DOORS OPEN!
Registration closes on July 3rd 11:59pm ET!
BOOST your dog's CONFIDENCE, body awareness and coordination with FUN movement exercises.
So that he can learn new skills faster and feel EMPOWERED in new or challenging situations.
DOORS ARE OPEN!
MOVEMENT PUZZLES ACADEMY
Online course for dog training enthusiasts.
By Mari Valgma, CPCFT
Introducing
MOVEMENT PUZZLES!
Movement Puzzles are pattern movement exercises where the dog moves between 2 bowls - the 2 bowl game - and does movement exercises independently from their human (no handler cues!) while moving from bowl to bowl.
The goal of these exercises is to provide dogs with an environment and structure to SAFELY - without pressure or distractions - practice things that may be difficult or challenging FOR THEM. Be it moving on elevated surfaces, stepping onto moving/tilting surfaces, move through tight spaces, run through noisy stuff, turning around in tight areas and so much more!
Because we are working with potentially scary and difficult things for the dog in front of us, Movement Puzzles are focused on the dog's choice, always giving them the option to say "No, this is too much right now", actually listening to it and making adjustments to the exercises on the go.
As a result, Movement Puzzles are a powerful training tool for BOOSTING your dog's CONFIDENCE in new situations, BODY AWARENESS, COORDINATION, understanding of where their bodies are in space and how to control their movements while actually in motion and running!
And yes, Movement Puzzles are fun DIY obstacle courses that you can set up in your living room or garden, using the equipment you can (mostly) find at home 😉
Movement Puzzles first started as a training concept for working and sport dogs, to help them develop dynamic coordination and balance for demanding situations, where they need to move with precision and awareness while also keeping themselves safe and free of injuries.
However... Our students quickly started noticing these other changes in their dogs AFTER starting with Movement Puzzles!
🏆 Dogs having the confidence to try new things after being scared for a long time
🏆 Previously cautious dogs wanting to interact with the environment more
🏆 Becoming less reactive to other dogs!
🏆 Feel a lot calmer in previously scary situations (like planes flying above their training area!)
🏆 Startle less when hearing household noises
🏆 More focused during training, including their sport training, not just Movement Puzzles sessions!
🏆Working confidently while further away from their humans in agility, nosework and other activities.
🏆 Learning new skills faster in their sports training
🏆 Less frustration during training sessions. Less barking, better engagement!
🏆 More clear headed and less impulsive during training without losing the enthusiasm. No more frantic and reckless movements!
All thanks to dogs having better awareness of their bodies, of what they can do, how to coordinate their movements... And also knowing that they have the CHOICE and CONTROL over their own bodies in tricky situations - thanks to THE WAY WE TEACH Movement Puzzles.
Pretty cool, huh!
"My youngest NW dog is a year and 3 months and has a very long body with loooong legs, and since we have been doing movement puzzles regularly I have noticed a big difference in her searches.
She is very confident in any environment and can really focus even while navigating her tricky body over obstacles, because we have already trained that 🥳
She did this search yesterday where she was in odour from the start and followed it seamlessly over and under obstacles with confidence and focus.
This way of training is so brilliant and such a great way to help our dogs be prepared for what they may encounter!
I am so glad I found this way of training and this wonderful community full of inspiration!😍"
- Linette Olsen -
Sounds pretty good, right?!
So where can you learn how to train Movement Puzzles with your own dog?
I share all of it inside
MOVEMENT PUZZLES ACADEMY
Our unique step by step course that will show you exactly how to EFFICIENTLY use these fun movement games and DIY obstacle courses to BOOST your dog's body awareness, coordination and CONFIDENCE.
So that your dog will feel EMPOWERED in new and challenging situations, LEARN new skills FASTER, and trained skills will ACTUALLY transfer over to real life situations!
- Detailed step-by-step How To video instructions for more than 35 confidence and coordination boosting concepts, including how to use the same equipment in new ways!
- From zero to hero with our foundations module that will help you get started quickly with all the right training techniques and minimal frustration.
