Course Details
The subject of arousal comes up in every class I teach: Empowerment, Control Unleashed at all levels, my sport dog classes, and even Baby Genius. We hear a lot about ‘optimal arousal’ and of course what is an ‘optimal’ level depends upon what we want arousal to do for us. Arousal can open the door to limbic superpowers at very high levels. And sudden arousal can turn a fearful dog into a raving lunatic just like flipping a switch.
What about using arousal specifically for long-term confidence building? That requires spending quality time in the zone we’ll call Mild Arousal. Enough practice and quality play time in Mild Arousal can turn a pessimist into an optimist. The mind relaxes and opens. Learning and retention are enhanced. Our dog begins to process calmly in environments that formerly would have caused a panic. Warming up in Mild Arousal and adding a bit of playfulness to your training can expand the effects all the way to confidence. The dog begins to expect fun and good things in novel situations.
What does Mild Arousal look like and how would you get there if your dog is stuck in bad feelings or reluctant to engage?
We start from scratch, safe at home. We use what we already know about the dog and experiment from there. We can use props such as food and toys. We need to develop a ‘dog’s choice’ language that is personal, fun, and invites just the right level of energy. Finding the right start point is individual and might come slowly at first, but once you get started the positive effects will snowball. I'll show you my favorite starter games.
This approach to confidence building is compatible with the empowerment games you are already playing. We can even incorporate this mild energy as a warm-up for protocols such as Control Unleashed which are designed to keep arousal levels low. It all works seamlessly together and helps your dog become a happy and confident partner.
Click here to Register Now
$19.95 - This pre-recorded presentation including lecture and Q&A will show in your Webinar Library after purchase.
About the Presenter:
Julie Daniels is certified in Control Unleashed (CCUI) and TAGteach methodology. She teaches CU online and presents seminars in person, specializing in overaroused, reactive and sensitive dogs. She has been on the faculty at FDSA for nearly 10 years. For 28 years, she ran dog training camps at her world-renowned White Mountain Agility School in northern NH. Some of the theme camps she developed there were Wild Child, Speed-Em-Up, Novice Genius, Jumping Genius, and the WMA Instructor Certification Course, which honed the skills of hundreds of teachers and thousands of dogs worldwide.
Agility was Julie’s sport for many years. She is a two-time international champion and two-time national champion as well. She has written four agility books. Julie was also the expert voice of Cynosport agility for many years, doing livestream video commentary at international events seen all around the world.
Julie has worked with interesting and challenging dogs her entire life. She lives in Deerfield, NH with two Border Collies, two Australian Koolies and a Staffy mix.
Click here to see Julie's upcoming FDSA classes
