Zinn-Sternberg Nose Work Collaborative
Sue Sternberg and I have joined forces to help nose work handlers become stronger search partners through a deeper understanding of the influences we have on our dogs, both intentional and unintentional, in this incredible sport of nose work. Together we strive to create a more joyful partnership between handlers and their amazing search dogs.
Our workshops enable teams to get in-the-moment feedback to fine-tune their handling to truly promote the dog-driven search. Sue provides in-depth video examples of human body language in many dog sports, and how they all relate to nose work. I coach teams through exercises that highlight what we have discussed and allow for instant feedback in handling, leash management, and dog body language. We also have incredible discussions filled with laughter and sometimes tears (in a good way!).
If you’re interested in hosting Sue and Dana, learn more about their workshops below and then use this form to submit your request. Right now we are scheduling for 2025.
Dana Zinn and Sue Sternberg workshops:
The Dog-Driven Search - Part 1
This two-day workshop will provide valuable information about how we, as handlers, influence the search with our body movements, direction and pathways, and speed and body orientation. Sue and Dana will also discuss what we are communicating to our dogs from all of our “handler actions or inactions” throughout the search, and why we may be getting certain behaviors from our canine partners in trial that baffle us.
This workshop will include video footage from other dog sports and video submissions from those attending the workshop as auditors, to demonstrate deliberate and inadvertent communication between dogs and their handlers. Additionally, Dana will set up exercises to highlight handler movement and the dog’s response to better understand what our dogs are communicating “at each moment” and improve our productivity as handlers without diminishing drive and independence.
You will also be given specific handling tools to increase your ability to listen while simultaneously allowing the dog more freedom to make choices and hunt independently.
Sue and Dana deliver this workshop with humor, compassion and enthusiasm knowing that teams will leave with a new way of looking at the search and new tools to strengthen the handler/dog team through the long-term journey of this amazing game.
The Dog-Driven Search - Part 2
Join Sue and Dana for the follow-up to their fun and informative, “The Dog-Driven Search Part 1” workshop. During this weekend, Sue will provide brilliant new examples of how our movement and body position affects our dogs in the search; using both nose work and other sports to illustrate. She will also analyze videos supplied by auditors to help each handler understand what happened in the search.
Dana will work coach dog teams through exercises to expand on the independent hunt theme that was covered in weekend one. Handlers will be given a chance through carefully setup exercises to practice being an active participant in the search while still giving the dog as much opportunity as possible to lead. She will also help handlers understand when it’s appropriate to make suggestions, so the dog feels supported and listened to. We will also build on increasing the dog’s drive to move through/into the handler’s space.
Do not miss this chance to work with these two trainers who are experts in their craft and offer inciteful and humorous looks into the dog’s world of the search.