Circle Training©: An Innovative Approach to Training Dogs While Containing Them with Jane Gerard

This webinar covers an innovative approach to dog training while working with contained dogs.

Traditional dog enclosures are typically rectangular or angular, which may limit a dog’s natural exploratory behavior. Fence reactivity is common in properties where dogs are housed in traditional enclosures. Circular fencing provides an opportunity for enrichment, safe containment, and a hands-off approach to training.

Any level of volunteer or staff member in rescues or shelters and dog guardians can learn the basics without using restraining devices.

This unique training approach involves using circular fencing to create a more enriching environment for dogs, which can help mitigate issues like fence reactivity and frustration that arise from traditional rectangular or angular enclosures. It enables training for dogs that are unable to be on leash. Any level of handler can learn how to work their dog.

The use of circular fencing changes the dynamics of the enclosure, allowing dogs to explore more naturally and reducing stress and reactivity. The design creates endless movement, which aids in reducing frustration typically seen in straight-line fencing and enclosures. This method can be applied in various settings, such as shelters, rescues, and training facilities, dog parks, “Sniffspots,” and backyards.

Circles can be used in dog training for assessments, shelters, rescues, dog boarding, training, and daycare facilities. They are handy for aggressive dogs and those with a robust play style and feral and fearful dogs or dogs that are not trained on a leash.

Webinar Objectives

1. Identify the uses of circles in different dog training environments.
2. Understand the construction and placement of circles.
3. Learn how to condition dogs to the circle.
4. Explore handlers’ approach, body language, and techniques when working with dogs in the circle

Your Presenters- Jane Gerard KPA-CTP, IAABC-ADT, CPDT-KA

I am a professional animal trainer with over forty years of experience. I have trained dogs, horses, dolphins, sea lions, seals, birds, Llamas, Alpacas, cattle, sheep, and cats. I was born in London U.K. I have lived and worked extensively throughout Europe, Mexico, the Bahamas, and the USA.

My expertise comes from a multi-discipline education including Zoo and Animal Management (Cambridge Extension College 1989), Wildlife Conservation, (University of East London 1992), Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (2011), The Karen Pryor Academy (2018), Aggressive Dogs Master Course, 2022, (Michael Shikashio), IAABC-ADT 2023.
I have worked professionally training dogs for over twenty years in the USA.

I have extensive experience in managing large and small animal facilities. I have built three dog training and boarding facilities in the USA, with an emphasis on solving difficult behavioral issues using fencing to create enriching environments. 

I am currently an active consultant with animal rescues, training staff to clicker train their cats and dogs. In 2015 I won an award with the University of North Alabama’s entrepreneurial competition, The Big Idea, for my training and fencing design ©Circle Training, which was published in the magazine Barks from The Guild, 2015.

My forte is resolving complex behavioral problems and working extensively with feral dogs. Using my ©Circle Training, I can reduce labor costs and provide a safe and fear-free environment, which is critical for dogs who are poorly socialized. ©Circle Training enables faster results as the dog can choose to either come or go, yet be safely contained. In the progressive world of dog training, providing choice is a key to success and aids in achieving overall success faster with permanent results.

PPG Members

PPG Members use your $10.00 discount coupon code at registration to access this for FREE. The code can be found in your membership area.

Not yet a member? Click here to join and begin receiving discounts on PPG member events.