Resilience to Stress

Mental Preparation for Competition

How great would it be to erase competition stress in your dog? This class will take a strategic approach using proven scientific solutions. This course has made positive change in hundreds of agility dogs. Are you ready to step to the line with a focused, driven and happy dog?

FAQ

  • Does this course address dogs that are unmotivated or shut down?

    Yes, it does. The course will guide you through specific strategies for improving motivation & speed. You'll learn how to keep your dog in a happier and relaxed state of mind so they'll enjoy competing with you.

  • Is this course for dogs that aren't competing yet?

    Yes it is! You'll learn how to mentally prepare your dog for competing in a demanding environment. We will create joyous practice sessions that work on critical skills with an emphasis on motivation and speed for young dogs.

  • When does this class start?

    Right now! You can join at any time and work at your own pace as a Worker or Auditor. Course content is dripped over time to give you time to absorb the lessons - all of the content will drop over 8 weeks. HOWEVER, you get plenty of time to submit video and obtain instructor feedback and coaching for 180 days (6 months)!

  • Will this be good for my over the top & excited dog?

    I have a specific class just for the wild and excited dogs called "Ring Impulse Control" that works on multiple strategies for stimulus control and harnessing arousal. Scroll up to the top and click on ALL COURSES to navigate to the Ring Impulse Control Class.

  • I get stressed at competitions, will this class help with it?

    While this class is mainly about mentally preparing your dog for stress resiliency, I do address Handler Stress and strategies for being the best you can be! I'm also a top level competitor who has extensive experience with managing human stress.

  • How can I contact the Instructor?

    You can email Laura Bussing! Just send a note to [email protected]

Curriculum

A multi-strategy approach to improve Canine Mental Resiliency. Over 100 lectures, lessons & resources covering a complicated issue. All dogs have stress to some degree when competing. As Handlers, we must learn how to best prepare our dogs to be the best they can be. Let's build resiliency in our canine partner for improved performance in the ring.

  • What Causes Ring Stress and How can I fix it?

  • Strategy #1: Change Goals, Adjust and Take Break from Competition

  • Strategy #2: Train Patterns, Routines & Delayed Gratification

  • Strategy #3 Raise Overall Confidence

  • Strategy #4 Building Team Relationship

  • Strategy #5 Improve Handler Knowledge & Skills

  • Strategy #6 Develop Smart Plan to Return to Competition

  • Bonus: Startline Stay Project

  • Bonus: Obstacle Retrain Projects

Testimonials

Forever Grateful

Klare

"I just wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed the online Ring Stress Class. Your format of posting slides and then teaching with the corresponding videos has been nothing short of perfection for this adult learner. All the examples thrown in are so helpful as well. I can tell you in by understanding how to better recognize Ellie’s triggers, we have already seen big changes in her behavior. My husband even complimented us and how “engaged” she was with me in agility practice and this is HUGE coming from this man. Anyway, your class has clarified so much and I look forward to having more agility dogs in the future to bring along as well. Forever grateful."

Fantastic for all Dog Sports

Leslie

As president of our local kennel club, and owner of a reactive dog, I am recommending this course to everyone I know who competes in any way with their dog(s). The information, examples, and organization of this course is well laid out and each lesson left me excited for the next one. Copper has already improved so much and my confidence has gone up, too. I know I will go back thru and continue refining our skills. Thank you, Laura, for such clear and comprehensive instruction!

It's the Best Class I've ever taken

Amanda

"Thank you for such a wonderful class! The positive changes in my crack-head dog are remarkable. I can't believe how amazing it is to run him with a focused brain. I'm so glad I took the class, it's the best one ever! Learning how to keep him in his thinking brain has been so powerful!"

From Stressed to Best

Laura Kuterbach

I really enjoyed the quality information and feedback. The technology platform was easy to navigate, allowing me to access all of the information and not get lost on the website. I would recommend this class to everyone who wants to help their dog gain confidence. It's definitely a journey!

MACH Success

Brenda

"Laura's class helped me and my dog come together as a team after our 4 years struggling to Q. After her course I finally understood what she needed from me to help us earn our MACH we had been working towards."

My dog is Transformed

Lori

"I was not sure if this class could help my dog, but I am blown away at the results I'm seeing! Not only is she calmer around other dogs running, she is completely in a zen zone when its her turn. Our Q rate has increased dramatically and she doesn't take off courses or knock bars. I have recommended this course to all of my students. Everyone should know how to support their dogs on an emotional level. Thank you so much!"

Life Changing

Megan

"Just wanted to tell you that you really have made a difference in my life and training!"

Instructor

Agility Coach

Laura Bussing, CPDT, CCFT, COMD-I

Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Certified OneMind Dogs Agility Instructor, Certified Canine Fitness Trainer, 35 years of dog training, agility & behavior consulting experience. She is a UKI Judge and National Level competitor in UKI, USDAA & AKC. Laura's deep knowledge & experience in applied canine behavior science and competition has led to the development of the specialized classes found in the Canine Culture classroom.

Access Levels

Working: submits video of lessons to receive the most coaching & feedback. Auditors: access to content, can ask questions and join in discussions.

Recent Reviews

5 star rating

Great!

Laurie Ingram

I loved this course! I learned so much about how to help my dog deal with the agility trial environment and also how to improve our skills. Well worth the ...

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I loved this course! I learned so much about how to help my dog deal with the agility trial environment and also how to improve our skills. Well worth the time!! We've already used some of our new knowledge at Finn's first agility trial! Thanks, Laura!

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5 star rating

Fantastic for all dog sports!

Leslie Lewis

As president of our local kennel club, and owner of a reactive dog, I am recommending this course to everyone I know who competes in any way with their dog(s...

Read More

As president of our local kennel club, and owner of a reactive dog, I am recommending this course to everyone I know who competes in any way with their dog(s). The information, examples, and organization of this course is well laid out and each lesson left me excited for the next one. Copper has already improved so much and my confidence has gone up, too. I know I will go back thru and continue refining our skills. Thank you, Laura, for such clear and comprehensive instruction!

Read Less
5 star rating

Wonderful Class

Gayle McNish

This class provided me with lots of tools to assist me in dealing with my dog's ring anxiety. Laura was prompt and thorough in providing feedback on my home...

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This class provided me with lots of tools to assist me in dealing with my dog's ring anxiety. Laura was prompt and thorough in providing feedback on my homework, and she made sure that I followed through with the recommended training. I'm already beginning to see the effects - my dog is much more focused and seems excited to work with me. I'm looking forward to continuing our journey together!

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5 star rating

stunning progress in very little time

Robin Rash

see my discussion on start line stay. I am awed at how this simple exercise is leading to much less stress in less than one week. I can't wait for more.

see my discussion on start line stay. I am awed at how this simple exercise is leading to much less stress in less than one week. I can't wait for more.

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