- Troubleshooting guide with the most common mistakes when getting started with Movement Puzzles and tips on how to adjust the setups.
- 4 months of TIMELY PERSONALIZED INSTRUCTOR SUPPORT. To get all your questions answered and make sure your dog is successful even with their unique characteristics. No video time limit + you can get support for multiple dogs.
- Everything conveniently on one platform, access 24/7 from your laptop, tablet or phone!
- All the future additions, new exercises and materials to the program contents.
- Lifetime access to the materials and peer supported alumni community on Facebook.
Here's how it works:
Watch the trainings
As soon as you register, you get instant access to pre-recorded, step by step How To videos and written guidelines for over 35 concepts.
Watch on your computer, tablet or phone. Also available in an app so you can take the exercises with you on your phone wherever you go!
It's like having me and your next lesson in your back pocket!
Get effective coaching
When you are stuck or need a tip, post a question or your video in our community!
We are waiting to help you, to tell you exactly what to do next!
You'll get our response FAST, usually within 24 hours (we probably live on different continents, after all!), 5 days per week. No more waiting for A WEEK or more for the next class and instructor help!
Do the Puzzles!
Follow the instructions in the How To Videos and apply our feedback to your training sessions for quick progress with the exercises. No frustration or trying to figure out how to do the exercise with your dog on your own!
You'll be amazed by how quickly you can get to your first puzzle exercises and your dog eagerly waiting for the next session with you!
Here's what you will find inside:
Foundations:
The KEY to your success!
In this module you will master:
- The foundation pattern for all Movement Puzzle exercises. This will give your dog the confidence and sense of "I know this game!" to approach any new Movement Puzzle exercise with enthusiasm!
- Our fool-proof pattern for introducing new surfaces to your dog, so that in the future you can easily introduce any new, funny, moving or noisy surface inside the puzzle and your dog will step on it with confidence!
- The 4 key concept exercises that are ESSENTIAL for making any Movement Puzzle exercise easy and quick to train. Taught in clear, easy to master steps so that you and your dog can enjoy them frustration free!
- How to combine 2 or more exercises into a sequence for longer Movement Puzzles with my proven and tested process, helping you and your dog quickly succeed without having to figure this out through trial and error!
Confidence Boosters!
That sneakily boost body awareness and coordination, too 🤓!
Moving on/through:
- Noisy things
- Items moving around paws
- Things touching the body
- Surfaces high from the ground Narrow surfaces like planks and elevated surfaces
- Tilting/moving surfaces
- Things hanging over head
- Stepping over gaps
- Pushing through a "blocked exit" with no clear way through!
Coordination Boosters!
In this module you will discover coordination exercises and how to use the SAME EQUIPMENT for creating DIFFERENT body awareness and coordination challenges (that sneakily also boost confidence 😎):
- 5 different ways you can use cavalettis/poles in your training to create new coordination challenges with as little as 2 poles
- 7 different exercises you can create with platforms, unstable surfaces (optional) and 1-2 poles for new, bigger challenges
- High precision exercises like stepping on "ladder rungs" and touching a single paw target while in motion.
What's in it for you?
Benefits for you
- Train new behaviors faster because your dog has better control over her body and you don't need as many repetitions anymore
- You know how to support your dog in tricky situations without taking away your dog’s choice
- Better understanding of WHY and HOW TO FIX IT when things don’t go according to plan during training
- Ability to make all kinds of moving through/under/over behaviors super easy and logical for your dog
- Fewer frustration behaviors during your training because your dog is better able to complete any training task with ease
- Stronger relationship thanks to understanding your dog better and your dog understanding you!
- Keeping your dog's brain active (coordination training is like a vitamin to your dog's brain) and delay/avoid onsets of conditions like doggy dementia
- A new (and fun!) tool in your training toolbox
Benefits for your dog
(just to name a few)
- Learning new skills faster and with less frustration
- Not having to do repetition after repetition of the same thing, while actually understanding the criteria, but not knowing how to meet it!
- Feeling empowered, in control and having his feedback heard.
