With Barbara Paterson, PhD, CTP-KPA & Julia Hawkins, MSc, AdvDip (AAB Canine)
Enrichment Adventures at Home
Give Your Reactive Dog a Great Life - Even Without the Walk
Less Guilt. Less Stress. More Joy — Right at Home.
You know this impossible choice far too well:
- If you walk your dog, you both end up stressed, scanning the horizon, bracing for the next dog, person, bike, noise, or surprise.
- If you don’t walk your dog, the guilt creeps in:
“They need exercise.”
“Am I failing them?”
“Am I making things worse?”
Some days are fine.
Other days… not so much.
So even when nothing happens, you’re still tense — because it might.
And that’s exhausting.
Here’s the truth no one tells you:
For many reactive dogs, walks are not enriching.
They’re overwhelming.
And when stress outweighs benefit, it’s okay — even smart — to do something different.
That’s where Enrichment Adventures at Home comes in.
What Is Enrichment Adventures at Home?
Enrichment Adventures at Home is a mini online course designed specifically for reactive dogs who struggle on walks, and the humans who love them.
It shows you how to:
- meet your dog’s needs without relying on stressful walks.
- Replace (or support) walks with calming, confidence-building activities.
- Build your dog's confidence and problem-solving skills.
- Enjoy quality time together without being on high alert.
You’ll dip in, watch a short video, get inspired, and play a game with your dog — right at home.
No pressure.
No perfection.
No judgement.
Why Enrichment Works (Especially for Reactive Dogs)
Dogs are naturally curious problem-solvers. They’re built to:
- investigate
- sniff
- search
- explore
- think
- make choices
Enrichment games allow your dog to do dog things — safely, calmly, and successfully.
When done right, enrichment:
- lowers stress hormones
- boosts confidence
- supports emotional regulation
- reduces trigger sensitivity
- helps dogs feel safer in their world
Dogs who regularly engage in enriching activities are often:
- less edgy
- more settled
- more resilient
- calmer on walks (when they do go out)
This isn’t about “keeping your dog busy.”
It’s about helping your dog feel better.
And learning only happens when a dog feels good.
Both of you being stressed isn’t enrichment.
Your dog’s best life doesn’t happen on a walk.
It happens when they:
- get to use their brain
- feel safe
- succeed
- connect with you
That can happen right at home.
Whether you're starting out or seeking to deepen your dog's engagement, this course provides all the resources you need to transform your enrichment routine into an endless adventure of fun and learning for your furry friend. Join us and discover new ways to enrich your dog's life right from the comfort of your own home!
"But Isn't the Walk the highlight of Their Day?"
For many easy, non-reactive dogs, walks are… fine. You’ve probably seen them:
- walking along
- owners on their phones
- little interaction
- sometimes even running behind a car 😬
That’s not exactly a rich, connected life either.
For reactive dogs, walks are often:
- stressful
- unpredictable
- emotionally expensive
"But Isn't the Walk the highlight of Their Day?"
For many easy, non-reactive dogs, walks are… fine. You’ve probably seen them:
- walking along
- owners on their phones
- little interaction
- sometimes even running behind a car 😬
That’s not exactly a rich, connected life either.
How This Helps You
- Less guilt about not walking
- Fewer stressful outings
- More relaxed, meaningful time together
- Confidence that your dog’s needs are being met
- A well deserved break, for both of you
Instead of bracing for what’s around the next corner, you get to relax and enjoy your dog again.
What You’ll Learn Inside:
- Brain-Engaging Games: Activities that promote thinking, curiosity, and problem-solving — without tipping into overwhelm.
- Sniffing & Investigating: Because sniffing is naturally calming and incredibly powerful for reactive dogs.
- Confidence-Boosting Challenges: Games that help your dog feel capable, clever, and successful
- Movement Without Over-Arousal: Yes, there are ways for dogs to move, stretch, and even run without flooding their system.
- Busy-Life Friendly: Short videos. PDF Handouts. Simple setups. Pick one game, play, repeat.
How This Helps You
- Less guilt about not walking
- Fewer stressful outings
- More relaxed, meaningful time together
- Confidence that your dog’s needs are being met
- A well deserved break, for both of you
Instead of bracing for what’s around the next corner, you get to relax and enjoy your dog again.
Julia Hawkins, MSC, AdvDip (AAB Canine)
Barbara Paterson, PhD
From mastering numbers to mastering positive dog training, Julia Hawkins has transitioned from being a math teacher to a guiding light for dog owners. With her unique blend of skills as a trained educator for both humans and canines, Julia specialises in assisting families, particularly those with rescue dogs and children, navigate their dog training challenges. Julia’s approach is all about support that is both educational and fun. Her primary goal is to foster happy, stress-free relationships between you and your dog, using the power of play. Julia believes that when the dynamics of play are perfectly balanced, not only will you and your dog feel great, but behaviour challenges will be easier to overcome. Join Julia in this journey of joyful learning and discover the transformative power of positive reinforcement and play. Julia has an Advanced Diploma in Animal Behaviour (Canine), she is a full member of the International Society of Animal Professionals and is an approved trainer by the Dog Training Council. She is also an approved Family Dog Trainer as well as being a qualified teacher with 15 years experience.
Dr. Barbara's journey from conservation scientist to professional dog trainer took her from one form of care for animals to another. Barbara is dedicated to helping dog owners forge a profound connection with their high energy and reactive companions, guiding them towards a harmonious, fun-filled life together. About a decade ago, she was desperately seeking help for her reactive agility dog. That's when she found Susan Garrett, who quickly became her mentor for all things dog-related. Barbara was so determined to learn from the best that she dragged her husband and dogs across the Atlantic to live in Canada, where she had the chance to train with Susan in person and rub shoulders with world-class dog handlers. Fast forward to today, and as well as being a DogsThat Coach in Susan's online programs, she loves inspiring her students to bring out the absolute best in their dogs. As a Buddhist practitioner (SGI), Barbara infuses her training with principles of joy and compassion. Barbara believes that it is essential to carefully listen to what dogs are communicating to understand their needs. Barbara firmly believes that this kind of thoughtful dialogue makes training effective and equally fun for dogs and their human counterparts.
