The Big Feelings Dog: Using Control Unleashed and Free Work to Build Resilience and Lower Arousal

Calling all BIG feelings dogs! Whether your dog demonstrates his feelings loudly and with big actions, or quietly and suppressed, this class is for you. We’re going to take a deep dive into the Control Unleashed skills that work best to help our dogs feel empowered and confident in the world that they live in. In addition to addressing general calming techniques and patterns, we will also take our time in tackling the complex Control Unleashed protocol The Look At That (LAT). When taught thoughtfully and systematically with a two-pronged approach, LAT can become the game changer for reactive, overaroused, or fearful dogs. We will set up the foundation that will turn distractions and triggers into an opportunity to engage with us.

We’ll also address behavior modification protocols such as Requested Approach Training (RAT) for dogs who are fearful of people or other dogs approaching them and Voluntary Sharing for resource guarding or arousal around other species. As well, we will build relaxation skills the CU way and incorporate biofeedback into our dog’s daily life with Take A Breath.

And finally, we will utilize concepts from The Animal Centred Education (ACE) framework called Free Work to address your dog’s emotions and physical structure in a way that lowers arousal, builds healthy patterns, and shapes physical and cognitive comfort, without the need of access to triggers or training. It will become a decompression opportunity for your big feelings dog, allow them to practice nervous system regulation, and ultimately provide a tool that you can take on the road with you.

This class will change the way your dog feels from the bottom up, providing a healthier and happier dog for whatever their lifestyle requires!

Class Details

Registration Opens

September 22, 2026

Class Begins

October 1, 2026

What Students Say...

“I loved this course. I was searching for a way to help my reactive dog. He loves walks but he reacts to almost everything that moves. At times it is impossible to take him on walks because of the number of triggers.

This class is giving me hope that with some hard work on the skills taught in this course that Carter will be able to go on long enjoyable walks. Kim was an excellent instructor. Her lectures were clear and easy to understand and combined with her great TA and the Zoom sessions made it a great learning experience. I look forward to Kim’s upcoming classes.”