- Confidence to try new things, explore and do things she thought to be impossible before.
- Improved precision and control over his body when running
- Better focus during training.
- Improved independent performance, not having to look at the you so much
- Higher confidence in new and also in difficult and physically demanding situations
- Reduced risk of injuries thanks to better control and higher confidence in challenging situations
- FUN! She can run... and get treats!
Who is this program for?
🙋♀️ Sport and working dog handlers who want to make sure their dogs are well prepared for moving with precision and awareness in challenging situations.
🙋🏼♂️ Guardians or trainers of sensitive or cautious dogs who look new ways for building confidence and encouraging independent exploration or who need a meaningful physical activity for their dog while working through behavior challenges.
🙋🏽♂️ Anyone looking for enriching activities that are taught with positive reinforcement, dog's choice based and mostly errorless training.
🙋🏼♂️ Movement Puzzle enthusiasts who have tried teaching these exercises on their own, but often see their dogs avoiding the props in the exercise, offering other behaviors and making "mistakes".
Note: In case of problem behaviors, Movement Puzzles can only support your existing training program. Working on Movement Puzzles alone doesn't solve problem behaviors!
❌ This course is NOT A GOOD FIT FOR:
- blind dogs as the exercises rely heavily on eye-body coordination
- dogs who are not at all food motivated
- someone not at all interested in dog's choice based training and who is just looking to do obstacle courses with no attention to how the obstacles are actually trained.
Hi! I am Mari Valgma
The creator of Movement Puzzles, a Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer (CPCFT) and a dog training nerd passionate about helping our dogs move with precision, awareness and confidence, especially in situations that may otherwise be called "challenging".
I strongly believe that feeling comfortable in your own body, knowing how big you are, how your feet move and what your body is capable of, is a huge part of feeling more confident in general. Knowing that you can navigate the world and challenges with ease. You are safe. Your body has got this! It's easy!
I'm also passionate about bringing most up to date positive reinforcement training approaches into effective, practical exercises that ANYONE can learn to do with their dogs without having even heard about the theory or tricky-to-understand terms before.
That's why I LOVE teaching Movement Puzzles - exercises that have helped already more than 2000 dog training enthusiast like yourself to combine good training with confidence boosting coordination and body awareness training.
I live in Estonia, Europe, sharing my home with 2 Australian Shepherds Mr Bo and Life, and the memories of my past dogs - Australian Shepherds Kino and Pipi and a mixed hunting breed rescue Mirru. Who have all played a huge role in developing my skills as a trainer and Movement Puzzles!
My training ideas and Movement Puzzles have been featured in Fenzi Dog Sports Academy (where I'm also a proud alumni!), Susan Garrett's Agility Nation and numerous international dog training summits.
Here's what our students are saying:
Hélène Lawler
Fenzi Dog Sports Academy instructor, Founder of Shaping Chaos and Dog Sport Scholars
USBCHA herding Open handler & coach
"My dogs and I are absolutely loving Movement Puzzles, which have become my new go-to for building foundations."
This unique skills-building program is so powerful that I believe it has the potential to completely change how we train our dogs for work and sport. Not only that, it SHOULD change how we train for work and sport.
Mari’s systematic program teaches both dog and handler the skills we need for performance excellence without danger of over-arousal (hallelujah!), all the while building confidence and developing excellence in communication.
Her step-by-step lessons are clear, easy to follow, and well organized. Her insights are paradigm shifting. Which, as a lover of rabbit holes, is my favourite part of working with Mari. But my dog is very grateful too! Particularly since the exercises allow her to tell me exactly where I need to improve, and how.
Pat Gornall
"Well, having joined MP just a week ago, I am gobsmacked/delighted at how this course is giving confidence to Tilly, my just 1 year old lurcher cross."
She is innately suspicious of randomly moving inanimate objects, plus many, many other things and activities which I would normally overcome by shaping. However, with shaping, she doesn’t seem to carry forward any confidence gained and we always have to start over at each session.
