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!
- Linette Olsen -
"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!😍"
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 🤓!
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 😎):
🙋♀️ 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.
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
Taking the Movement Puzzles course has been one of the most valuable additions to my training. The instruction was kind, specific, and personalized, and it gave me practical tools that I could use right away with both Scheme and Liz. What stood out most was how the puzzles were not just “exercises,” but carefully thought-out pathways that helped my dogs build body awareness, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills.
For Scheme, my senior dog, the puzzles have been especially meaningful. With his loose shoulder and east–west rear feet, I wanted a safe way to keep him strong, coordinated, and engaged. The slow-speed coordination exercises and careful progression over poles, tilting surfaces, and noisy curtains helped him organize his body with more precision. I could see him moving with greater rhythm and control, but just as importantly, I could see his joy in the process. Even at his age, the puzzles gave him confidence and the ability to toggle his arousal more quickly—settling from excitement into focus as he chained behaviors fluently.
For Liz, the puzzles have had a different but equally powerful effect. She is a high-energy, super-intense dog who can sometimes rush, but through the puzzles she learned to think while moving. Instead of barreling through with momentum, she began using her body deliberately, adjusting her stride and approach angles in real time. This shift carried directly into her nose work: she now searches with longer focus stamina, a stronger connection to me, and a more structured approach to working her environment. She’s always been a talented search dog, but with the foundation from movement puzzles, I can see her working with more purpose and efficiency.
And then there is what Movement Puzzles does for the trainer. In this day and age, dog training has become beautifully available to everyone, with science supporting the latest techniques and insights. But this course sharpens a trainer’s eye in a way I haven’t seen elsewhere. It teaches you how to see movement patterns you may have overlooked, and how to shape the environment to bring out the very best in your dog. For students, what may have once taken years to learn about shaping and observation becomes accessible and clear. For experienced trainers, it pushes you to evolve again and again, taking what you already know about setting up for success, reinforcement, and timing—and elevating it to the next level.
As a certified professional trainer, Movement Puzzles is, in my opinion, a high-level training tool. It’s easy to learn in concept, but requires practice on the handler’s part—and importantly, that practice doesn’t come at the dog’s expense. It’s more than agility or conditioning; it’s a method of training that can teach new behaviors, refine old ones, and complement just about every sport out there. And while we all know the value of video in training, this course makes it even clearer: you’ll get “a million bucks” worth of learning out of just a handful of thoughtful repetitions. It’s condensed, powerful, and endlessly practical. No matter who you are, I believe you’ll see more than you have before—about your dog and about yourself.
Lisa Pattison
CaninePartnership.com
Lisa and Scheme doing a 3 part puzzle for their Movement Puzzle certificate
Lisa and The Liz doing a 3 part puzzle for their Movement Puzzle certificate
Movement Puzzles are one of my favorite things to do with my dogs, and my dogs love them, too. Movement Puzzles are just simple fun with no pressure for me or my dog.
Beyond that though, they have benefits that I could not have imagined when we first started. They help build body understanding in the dog and help balance their body for left and right movements to strengthen both their preferred side as well as their less preferred side for turning while giving my dog the freedom to figure out how to use their body in new situations without any external pressure to perform.
Movement Puzzles strengthen the dog’s understanding of their movements, all while participating in a fun game with me and building our relationship. Movement Puzzles also help calm a busy mind for a dog that needs to have better focus and fewer worries in life. This patterns a happier outlook on life. What could be better than that??
Movement Puzzles also help me understand better how my dog moves and to catch any troubles they may be having before an injury happens. This is so helpful for me. I participate in multiple sports with my dogs, and a better understanding how they move is important to me. I want to give my dogs the best life I can, and Movement Puzzles will always be a part of that. I only wish I had learned about them sooner!
Mavis Adam, CNWI (NACSW)
Connecticut, USA
Mavis and ZuKe having fun with Movement Puzzles!
I can't say enough about the dog movement puzzles from themovingcanine.com. I’ve completed all three levels of certification with my two Siberian Huskies and just finished Level 1 with my new puppy. These puzzles are more than just a fun activity; they are an instrumental tool for building so many essential skills, from body awareness to problem-solving while also building and strengthening one’s bond with their dog.
Having a dog that is a bit fearful of strangers, incorporating the box (note from Mari - box exercises are from our other course Reactivity Special) with the movement puzzles has provided a safe, positive, controlled way to create a powerful, predictable pattern game which has helped to build his confidence. This translates directly to real-world situations, helping him navigate encounters with strangers with more self-assurance.
As a certified canine fitness trainer, I especially appreciate the incredible fitness benefits of movement puzzles. I've watched my own dogs build confidence with every puzzle and develop better coordination, balance, flexibility, strength, and proprioception, while also enhancing their focus and calmness. All of these skills will benefit them in all of the activities we do and enhance their overall wellbeing as we continue with the puzzles over their lifetime.
As a fear-free dog trainer myself at Pooch Partners, I appreciate that these puzzles are built on a solid foundation of positive reinforcement and force-free principles. Mari and her team provide amazing feedback to ensure everyone’s success, and the monthly challenges provide a fun way to keep everyone engaged and motivated. They are an amazing tool for both physical and mental enrichment, and I highly recommend them to any dog guardian.
Shelly Korobanik,
Founder, owner and trainer Pooch Partners®
Poochpartners.ca
Shelly and Suka nailing yet another Puzzle exercise!
I came across Movement Puzzles in August 2023 and was intrigued by this (for me) new way of working with dogs, where the reward is not dependent on a dog 'getting it right'.
We love the variety of challenges and exercises, suitable for so many aspects in my dog's training and our lives. I have always loved doing fitness with my dogs, building their confidence and body awareness through games = having fun with a purpose!
Working through the certificate levels has not been without challenges and I'm proud that I've been able to pass all 3 levels, each with several of my dogs.
My youngest, Davy, grew up doing movement puzzles, which became part of the wonderful relationship that we have.
For my senior dogs, movement puzzles have been a great way to support their mental and physical flexibility and maintaining a level of fitness that works for each of them.
Gisela Griesser
Certified PRO DOG Trainer
Certified ADP Parkour Instructor
Certified OneMind Dogs Instructor
Gisela and Davy crushing their Level 3 Movement Puzzles Certificate!
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!
"The Movement Puzzles Certification is a brilliant way to deepen your understanding of this unique concept, no matter where you’re starting from. Whether you’re looking to create the best possible experience for your own dog or you’re a professional trainer wanting to bring Movement Puzzles into your classes, it helps you explore the hows, whys, and wherefores behind it all.
What I love most about this certification is that it’s not about titles or competition—it’s all about personal growth and understanding. It really focuses on the dog’s perspective, making sure their physical and emotional needs are at the heart of everything.
For me, it was a game-changer. I learned how to adapt exercises to suit my own dog’s physical limitations and how to break things down for my students. It also made me better at problem-solving. So now when things don't quite go to plan, I feel better equipped to figure out why and make sure my dog can succeed. Plus, it’s made me more creative and confident as a trainer!
If you’re unsure as to whether the Movement Puzzles Certification is right for you, go for it! The learning that you’ll take away is so useful and the whole process is super easy to follow. Honestly, it’s just such a great way to grow—both for you and your dog."
- Kim Smith from Leaps and Bounds dog training -
leapsandbounds.dog
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.