Using The Neurobiology of Relaxation & Recovery To Recharge Your Dog’s Performance

A six-part live, interactive webinar series from the Brain Camp Crew!

Performance and relaxation are partners, not opponents!  

 

The ability to move smoothly between excitement, recovery, and relaxation may be one of the most important – and least understood – skills in sport dogs. Recovery is not the same as relaxation! Join us as we explore the difference and use both to recharge your dog’s performance in the ring.

 

Whether your dog competes in agility, flyball, gundog work, obedience, scent work, canicross, protection sports or any other discipline, success isn’t just about enthusiasm and drive. It’s also about recharging: the ability to switch off, restore the brain and body, and be ready to perform again. 

 

In this six-part webinar series, we’ll explore relaxation and recovery from the inside out.

 

You will learn a collection of NEW exercises as well as new applications of existing exercises as well as gain a deeper understanding of the neurobiology that makes relaxation possible… and why different dogs need different approaches.

 

Together we’ll explore what happens in the brain and nervous system as a dog moves between vigilance and recovery, how neurotransmitters influence arousal, attention and emotional regulation, and why genetics, pain, learning history, hormones, sleep, gut health and the demands of sport can all affect a dog’s ability to relax and recover.

 

Most importantly, we’ll translate that science into practical training. 

 

Throughout the series we’ll demonstrate a wide range of relaxation and recovery activities, discuss when each is most useful (and when it isn’t), troubleshoot common problems, and help you choose techniques that suit your individual dog rather than following a one-size-fits-all recipe.

 

We’ll also look at why relaxation and recovery can be particularly challenging for sport dogs. Is it genetics? Training? Lifestyle? Reinforcement history? Competition schedules? The answer is often a combination of factors, and understanding them can transform both performance and welfare.

 

This isn’t about making high-drive dogs quieter or reducing their enthusiasm for work. It’s about helping them become more adaptable: able to transition efficiently between excitement and recovery, intensity and calm, work and rest. Better relaxation supports learning, resilience, physical recovery, emotional wellbeing and ultimately, performance.

 

Presented by two experts combining expertise in neuroscience, practical dog training, and competition, this series blends current science with real-world case discussions and practical demonstrations. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of why relaxation works, when different approaches are most appropriate, and how to build a relaxation programme that fits both your dog and your sport.

This series is for you if:

• You want to understand the science behind relaxation and learn new ways to apply it with your dog! 
• You train or compete with a sport dog in any discipline.
• You’re looking for practical, effective, evidence-informed techniques you can start using immediately.
• You’d like help with dogs that struggle to switch off.
• You love learning the “how” AND “why” behind behavior.

 

Each webinar is delivered live online, lasts approximately 30 minutes, and recordings will be available to everyone who registers.

 

Dates:

Monday, 8/17

Monday, 8/24

Monday, 8/31

BREAK WEEK (9/7)

Monday, 9/14

Monday, 9/21

Monday, 9/28

 

Time:

12:30pm EDT  (30 minutes) 

 

3 CEUs pending: 

CPDT

IAABC

 

Episode 1: What is Relaxation (and Why Does it Matter?)

You’ll learn:

• What relaxation is (and isn’t) from a neuroscience perspective.
• The difference between relaxation and recovery
• Why neurobiological relaxation and recovery are essential for performance, learning and well-being in sport dogs.
• Why movement and activity are critical components of relaxation and recovery.

Episode 2: Building the Foundations for Relaxation & Recovery

You’ll learn:

• How pain, sleep, nutrition, gut health and stress influence your dog’s ability to relax and recover.
• Why relaxation training often fails.
• What’s different about canine athletes when it comes to relaxation and recovery  

Episode 3: Arousal Flexibility: The Importance Of Teaching Dogs to Change Gear

You’ll learn:

• Why the goal isn’t low arousal: the goal is flexible arousal.
• Practical games that help dogs move smoothly between excitement and calm.
• How better transitions improve both performance and recovery.

Episode 4: Active Recovery: Helping Nervous Systems Decompress

You’ll learn:

• Why some dogs need help transitioning after training or competition.
• How movement-based activities such as sniffaris, scatter feeding and decompression walks support recovery.
• How to choose the right recovery activity for YOUR dog.

Episode 5: Teaching Relaxation

You’ll learn:

• How relaxation protocols actually work within the brain and nervous system.
• When different relaxation exercises are most appropriate (and when they aren’t).
• How to troubleshoot common problems and avoid frustration.

Episode 6: Making Relaxation And Recovery Part of Everyday Life

You’ll learn:

• How to build relaxation and recovery naturally into training, competition and daily routines.
• When and how to reinforce your dog’s own choice to relax.
• How to develop a long-term relaxation and recovery plan that supports performance throughout your dog’s sporting career.

 

 

Register

$89.00

Click Here!