We have all had dogs that “checked out” on us during a training session, or worse, during a performance or competition. A disconnected dog may mentally or physically leave the training session by spacing out, lagging, sniffing, going visiting, getting the “zoomies,” or worse, outright fleeing the scene. In this workshop, we will discuss the different faces of disconnection and possible causes. We will explore and practice techniques and exercises for prevention, as well as strategies for what to do when your dog “checks out.” • What does it look like? • Why does it happen? • What to do when the wheels come off • Useful skills for your toolbox • Managing access to reinforcers • Developing a routine • Putting distractions on cue Format There will be 15 working spots and an unlimited number for auditing. Hannah suggests attendees attend both days. Since her specialty is systematic, step-by-step building of behavior — it’s hard for attendees to just jump in midstream. If you are signing up for a working spot on Sunday, you MUST attend on Saturday as well. Hannah’s workshops are a combination of at home reading, lecture material, and hands-on practice. Materials will be sent to attendees via email in advance of the workshop, so that everyone knows what to expect. Advance access to the materials allows dogs and handlers to begin getting familiar with the exercises we will practice in person, making the actual training more productive and less stressful. Hannah will send a questionnaire out a few weeks before for all the working teams, so that she can fully customize the exercises. Hannah’s workshops tend to be very heavy on working time; she tries to minimize the amount of talking, and maximize the amount of time attendees are up practicing and receiving coaching. The workshop day is broken up into multiple short lecture/instruction periods, followed by hands-on practice. She splits up handler skills and dog time, teaching the handler mechanics first and then bringing the dogs out. Depending on the content and exercises, we will work in small groups or one at a time. Very occasionally all of the working teams train simultaneously.

Sponsor:Humane Animal Welfare Society
Speaker(s):Hannah Branigan

Contact: Khris Erickson
 Email: khris@hawspets.org
 Phone: 262-542-8851 x118
 Web: https://hawspets.org/spring-seminar/