Connection isn't something some dogs are born with and others aren't. It's a skill that can be built.
Connection isn't something some dogs are born with and others aren't. It's a skill that can be built.
Many dogs happily work for treats, but staying connected between repetitions is a completely different challenge. They take the cookie and immediately look away. They disconnect to sniff the ground, scan the environment, or wait for you to ask for the next behavior. When distractions increase, that lack of connection becomes even more obvious, making training feel frustrating and inconsistent.
In this seven-day workshop, you'll learn simple games that teach your dog that staying engaged with you is always part of the game. Rather than constantly asking for attention, you'll begin creating a dog who naturally chooses to reconnect, stay present, and look to you for information, even when exciting things are happening around them.
These skills aren't just valuable for dog sports. They make everyday training easier, improve communication, and create a dog who genuinely enjoys working with you wherever you go.
During this workshop you'll learn how to:
This workshop is a great fit if:
By the end of the week, you'll have a collection of practical games you can use almost anywhere to build engagement, strengthen your communication, and create a dog who actively chooses to stay connected with you. Whether your goal is everyday life, dog sports, or simply enjoying training together a little more, these skills become the foundation for everything else you teach.
Nicole Wiebusch CPDT-KA (she/her) has been active in dog sports for over 25 years. What began with 4-H quickly grew into a lifelong passion for dog sports. (Click here for full bio and to view Nicole's upcoming courses)...
Enrollment limit: 13
Enrollment limit: Unlimited
Don't just take our word for it — see what our clients say about their experience working with us.
Since I am generally a hands-on learner, I was skeptical how much I would like learning through an on-line course. I have to say that the method used by Fenzi Academy is very effective. The videos are very helpful, both the instructor and student videos. And all questions were timely answered with professionalism and sensitivity. I couldn't have been more pleased with the courses I have taken!
Read all testimonialsLove the Fenzi Academy! It's great that finally there is a place where force free trainers can get good, detailed instruction, support and be part of a community. The material covered is up to date and fully relevant - no 'hocus pocus' just good, solid science and understanding of dog behviour. Also love the online FB groups; everyone is so supportive!
Read all testimonialsI'm addicted to the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy! I have never been dissatisfied with any course that I've taken at FDSA. My list of classes that I’ve taken there just gets longer and longer. Fantastic course material and fantastic Instructors! And the courses available just keep growing. After studying at FDSA, I will never take an on-line course somewhere else ..... unless, and only if, it has a full course description and a syllabus (like FDSA). Love FDSA's course syllabus! But, it's very unlikely that I will be interested in another on-line academy! I'm really pleased with the online auditing experience and will do so again. Thank you!
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