Foundational Skills for Greater Success in the Working Dog – Presented by Jane Madigan

How to influence the dog’s state of learning and self-confidence by working with their Brain, and the Sensory and Nervous systems, through movement, touch and voice.

Dogs are becoming more mentally and bodily sensitive. This leads to high anxiety and higher distractions when teaching in the environments we expect them to work in. This also impacts their movement over awkward surfaces and terrain, (i.e., steps and escalators), and more importantly their overall mental health and well-being.

Adapting our techniques and skill set is ongoing as our understanding of our dog’s well-being and mental health becomes more evident in their behaviour.

Neuroplasticity is where the brain creates new pathways when a new habit or learning experience is repeated. Movement and certain exercises that are performed in a non-habitual way, will create more fluid thinking and movement, naturally.

Implementing these new techniques and skill sets, from working with puppies at the relevant growth stages, to the young dogs that come into training, will enhance their ability to learn deeper and be more self-assured and confident in their choice making in their working role.

Having worked with and evolved these methodologies over 30 years, with horses and with Guide dogs, the results show for themselves. Giving the dogs more time to develop these skills does create a greater chance of success, whatever their role, as a working dog or a well-rounded career change dog.

Coming soon.