Week 1

How is the dog's brain built?

Understanding the core structures of the brain is like having a map of the control center for all behavior. For a trainer, knowing which areas drive cognition, emotion, and stress responses is key to tailoring interventions that align with a dog’s natural biology, making training more effective and humane.

How does the dog perceive the world?

Dogs experience the world differently than humans, with senses like olfaction and vision playing massive roles in how they interpret their surroundings. Learning about these sensory pathways allows trainers to tap into the dog’s perspective, making communication clearer and training sessions more impactful by using stimuli that naturally engage a dog’s senses.

How hormones and neurotransmitters drive behavior

Molecules like cortisol, adrenaline, and dopamine directly influence behavior, emotion, and stress levels. By understanding these, trainers can recognize and manage how hormonal shifts impact a dog’s training and behavior, allowing for a more supportive approach that respects the dog’s physiological state.

Week 2

How the dog learns

The principles of how dogs learn and remember shape the foundation of effective training. Mastering these concepts empowers trainers to develop techniques that promote not just quick learning but long-term retention, which is crucial for behavioral change that sticks.

Reward and Punishment

Reward and punishment aren’t just simple tools—they’re tied to complex brain circuits of pain and pleasure. Knowing how to properly apply these methods means trainers can avoid negative consequences and leverage the power of rewards, making training a positive, effective experience that fosters trust.

Stress and Resilience

Stress affects every aspect of learning and behavior, and a skilled trainer knows how to build resilience in their canine clients. This day dives into techniques for controlling stress responses and promoting resilience, enabling trainers to create confident, adaptable dogs who can handle challenges.

Week 3

Fear and Anxiety

Fear and anxiety are deeply rooted in the brain’s amygdala and limbic system, which drive the “fight, flight, or freeze” response. Understanding the neurobiology behind these emotions allows trainers to identify the biological triggers of anxiety and design training that desensitizes the dog’s fear responses. By working with, rather than against, these brain circuits, trainers can help dogs gradually build confidence, making their approach both scientifically sound and compassionate.

Reactivity and Aggression

Reactivity and aggression often involve heightened activity in the brain's hypothalamus and amygdala, areas responsible for regulating stress and survival responses. By understanding these neurobiological processes, trainers can pinpoint the root causes of aggressive or reactive behavior, such as overstimulation or fear, and use tailored strategies to help the dog’s brain “rewire” these responses. This knowledge empowers trainers to work more precisely and effectively, building trust and safety for both the dog and its environment.

Scientific Readings Crash Course

Staying informed about the latest research is essential for any top-tier trainer, but scientific literature can be dense. This crash course will equip trainers with the skills to navigate scientific papers, allowing them to apply cutting-edge insights directly into their practice and stay ahead of the curve.