In just ONE week, we have achieved a short puzzle with her walking over a platform, a piece of noisy wrapping paper, a flattened cardboard box and a wobble mat - all done with great enthusiasm and happiness 😁
We started with FF and RF targeting, on and backwards off the platform as instructed, and she’s never looked back. Waiting for the ground to dry up so we can move outside with some poles.
Amazing! Thank you so much.
Pike Bremer
"It is an excellent and genuinely kind program for handlers and dogs alike."
The dogs and I love the Movement Puzzles and find them rather addictive! They are so much fun and we learn something new with every monthly challenge. This program provides just the right amount of theory, great explanations plus example videos for each exercise, doable challenge spacing as well as helpful and prompt feedback to our videos by the knowledgeable team members.
Movement puzzles have made me a more patient trainer and my dogs race up to the training area as soon as I grab the cones as they indicate happy play time for them.
It is an excellent and genuinely kind program for handlers and dogs alike.
JOIN MOVEMENT PUZZLES ACADEMY TODAY
SINGLE INVESTMENT OF ONLY $347
----------- OR -----------
4 INSTALMENTS OF $95
For questions or help with enrolling send an email: support@themovingcanine.com
Do your first Movement Puzzle in 30 days or less
Or double your money back
Or double your money back
After teaching 1500+ people and their dogs to do Movement Puzzles inside Movement Puzzles Academy, I KNOW my methods for teaching these fun movement exercises work.
That's why I have a double your money back guarantee. Yes, you read it correctly - DOUBLE your money back. That's 694 USD in your pocket. Or 190 USD when you join with a payment plan.
If you follow the program, do the exercises, ask for coaching and can't make any progress in your Movement Puzzles training within 30 days of purchasing, simply send us a 7 minute video showing you and your dog practicing the exercises from the Foundation module to show us that the methodology isn't working for you and your dog.
If you and your dog are still not progressing with Movement Puzzles after direct, personal coaching from me, you'll get DOUBLE your money back.
However, Movement Puzzles Academy is only for people committed to actually doing Movement Puzzles with their dog, which is why we ask for a video of you doing the work.
If you like to purchase programs, check out a couple of videos and ask for a refund, this isn't for you.
We'll do whatever it takes to make you and your dog successful with Movement Puzzles, but nothing will work for you if you don't actually do the work.
Please check Who is this program for and FAQ before joining to see if Movement Puzzles Academy is a good fit for you.
ALSO INCLUDED:
4 Monthly Challenges
Students' favorite! Join our Monthly Challenges, that will help you get started with Movement Puzzles and teach all the foundation exercises, step by step.
Monthly Challenges focus on one exercise at a time, helping you fit short training sessions into busy daily schedule, progress in your training quickly with our detailed step by step instructions and FEEDBACK from myself and our highly knowledgeable and dedicated coaches.
INCLUDED!
Adding Distractions
Get detailed instructions for how to add distractions to your puzzles training session. Using my fool-proof, proven and tested method, so that your dog would actually choose to ignore the temptation without you having to interfere!
See your dog making good choices while moving in no time!
INCLUDED!
DIY Equipment Ideas
Get access to our Student Example Video Library, where you'll see lots of creative setup ideas with with things you already have at home! Like textile shopping bags, cardboard boxes, empty plastic bottles, broomsticks, chairs and even clever sofa placement for your exercise!
INCLUDED!
Puppy & Senior Guidelines
Adjust these fun exercises for puppies, seniors and dogs with physical limitations with these dedicated guidelines!
Including the list of safe exercises and guidelines for reducing the physical challenge of the exercises.
INCLUDED!
Exercise PDFs
Download the exercise PDFs and take the exercises with you... anywhere!
Includes exercise PDFs and written guidelines as well as overviews of the How To videos. So you'll have all the information you'll need to do the exercise even when away from your device or the internet!
INCLUDED!
Movement Puzzle Level 1 Certificate application
Master the foundation exercises and apply for Movement Puzzle Level 1 Certificate after 4 months of being in the Academy! Perfect for showcasing your and your dog's skills or using it professionally to show your qualifications! Available ONLY to our students!
