Movement Games
Movement Games are fun exercises where the dog moves between 2 bowls or targets and does each exercise independently, without handler assistance.Rather than focusing purely on completing an obstacle or achieving a particular behaviour, the exercises encourage the dog to think about how they move, where they place their feet and how they adjust their body to different movement challenges.
The games can involve changes in direction, navigating around objects, stepping over or onto surfaces, moving through spaces, balancing, turning, backing up and finding different routes. The dog is encouraged to work things out rather than simply being directed through the exercise.
Benefits for dogs
Movement Puzzles can provide a wide range of physical and cognitive benefits:
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Improved body awareness
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Better coordination
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Balance and stability
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Proprioception
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Core strength
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Flexibility and mobility
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Problem-solving skills
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Confidence
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Focus and concentration
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Choice and independence
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Mental enrichment
One of the biggest benefits is that the dog learns to become an active participant in the activity. Instead of simply following instructions, they are encouraged to explore, make choices and develop an understanding of their own movement.
Foundation Classes
We never lure the dog or try to coax them, instead we teach a foundation pattern which then allows us to introduce new games easily and the dog knows just what to do! Foundation classes are 1hr long where your dog will learn the basic pattern of movement games and do a couple of small games. Once you have completed a Foundation class you are more than welcome to join 'The Movement Club'
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For foundation sessions please click here
The Movement Club
Once you have completed your Foundation level class you are more than welcome to book onto any of our Movement Club classes. We intend to offer a couple of classes each month and you can book the one that suits. These will not always be a set day/time. In these classes we introduce the dog to new games and objects. We will show you how to do this so you can then set up your own at home.
We have levels that you can work towards and earn a certificate of achievement.
Great for learning to work around distractions in close proximity to others. 3 of these dogs in the video are puppies!
Some of the Games we have played so far, including Halloween week.