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 π
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!
π Dogs having the confidence to try new things after being scared for a long time
π Previously cautious dogs wanting to interact with the environment more
π Becoming less reactive to other dogs!
π Feel a lot calmer in previously scary situations (like planes flying above their training area!)
π Startle less when hearing household noises
π More focused during training, including their sport training, not just Movement Puzzles sessions!
πWorking confidently while further away from their humans in agility, nosework and other activities.
π Learning new skills faster in their sports training
π Less frustration during training sessions. Less barking, better engagement!
π More clear headed and less impulsive during training without losing the enthusiasm. No more frantic and reckless movements!
"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 π₯³
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!π"
- Linette Olsen -
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!
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!
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!
In this module you will master:
That sneakily boost body awareness and coordination, too π€!
Moving on/through:
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 π):
πββοΈ Sport and working dog handlers who want to make sure their dogs are well prepared for moving with precision and awareness in challenging situations.
ππΌββοΈ 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.
βππ½ββοΈ Anyone looking for enriching activities that are taught with positive reinforcement, dog's choice based and mostly errorless training.
ππΌββοΈ 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!
β 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.
Fenzi Dog Sports Academy instructor, Founder of Shaping Chaos and Dog Sport Scholars
USBCHA herding Open handler & coach
For questions or help with enrolling send an email: support@themovingcanine.com
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
Lighten Up Dog Training
CCFT, KPA CFT, Program Director CSCC, KPA Faculty
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.