Movement Puzzles – Beginner Training
A dog who can regulate their arousal is better able to focus, think, and respond confidently, even when the environment gets exciting or stressful.
Some dogs show high arousal by becoming frantic, distracted, or seemingly out of control. Others may shut down completely. Movement Puzzles gives dogs a predictable framework for learning how to slow down, engage their bodies and brains, and approach challenges with more confidence. Check out this video of Jones working a Beginner Movement Puzzle to see the kinds of work we’ll do in this class.
Would you like your dog to:
- Stay focused when distractions are present?
- Develop better impulse control?
- Build confidence in new or challenging situations?
- Learn how to settle and self-regulate when excitement takes over?
What are Movement Puzzles?
Movement Puzzles use predictable movement patterns combined with body awareness, impulse control, and confidence-building exercises. As your dog learns the pattern and becomes more aware of how they are using their body, they can begin to approach training with greater focus and control.
You’ll also learn to recognize when your dog is becoming too excited to think clearly, and how your own handler mechanics can help your dog stay engaged and successful.
Your dog isn’t bonkers. They may simply need another way to handle all that excitement!
Class will cover:
- Handler mechanics
- Introducing your dog to the Movement Puzzles pattern
- Impulse control games
- Body awareness exercises
- Introduction to simple Movement Puzzles
Class logistics:
- When: Tuesdays: November 10, 17, 24; December, 1, 8, 15, 2026
(a 6-week class) - Time: 1:00pm–2:00pm
- Where: Arrington, TN
- Class size: Limited to 6
- Cost: $180. This is a fundraising class. Class fee will go to Adopt A Golden Nashville and is non-refundable.
- Registration closes: November 8, 2026
Movement Puzzles Beginner must be completed before enrolling in Movement Puzzles Advanced.
For more information, contact Debbie Huntley at debbie@bedoghappy.com.
Registration Process
In order to register for this class, you must complete the following steps:
- Complete the form at the bottom of this page.
- You will be redirected to a page where you can upload proof of donation confirmation. For your own convenience, leave that tab or window open while you complete your donation
- Donate $180 to Adopt a Golden Nashville. You must use our link and only our link. This link is also on the button below and the upload proof page. Do not donate via any other avenue; our custom link is the only acceptable way to donate.
- Capture your proof of donation via a screenshot of the PayPal donation confirmation screen that appears after you complete your transaction, or wait a few minutes for PayPal to send you a receipt and screenshot or save that receipt as a .pdf. Your proof must be a screenshot or a .pdf of your receipt to be valid and ensure your spot in class. No other proof of donation will be accepted.
- Return to your original window or tab and upload your screenshot or .pdf via the form on that page.
(Unsure how to provide proof? Get details).
Use the button below to get going - we're excited to have you in class!