INCLUDED!
Emma Lee
Lighten Up Dog Training
"When I first encountered Mari's Movement Puzzles for dog training, it was a game-changer."
What sets this programme apart is its thoughtfulness. Mari has anticipated every possible challenge and provides strategies for guardians to overcome them. The monthly challenges are exceptional and cater to a variety of dog backgrounds, including sensitive working-line dogs. This means I very rarely need to make individual adaptations or suggestions for my clients' dogs – and when I’ve needed to, it’s simply been to say to re-visit Mari’s guidance.
It’s also been useful for fitness and recovery as well as confidence building. For many of the dogs I work with, they seem much more comfortable navigating the world. Having predictable patterns has also helped those dogs who need a bridge into other environments to help them settle. So often, stillness is an impossible challenge. A few short puzzles in new spaces seems to remind the dogs I work with that they make the decisions about what their body does, not the world around them.
Having worked with dogs for over a decade and seeking continual development, I can confidently say that Movement Puzzles was a true lightbulb moment in my career. I very much look forward to seeing The Moving Canine as it develops.
"Mari has a fresh approach to developing the underlying coordination and balance needed for dog sports...
... that dovetails beautifully with current training concepts such as loopy training, performing in flow, slow is the new fast, and forward focus. In a warm, engaging manner, she pulls together these bits and pieces into a cohesive whole. And my dogs love the exercises!"
Kathryn Kuhlen, USA
"Mari’s Movement Puzzle class was a surprising adventure into a new way of training and thinking."
I worked with my then 10-month old BC pup and my 5 year old field Labrador. It was enlightening to observe their balanced movement progress, development of body awareness for performance of the challenges, and mental acuity to solve the puzzles. My observation skills improved and I consequently became a more effective partner for them.
Mary Young, USA
Bobbie Lyons
CCFT, KPA CFT, Program Director CSCC, KPA Faculty
"From my first exposure to movement puzzles I was super intrigued with the concept and now I use it often for so many different things. "
I love it for puppies and old dogs. It is a great way to teach clicker mechanics to new students. It is a great way to teach proprioception to dogs and for dogs to learn and think at a distance from their handler.
I continually find more and more uses for movement puzzles. Thank you Mari for sharing this concept. It will always be part of what I teach.
So, Let's Recap!
When you join Movement Puzzles Academy you get instant access to our unique step by step course that will show you exactly how to boost your dog's dynamic body awareness, coordination and CONFIDENCE. Lifetime access to materials + 4 months of instructor support.
- PLUS Our 4 foundation Monthly Challenges so you'll know exactly how to get started with Movement Puzzles + instructor feedback.
- PLUS Movement Puzzle Level 1 Certificate application to help you stay motivated with your training.
- PLUS Puppy and Senior Guidelines to help you adjust these fun exercise to any age and fitness level.
- PLUS DIY Equipment Ideas in our Student Example Library, so you can create new fun setups with stuff you have at home.
- PLUS Adding distractions how to videos and guidelines, so you can easily teach your dog to make good choices while running!
- PLUS Exercise PDFs with written guidelines and video overviews so you can easily train anywhere with or without internet access!
Join with a single investment of 347 USD or 4 instalments of 95 USD!
Simply click the button below! Your new supportive Movement Puzzles community and I will be waiting for you inside!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What equipment will I need for this program?
- 2 bowls, 2-3 cones
- 1-2 platforms/steps. Human step platforms and Cato boards are perfect. Books or wooden blocks covered with a yoga mat work well for smaller dogs
- 2 cavaletti poles or broomsticks
- Stool or a bench that you can use for "moving under"
- Big cardboard boxes for creating narrow spaces
Here are other pieces of equipment that will become handy, depending on which exercises you choose to do with your dog. There are lots of DIY equipment ideas inside the program: - 1 balance disc/unstable surface. Balance discs with bases (like balance discs from Gymnic) or Propel Air Platform are the perfect. The disc/platform should not roll or slide under your dog.
