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Free Work is a simple, low impact activity that can be set up in any environment. It includes a range of objects and surfaces for a dog to explore.
Free Work is a great way for a dog to relax and slow down, allowing them to reset, rebalance and release, both physically and emotionally. Observations through Free Work can give us information regarding patterns, habits, postural or physical struggles and preferences or concerns, that a dog may have. Through these observations, we are able to make small adaptations to the way we interact with a dog, which can often bring the biggest change to their wellbeing and behaviour. ACE Free Work is credit to Sarah Fisher. |
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Online CoursesThese live taught online courses include Intro to Free Work (levels 1-3) and Free Work in Classes for Professionals. Check our booking page for upcoming courses.
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WorkshopsHeld at Tilley Farm our workshops include 2-day ACE Free Work and Connection Outdoors. Check our booking page for upcoming workshops.
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One to one sessionsExperience the magic of ACE Free Work at the home of Animal Centred Education. Free Work helps your dog reset, rebalance and release. Please contact us for more information.
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One to One sessions
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Intro to Free WorkThis online 4 week course (taught live) gives you an introduction to ACE Free Work. Free Work is a core element of Animal Centred Education (ACE), during this course we explore what Free Work is, how to set it up and its benefits for your dog. Free Work can bring peace and calmness to all dogs.
Free Work is used in Animal Centred Education as a way to enable our dogs to reset, rebalance and release. As our dogs start to slow down during free work, postural struggles, habits, worries about being handled or wearing a harness, to name a few, become more apparent (credit Sarah Fisher). This enables us to help ease some of these concerns, positively impacting on our dogs welfare and behaviour. If you would like to pay in instalments please contact us before booking. Levels 1, 2 and 3 available. |
Photo Credit: Bob Atkins
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What are the benefits of Free Work?
- Many dogs struggle when in novel situations and many cannot tolerate contact even from familiar people when aroused, worried or in new or exciting environments
- Free Work has provided an invaluable stepping stone towards further learning including quiet interactions and bodywork by encouraging dogs to engage with a variety of items at liberty
- Stripping everything back and giving the dog complete freedom of choice enables dogs to reset, rebalance and release
- It also gives the guardian the opportunity to gather data from the dog whilst the dog is able to gather data from the environment. This low impact exercise can help to improve their posture and ensure the dog works each muscle in their body without engaging in fast, arousing games
Credit: Sarah Fisher
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ACE Free Work?
Free Work is a core part of Animal Centred Education (ACE). It lets a dog explore a range of textures, surfaces and items at their own pace, with no commands and no pressure. It's a way for them to reset, rebalance and release tension.
Which dogs benefit from Free Work?
All dogs can benefit, but it's especially valuable for anxious, reactive, young, senior and excitable dogs. It's calming, it builds confidence, and it tells you a lot about how your dog is feeling.
Do I need any special equipment for Free Work?
No. We provide everything in our sessions. Free Work uses everyday items and surfaces arranged in a way that encourages calm exploration.
Is Free Work training or enrichment?
A bit of both. There are no commands involved, so it isn't obedience training, but the calming, confidence-building effect supports all your other training and your dog's overall wellbeing.
How can I try Free Work with my dog?
We offer Free Work as workshops, as part of our courses, and within private one-to-one sessions. Get in touch or check the Book Online page for dates.
Find Us Near Bristol and Bath
We run sessions and workshops at two venues, close to Bristol and Bath, our centre is based in Hunstrete and Tilley Farm is in Farmborough, near Bath and North East Somerset, within easy reach of most Somerset and South West towns including Bristol, Bath, Keynsham, Longwell Green, Bradford-on-Avon, Shepton Mallet, Pensford, Chew Magna, Paulton, Radstock, Clutton, Midsomer Norton.
Our centre address is: Common Wood, Hunstrete Lane, Hunstrete, BS39 4NT
Tilley Farm address is: Timsbury Road, Farmborough, BA2 0AB
Our centre address is: Common Wood, Hunstrete Lane, Hunstrete, BS39 4NT
Tilley Farm address is: Timsbury Road, Farmborough, BA2 0AB
Our Accreditations
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