to think before reacting: ideal for dogs who struggle with self-regulation, need confidence in stimulating environments, or are refining precision for sport or fitness work.
Teaching Approach
This class will use written lectures and video demonstrations each week. Each lecture will be broken down into small pieces. There will be video examples demonstrating all exercises included and how to train them. Since everyone has their own learning style, I encourage students to move at their own pace. Each dog and handler are a unique team and I will do my best to meet everyone where they are skill wise. Some fitness equipment will be needed. A place/platform of some type big enough for the dog to sit and stand on. some inflatable equipment/ foam pads, wood pieces, pavers, stacking bars etc we can use for foot targets etc. I am creative and happy to help explore items you likely already have vs buying new things. A quiet place to work indoors is fine, we won't need a ton of space.
Syllabus
New class - syllabus subject to change
Week 1: The Foundation of Stillness: Creating Predictability
Lecture Topics:
1. What “patience in the details” means for dogs and handlers
2. How predictability reduces anxiety and supports learning
3. Building focus through repetition and rhythm
4. Choice based games – foundation with it’s your choice
Pattern Game:
• Round Left Round Right Game: Establishing rhythm and calm engagement
Conditioning Focus:
• Front Foot Targeting (low platform or mat): builds awareness of placement and stillness
• Weight Shifting: gentle side-to-side sways while the dog stands squarely
• Micro Duration Holds: rewarding moments of physical balance and calm posture
Week 2: Developing Self-Control Through Structure
Lecture Topics:
1. The connection between controlled movement and emotional regulation
2. Using start-button behaviors to encourage choice and patience
3. Layering clarity through repetition and routine
Pattern Game:
• On Off game
Conditioning Focus:
• Sit-to-Stand Transitions: slow, controlled repetitions to strengthen hind-end engagement
• Diagonal Leg Lifts: gently lifting one paw at a time to build proprioception
• Chin Rest Hold: teaching stationary focus and body stillness through contact
Week 3: Precision in Motion
Lecture Topics:
1. Teaching thoughtful, precise movement
2. How reinforcement placement builds accuracy and body control
3. Encouraging calm problem-solving during movement
Pattern Game:
• Middle / Around Pattern: predictable movement around the handler builds spatial awareness and rhythm
Conditioning Focus:
• Front Foot Target to Platform + Step Off: encourages controlled forward movement
• Diagonal Paw Targeting: for fine motor coordination
• Bendy Targets Movement Patterns: to connect motion with mindful body shifts
Week 4: Thinking Through Arousal
Lecture Topics:
1. Building focus through excitement and recovery
2. Recognizing when arousal turns reactive
3. Reset strategies for emotional regulation
Pattern Game:
• Orientation Game with Movement: connect → move → pause → reconnect
Conditioning Focus:
• Rear Foot Targeting: teaching hind-end awareness and pause control
• Back-Up to Platform: promotes rear-end engagement and proprioceptive precision
• Stop/Go Transitions: reinforcing calm halts after motion
Week 5: Integrating Focus and Coordination
Lecture Topics:
1. Combining physical coordination with cognitive focus
2. How small mechanical details build long-term patience
3. Using handler motion to shape calm, precise following behavior
Pattern Game:
• Cone / Platform Sequences: structured routes with pause points and turns
Conditioning Focus:
• Diagonal Limb Coordination (Cross-Body Work): slow controlled movements over low poles or ground targets
• Step-Ups & Downs on Platforms: smooth transitions between surfaces
• Lateral Movements (Side Steps): to increase proprioception and handler focus
Week 6: Putting Patience into Practice
Lecture Topics:
1. Transitioning from controlled patterns to real-life adaptability
2. Maintaining emotional balance during challenge or novelty
3. Creating long-term structure and sustainability in training
Pattern Game:
• Choice-Based Pattern Sequence: combine multiple known patterns into a decision-making circuit
Conditioning Focus:
• Full-Body Flow Circuit: integrate front/rear targeting, balance holds, and controlled transitions
• Balance Pad Holds: encourage micro-adjustments for core strength and focus
• Cued Stillness + Motion Routine: alternating stationary poses and slow, deliberate steps
Prerequisites & Supplies
No prerequisites required. My new puppy Indigo will have a working spot in this class, so you can follow along with her gold thread as she works through the material. This class is appropriate for puppies or adults.
Some fitness equipment will be needed. A place/platform of some type big enough for the dog to sit and stand on. some inflatable equipment/ foam pads, wood pieces, pavers, stacking bars etc we can use for foot targets etc. I am creative and happy to help explore items you likely already have vs buying new things. A quiet place to work indoors is fine, we won't need a ton of space.
Registration
Next session starts: December 1, 2025Registration starts: November 22, 2025Registration ends: December 15, 2025
Registration opens at 10:30am Pacific Time.
Instructor: Ashley Escobar
