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In this episode of The Yappy Hour, Sarah Fisher, founder of ACE (Animal Centred Education) joins us to talk about Free Work, why observation is more powerful than commands, and how we can stop trying to “fix” our dogs and start understanding them.
Whether you’re parenting a bouncy adolescent, a nervous rescue, or a wise older soul, this episode is a must-listen. Sarah’s methods have influenced dog guardians, trainers, vets, and even shelters around the world and it all starts with seeing your dog with fresh eyes.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ What ACE Free Work is and how it supports canine wellbeing
✅ The incredible power of observation and what your dog’s coat, ears, or tail might be telling you
✅ Why nervous, adolescent, or reactive dogs thrive when given more choice
✅ How chronic pain and movement issues often go unnoticed in dogs
✅ Practical ways to use Free Work at home, on walks, or in daily routines
✅ How ACE is helping vets, groomers, shelters and beyond
✅ Why your dog doesn’t need more training, they need more understanding
Key Takeaways:
- ACE Free Work is a structured way of supporting dogs using enrichment, exploration, and gentle guidance, not commands.
- Observation is everything: subtle physical cues like uneven ears, coat patterns, or movement changes may point to pain or stress.
- Many dogs need freedom to explore before they can interact socially. Sniffing your hand isn’t always natural for them.
- Free Work can transform how we relate to dogs, especially nervous, adolescent, or rescue dogs, building trust and safety over time.
- Environments that offer choice and agency are essential for dogs to feel safe, regulated, and understood.
- You don’t need to “fix” your dog. You need to meet them where they are.
🎙️ Thanks for tuning in! Let’s celebrate the joy and challenges of dog parenting together, because we’re all here for the dogs. 🐾
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