Every dog is born with a Functional Character.

Once you understand your dogs Character, you can help prevent, resolve or identify behavioural problems that may arise within a group of dogs, as well as knowing how best to train them.

What are Functional Characters:

Functional Characters explain the social interactions and dynamics of any group of dogs.

Functional character's can help explain how each individual dog varies in their responses to the environment & situations, people and other dogs, their bounce back and resilience to stressful or scary situations and how best to handle them.

Understanding your dogs  functional character can also help you to understand and you yourself can create anxiety and tension within a multi-dog household.

Co-existing with is dog is about a partnership, a co-operative way of living and having complete trust with each other. There are so many levels and layers to explore how to support a dog in living their best life with you.

When it comes to individual level support and understanding, one layer of exploring who a dog is and what they need to feel comfortable, fulfilled, understood and content with their life is their functional character.

A dog may have a specific functional character, or characters that can, in part, shape and influence who they are, how they respond, what needs they have and how best to support them in their life.

*By identifying & understanding your dogs individual Functional Character, it also

• explains the dynamics of group composition & how we can create conflict & tension in a multi-dog household
• determines how they socialise & their social interactions with other dogs & people
• explains why it may not be a good idea to breed from them

(*taken from the Beyond the Breed Book)

About the Workshop

Handler and Dog Spaces are limited so early booking is essential if you wish to come along with your dog/s.

Location: Paws & Play Gundogs Training Ground, SK17

This 2-day weekend workshop will be interesting & fun for all, as it will introduce you to canine functional characters.

• what they are and give you some examples of how to identify the functional character of your dog
• help you determine your own dogs Functional Character for a deeper understanding of your pet.
• how you can support them further by knowing their Functional Character, so you can enhance your ability to tailor their training & socialising
• how their characters can impact group dynamics
• and how to understand certain behaviours they may exhibit as a result of their functional character.

This 2-day workshop will be split;

• Day 1 will start with Theory in the morning; talking all about the individual Functional Characters & how to identify them. In the afternoon there will be group practicals with the Beyond the Breed (BtB) team dogs; bringing each dog in and assessing & observing the interactions, and identifying the functional character of each visiting dog.
• Day 2 will be a day of Practicals; it will start off with more BtB Team dog and individual dog interactions and group interactions, followed by practical Training Strategies on how best to train, socialise & live with each individual dog at a Functional Character level of those attending the workshop.

There will be an Evening Social Meal for those wishing to stay on and chat more about dogs (haha) and whatever else on the Saturday evening from 530pm.
This will be at an additional individual based cost dependant on your chosen meal at time of booking.