Fenzi Dog Sports Academy - CC305: Sync and Select

Course Details

Most fitness classes follow a "follow-the-leader" format where every dog performs the same repetition at the same time. Sync & Select breaks that mold. This is a "Handler’s Choice" curriculum designed for those who want to move beyond cookie-cutter routines and build a fitness program tailored specifically to the dog at the end of their leash.

In this 6-week intensive, we focus on the two halves of the athletic equation: The Dog’s Physicality and The Handler’s Capacity. Whether your dog is a high-performance sports athlete, a senior maintaining mobility, or a young dog building body awareness, you will select the "track" that fits your needs while mastering the professional mechanics required to execute it safely.

Teaching Approach:

Instructor: Kelly Daniel

Kelly Daniel (She/her) is a learning and dog training addict. She has been training and competing with her dogs (of various shapes and forms) for around 15 years ...(Click here for full bio and to view Kelly's upcoming courses)

Syllabus

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Weekly focus

1. Mechanics

Fitness is only as good as the form. We dive deep into reinforcement mechanics—learning how the placement of a treat or the timing of a marker can be the difference between a neutral spine and a strained one. You will learn to "train for the shape," not just the behavior. When do you need markers? What are the different options for dogs learning new skills? What are the advantages, and disadvantages of different approaches? Does your dog need more stillness strategies?

2. The Equipment & Environment

From professional balance products to "DIY" fitness hacks, you’ll learn how to utilize equipment to create specific exercises and muscle engagement. We cover safety protocols, equipment types and options, and making smart selections and setup to increase the form of exercises.

3. Exercise Selection & Teaching

How big is your dog’s exercise library? What does your individual dog need, already have, and what gaps need to be filled? This focus will give you direction to what you need to add to your library as well as inspiration for fun exercises to teach.

4. The dog in front of you

How do we assess an individual dogs needs? Their body, their life, and their sports. Benign able to assess your dog also means you can track their progress over time.

5. Workout Architecture

Building a workout is more than just picking three exercises. You will learn the science of:

Warm-ups and Cool-downs: Protecting the "cold" athlete.
Set & Rep Design: Understanding when to push for endurance vs. power.
The Weekly Schedule: How to integrate fitness into your life without burning out your dog.

6. The long game

What do you need to consider or plan over a longer timeframe. How will you know you need to progress your dog’s exercises? What other things should you consider and vary over longer periods of time?

CC305: Sync and Select