Would you like to understand your dog better, and open up a whole new world of communication between you? Well, you can with Free Work. Behaviourist Sarah Fisher explains how.

Free Work can help put the fun back into teaching your dog.

Images: Bob Atkins and Sarah Fisher.

ABOUT SARAH

Canine and equine behaviour adviser Sarah Fisher has worked with animals for over 20 years. She is experienced with a wide range of breed types, and teaches staffworkshops for many of the UK’s animal welfare organisations, including Battersea, as well as in Europe. She runs courses under the name Animal Centred Education (ACE) for members of the public as well as those already working in the fields of animal welfare, well-being, behaviour, and training.

DID YOU KNOW?

Free Work gives your dog complete freedom of choice, enabling him to reset, rebalance, and release — ‘the three Rs’.

If only they could talk’ must be one of the most overused phrases about our pets. But just because dogs don’t use human verbal language doesn’t mean they can’t — and don’t — communicate. They’re actually pretty good at it, but we aren’t always as good at understanding what they’re trying to tell us.

By using Free Work, you can open a window into your dog’s mind and create the possibility for two-way exchanges that will help with problem solving and training, and expand and enhance your relationship.

WHAT IS FREE WORK?

ACE (Animal Centred Education) Free Work encourages dogs to engage with a variety of items at liberty. A simple, low-impact activity, it’s suitable for dogs of all breeds and ages, and can be set up in any environment, indoors or out. Many professional trainers and behaviourists use Free Work, but it’s something that any dog guardian can try, and it’s a great way of helping you to understand your pet better and develop clearer communication between you both.