- A cardboard box + empty plastic bottles or similar for a box of "funny stuff"
- Plastic bottles on strings + something to hang them on (or similar for a "noisy curtain")
- Old tires/wooden ladder or something similar to give your dog narrow surfaces to step on (like ladder rungs)
- Small thin target
How much space do I need for the exercises?
Recommended area of 4x 6 meters/13x 20 feet, however you can also make it with half of that size. Most of the how to videos and examples inside the program are made in a space 2x 3 meters (6x9ft). Make sure the surface is non-slippery!
How much feedback is included?
You get instructor support in our members community (videos are not limited, though we ask you to keep each individual video below 2 minutes) as often as you need. All you have to do is video your own sessions, post a video in our community and ask for feedback. You will have access to our support and instructor feedback for 4 months from joining the program. You can post videos with multiple dogs.
Can I do these exercises with a deaf dog?
Yes. In our instruction videos we use audible reinforcement markers (like marker words or click of a clicker). With a deaf dog you can use a visible marker like thumbs up or light from a torch (not laser). You can also try doing the exercises without a marker.
For how long will I get access to the materials?
You will keep lifetime access to Movement Puzzles program materials and peer supported Facebook community, and 4 month access to our foundation Monthly Challenges, members community, instructor feedback and Level 1 Certificate application.
What if I discover that this program isn't for me/my dog?
If you follow the program, do the exercises, ask for coaching and can't make any progress in your Movement Puzzles training within 30 days of purchasing, simply send us a 7 minute video on our email support@themovingcanine.com showing you and your dog (both visible in the video) practicing 3 exercises - the 2 bowl game, moving over platform and moving over poles exercises from the Foundation module - to show us that the methodology isn't working for you and your dog.
If you and your dog are still not progressing with Movement Puzzles after direct, personal coaching from me, you'll get DOUBLE your money back.
However, Movement Puzzles Academy is only for people committed to actually doing Movement Puzzles with their dog, which is why we ask for a video of you doing the work.
We don't offer refunds for impulse purchases or reasons like "I just don't have the time right now". We also don't issue refunds after 30 days from purchase have passed.
If you like to purchase programs, check out a couple of videos and ask for a refund, this isn't for you.
We'll do whatever it takes to make you and your dog successful with Movement Puzzles, but nothing will work for you if you don't actually do the work.
If you have any questions about Movement Puzzles Academy and if it's a good fit for you and your dog, please send us an email to support@themovingcanine.com prior to purchasing, so we can help you make an informed decision.
When does the program start?
There's no fixed start date for this program. You will get full access to all the contents as soon as you join, so you can start working on the exercises and start getting results straight away!
From what age is this program suitable?
Most of the confidence boosting exercises are perfect for puppies as young as 3 months. The body awareness and coordination exercises are better suited from 8 months and up. I'd personally recommend taking this course with a puppy, observe what your puppy is able to do easily and focus on these exercises. Inside the program we have guidelines for adjusting the exercises for puppies.
Wow! You made it all the way to the bottom of this page :)
If you are still reading this, there is a reason.
There is some part of you that knows this is what you've been looking for.
So why not jump in and test it out?
If you do the work, ask for help and the method just doesn't work for your dog, we will give you DOUBLE your money back.
What do you have to lose?
Got a question? Email us at support@themovingcanine.com
We do not claim to solve any dog's problem behaviors with our training. If your dog is showing problem behaviors, you should consult with a canine behaviorist.
We make no guarantees or claims as to the success of any user or our programs. Each individual is unique and their abilities are unique to them. The aim is that we provide support and training to allow you to better understand your dog, how to improve confidence, body awareness and coordination.
All training provided will be general information and guidance and will not be bespoke advice. We are not responsible for any action or inaction which you take as a result of the information within our services.
We are not responsible for any loss of opportunity or any investments which you make. No content in our services should be construed as veterinary advice, whether mental or physical. If you believe that your dog requires veterinary attention you should seek assistance from a veterinary professional immediately.
