Movement Puzzles: A simple game that teaches more than you'd expect
Movement Puzzles are a series of strategic exercises and games based around a simple two-bowl pattern. Originally created for fitness for agility and search and rescue, it soon became clear there were so many more benefits, both physical and emotional, for our dogs. The Movement Puzzles program was built by Mari Valgma of The Moving Canine, and is now a huge program with elements for reactivity as well as sports training.
Want to learn more and get started? My Movement Puzzles training is currently only available within my Next Step Dog Club. Click the button to learn more and get started ➡️➡️➡️
Why Teach Movement Puzzles?
- Help dogs to control their body while moving, not just while still
- Improve coordination and build confidence to try new things
- Support physical and mental fitness for older dogs, without needing high-impact exercise
- Spot weaknesses and asymmetries in how your dog moves - and adjust to help them improve
- Encourage independent thinking, with minimal input from us - it's the dog solving the puzzle, not us telling them what to do
Supporting Choice in Dog Training
Choice is at the very heart of Movement Puzzles; they truly help us to learn to listen to our dogs. There are no 'wrong' answers in this training, which is where the confidence and empowerment comes in. The games give our dogs permission to ask questions, give things a try and still know that they will get their rewards.
They can also challenge OUR thinking - in order to ensure that our dog continues to be successful (and 'right') we HAVE to be flexible and adapt our sessions as we go!
Movement Puzzles are a really flexible exercise to add into your regular routine, without needing much space or time. It's surprising how much your dog has to work and think through these, and how much that tires them out both mentally and physically.
Join the Next Step Dog Club (Just £7/m, cancel anytime) to access the Movement Puzzles training ➡️➡️➡️
Hi, I'm your trainer - Sara
I'm a Crocs wearing, treat bag toting, bobble-hatted dog training nerd 😁 I started dog training back in 1998, and have gone on to train and compete in agility, rally obedience, scentwork and more. I have a particular passion for foundations, but also love digging into more complex training concepts.
I've been supporting learners online and in person for over a decade, and I enjoy coming up with out-of-the-box solutions.
I set up Compass Canine in 2018, and it's all about choice and respect in dog training - for dogs and their guardians alike.
I'm the author of Scentwork: Step by Step, which has now sold over 10,000 copies 😱
I'm ably assisted in all things dog training by my two springer spaniels, Peak and Fish. You'll also see the late, great Ripley the working cocker in many videos.
'I have really enjoyed your relaxed, no frills style of teaching, it makes your training more relatable for me.' - Karen and Arthur
Training you can trust
I have been a member of the Movement Puzzles Academy for over five years, and have earned Level 1, 2 and 3 certificates. In addition, I am a member of the Movement Puzzles Pro Trainer program so am continually building my knowledge and understanding of these amazing games.
These are exercises that I regularly revisit with my dogs, and I'm passionate about sharing them with as many people as possible! I believe they are not only excellent physical and mental exercise for our dogs, but they also help us to improve our training and observation skills.
The Movement Puzzles Module detailed below is exvlusively available within the Next Step Dog Club. Click the button to discover everything that's included ➡️➡️➡️
