CONTROL UNLEASHED
BUILD A STRONG, Distraction-proof CONNECTION with your dog
Based on Leslie McDevitt’s acclaimed book, our Control Unleashed program is for students and dogs who are ready to strengthen their communication and connection around distractions. This class is a great fit for those planning to participate in dog sports like agility, but also for any handler of a young, easily distracted, impulsive, and/or insecure dog. Emphasis is on handler focus, mutual communication between dog and handler, and the ability to recover a calm state after an exciting or stressful event.
There are 3 progressive levels of Control Unleashed: One, Two, and Three. After graduating, you can join Control Unleashed Field Trips, Control Unleashed Agility or our Agility program.
These classes require ADVANCED SKILLS and require instructor permission to join. Email instructor Jill Seward for more scheduling information, jill@little-furry-things.com.
control unleashed ONE
Control Unleashed One teaches Take a Breath, default behavior, dismissal cue, mat work and pattern games including Up/Down, Ping-Pong, 2 Steps Treat, 123 Walking, and the Chair Game. Other exercises introduced include the Gimme a Break game, Look at That, chin rest and Off Switch.
control unleashed TWO
Control Unleashed Two builds on exercises from CU One with more movement and closer dog interactions. New skills include chin rest, Superbowls, parallel games and advanced Leave It. The focus remains on communication, connection, and recovery from stress or excitement.
control unleashed THREE
Control Unleashed Three builds on previous classes by applying pattern games to real-life situations. You'll learn when and how to use each pattern and smoothly switch between them. The first three weeks feature a novel helper dog as a distraction; in week four, class moves to a park to tackle real-world challenges like joggers, bikes, cars, cows, other dogs—even elk!
control unleashed FOUR: AGILITY MIXED LEVEL
Control Unleashed 4: Agility Mixed Level teaches dog/handler agility teams how to apply Control Unleashed approaches to agility challenges. Does your dog bark incessantly during agility, have problems managing their arousal, have anxiety about the judge or ring crew, or shut down in competition? This class is for you! Learn how to stay connected and cooperating in the face of agility challenges.
control unleashed FOUR: FIELD TRIPS
Control Unleashed Four: Field Trips takes the show on the road! Each week, class is held in a different location in or near North Bend. Students work on adapting to new people, the appearance of unknown dogs, things with wheels, noises, and whatever else the environment throws at us. Locations include Downtown North Bend, Downtown Snoqualmie, Downtown Issaquah, Tollgate Park, Issaquah Home Depot and others.