Control Unleashed by Leslie McDevitt
I am very excited to introduce Control Unleashed at Dog’s Day Out in Ballard.
5-week course | 50 minutes per week | For dogs 12 months+
Despite the name, this is not an off-leash class. Control Unleashed is about helping dogs feel more relaxed, confident, and capable of learning in the presence of distractions and other challenges.
Based on Leslie McDevitt’s groundbreaking Control Unleashed protocols, we’ll use pattern games and “conversational” training to help dogs build focus, recover more easily from stress, make empowered choices, and learn that situations that once felt difficult or overwhelming can be safe and manageable.
Body language, biofeedback, and relaxation cues are a big part of this class. We’ll teach dogs how to communicate when they’re uncomfortable, overwhelmed, or need help—and teach their people how to recognize and respond to those signals. The goal is to build a partnership where dogs learn they can communicate with us rather than simply being expected to “push through” difficult situations.
You’ll learn how to recognize your dog’s threshold, work at an appropriate level of challenge, and set up real-life training situations that support success rather than overwhelm.
The goal? A dog who can relax, think, communicate, recover, and stay connected with you—even when the world around them gets more stimulating.
Private Intro Class
This class is available for most people and dogs. Training centers are not a good fit for everyone and I want to make it possible for people do access these skills with their dogs in a safe and non-stressful way. You are welcome to contact me with questions.
1-private class | 60 minutes | For dogs 5 months+
No Prerequisites - Outdoor Class dress accordingly
One hour private class outside in a private backyard in Ballard or at an outdoor location like Lower Woodland Park, Golden Gardens or Salmon Bay Park. This class will also include 4 weeks of written and video content on the chosen subject matter which I will send by email after we complete the first class. This first class is private and is a prerequisite to ongoing classes.
Leash Skills
Scent-Work
Control Unleashed
Canine Parkour
Muzzle Training
Foundation Training
Ongoing Private Classes
Continuing coaching and setups for class content.
30 minutes of private coaching per student | 30 minutes | For dogs 5 months+
Prerequisites are Private Session or Private Class - Outdoor Class dress accordingly
This is a chance to do half hour training setups and coaching to progress through your chosen training content. These classes will be in Ballard either in a private yard or at a nearby park like Lower Woodland Park, Salmon Bay or Golden Gardens.
Group Sniffari
Let’s practice some of the walking skills we have learned in a group setting. These are small groups with no more than four dogs. We will do this in park settings which may have all kinds of typical park distractions in addition to the walking group.
Group Class-15 minutes of private coaching per student | 60 minutes | For dogs 5 months+
Prerequisites are Leash Walking for Everyone or Private Session - Outdoor Class dress accordingly
Walking is one of the many reasons a lot of people have for wanting a dog. Walks have the potential to meet a lot of needs for both the dog and the human. We are outside, getting exercise and and experiencing the world.