Calling all Cautious K9's

This course is designed to help adopters strengthen their bond with their new canine companion while building the dog’s confidence and comfort in a variety of environments. Using evidence-based principles of Classical and Operant Conditioning, adopters will learn to communicate clearly with their dog through mark-and-reward training and consistent reinforcement. The course covers practical, hands-on exercises including hand targeting, body part desensitization, confidence-building games, and search and rescue activities. Each exercise is designed to provide both mental and physical stimulation, help dogs overcome fear or hesitation, and teach handlers to read and respond to their dog’s body language. Participants will gain the skills to practice at-home training safely and effectively, creating a positive, rewarding learning environment that fosters trust, strengthens the human-animal bond, and lays the foundation for ongoing skill development.