Small Dog Workshops
This series of workshops will be designed with the small dog in mind. Small is a bit of a frame of mind, and if your dog "feels" small, then this class is for you! The concepts are going to range from elevation and how to efficiently cover a space with a small dog, as well as how to build confidence and how to work with containers and vehicles. Whether you want to feel supported as you work through tough concepts for small dogs, or you need some guidance on building the skills, this workshop should help you!
How does it work? Each Workshop date is a live webinar with a narrow focus for that week. You can participate live or choose to watch the recording. Afterwards, you will have 7 days to work through the material and submit a 2-minute video for feedback. Feedback will be given in a private group for participants of that week's workshop.
COST: $45 per Workshop or $150 for all 4 if purchased as a group.
LOCATION: Zoom & Recorded Workshop links emailed after
REGISTRATION: Opens on June 9th, 2026 at noon
Registration closes for each topic at noon of the workshop's date. Group package registration closes on June 25th at noon.
Wednesday, June 24th 2026 - 5pm PST (AZ time)
Confidently Cover Ground
This workshop targets two essential skills needed for small dogs to excel in this big dog world. Confidently searching off the start line with efficiency, and how to maintain movement through the search so you don't get "stuck".
When you have short legs, there just isn't a lot of time to get stuck in non-productive odor or spaces. Should you go? Should you stay? We will look at different strategies for small dogs in all types of searches.
Finally, we will also problem-solve some struggles of covering ground or working efficiently for small dogs. How to manage small areas with people, difficult terrain for small feet, and other small dog hurdles.
Wednesday, July 8th - 5pm PST (AZ time)
Everything Is UP!
This topic requires a week all to itself! When running a small dog, it seems like every hide is an elevated hide! Instead of complaining (that's too easy), the goal of this workshop is to help you and your dog work on the skill of working elevated hides.
We will not only work on the specific placement of "up" but create a framework for you and your dog to use when working searches to find these types of hides faster and with more clarity.
Wednesday, July 29th - 5pm PST (AZ time)
No Paws: Containers and Vehicles
Working vehicles, buried, and containers with a small dog sometimes mean we need to figure out how to work inside the lines of the rules designed for big dogs.
Not all judges recognize some of the struggles a small dog has while working odor, and so rules designed to limit damage get equally applied across the board, regardless of the dog.
This workshop will look at how we can work within those lines, building confidence and clarity for our dogs with these elements along the way. A little more work on containers often is a good thing for ANY dog!
Wednesday, August 12th - 5pm PST (AZ time)
Leashes & Handling
While the fundamentals stay the same, handling a small dog requires a different approach (more educated approach?). Tiny mistakes—like a tangled leash or an extra step—can accidentally pull your dog off their feet or push them out of a corner they are working. When your partner is only 8 inches tall, handler pressure and foot direction completely change the search picture.
This workshop brings awareness to these subtle handling challenges. You will learn how to view the search from their perspective and build your dog's confidence to ignore your pressure, choose their own path, and hunt independently.