Forrest School Professional Workshop

• Two days of hands-on experience and instruction on running a Forrest School
• Priority access to shadow opportunities with Glimmer Dog LLC's Forrest School program
• Priority access and introductory pricing for the virtual components of this course
• Introductory pricing of $495 (future workshops, if offered, may be priced differently)
• Group pricing options were available for organizations and staff groups
• Small group of participants to assure optimal participation level for all (limited to 10 people)

The workshop took place over two full days of intensive hands-on training in Westhampton, Massachusetts. Each training day ran from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST with a 1.5 hour lunch break.

These were common questions asked before the workshop took place.

Could participants bring their own dogs?

In some cases, yes. Participants with dogs that could enjoy and handle a new environment with unfamiliar dogs and people were invited to indicate this on their registration form. Participating dogs needed to be current on vaccinations and have a negative fecal within two weeks of the workshop start. They had to be able to crate comfortably out of a vehicle or in another indoor space and be either fully muzzle conditioned or proven safe with groups of dogs. Remedial socialization and in-depth behavioral modification was outside the workshop scope, but we looked for a few dogs to work through our integration process for hands-on demonstration purposes.

Was there a fully virtual option?

No. While we recognized that travel was challenging and costly and that virtual learning is very popular, there was no way to substitute actually seeing this work in person and being fully immersed in it.

What is the Shadow Program?

This workshop was a condensed version of our introductory shadow program. Workshop participants became eligible to do a deep dive week-long shadow program with us to really see the inner workings of our Forrest School Program. Shadow weeks offer a collaborative group atmosphere with like-minded colleagues and are appropriate for both beginning trainers and skilled professionals looking to implement or fine-tune their own Forrest School program.

What was included in the Virtual Course components?

Virtual course components were under development at the time of the workshop and were to be offered following this pilot in-person workshop. Normally, these virtual modules would be prerequisites for the in-person training. Virtual modules included material well-suited to online delivery as well as tools to actively implement into a business.

1.1 Fenced Facility Operations

• Facility Design Optimization: Airlock systems, spatial pressure management, size requirements
• Arrival Protocols: Drop-off procedures, arousal management, single trainer adaptations
• Corner and Gate Management: Preventing pressure buildup, crowd control techniques
• Insurance and Liability: Facility-specific coverage, risk mitigation strategies
• Case Study: Converting existing daycare space to Forrest School model

1.2 Public Trail Systems

• Trail Selection Criteria: Space requirements, natural interest factors, access logistics
• Mobile Operation Setup: Vehicle requirements, equipment organization, efficiency systems
• Wildlife Management: Species-specific protocols, seasonal considerations, prevention strategies
• Off-Leash Dog Encounters: De-escalation techniques, protective positioning, parent education
• Emergency Preparedness: Weather protocols, communication systems, evacuation procedures

1.3 Hands-On Location Assessment

• Site Evaluation Practice: Multiple location types, safety assessment, setup requirements
• Mobile Operation Setup: Vehicle organization, equipment deployment, efficiency testing
• Emergency Simulation: Weather changes, lost dog protocols, medical emergencies
• Group Management: Different environments, space utilization, safety optimization

2.1 Foundation Group Development

• Anchor Dog Selection: Ideal temperament profiles, stabilizing influences
• Group Composition Strategy: Diversity with challenge management, personality mixing
• Starting Small: 2-3 dog protocols, gradual expansion methodology
• Energy Management: Arousal regulation, group dynamics psychology

2.2 New Dog Integration Mastery

• Pre-Meeting Protocols: Parallel activities, distance management, stress assessment
• First Contact Choreography: Spatial pressure techniques, timing, positioning
• Shadowing on Leash: Equipment selection, handler positioning, gradual integration
• Drag Line Transitions: Progressive freedom, safety maintenance, confidence building

2.3 Group Dynamics Management

• Reading Subtle Signs: Early warning indicators, energy shifts, tension building
• Intervention Timing: When to act vs. allow, escalation prevention
• Psychological Safety: Advocacy techniques, confidence building, trust development
• Problem Dog Integration: Reactive dogs, fearful dogs, overly assertive dogs
• Equipment Mastery: Muzzles, spacers, spray shields, pet correctors - when and how

2.4 Solo Trainer Adaptations

• Maximum Safe Numbers: Personal assessment, experience-based limits
• Emergency Protocols: Solo trainer safety, backup systems, help requests
• Parent Integration: Teaching families during sessions, building support network
• Apprentice Development: Training assistants, paid vs. unpaid arrangements

2.5 Advanced Group Challenges

• Multi-Dog Conflicts: Complex social issues, long-term management
• Seasonal Adjustments: Weather impacts, activity modifications
• Special Needs Integration: Senior dogs, puppies, disabilities
• Group Evolution: Managing changes over time, maintaining stability

3.1 Comprehensive Skills Progression Map

• Foundation Skills: Self-regulation, impulse control, basic communication, relaxation training techniques
• Core Skills: Recall reliability, stay duration, leash skills mastery
• Advanced Skills: Off-leash hiking etiquette, emergency responses, leadership
• Assessment Protocols: Testing methods, progression criteria, graduation standards
• Individual Adaptation: Puppy considerations, senior modifications, breed-specific needs

3.2 Group Training Methodology

• Accelerated Learning Psychology: Why groups work, social modeling benefits
• Multi-Level Management: Different skill levels simultaneously
• Peer Modeling Utilization: Strategic positioning, demonstration opportunities

3.3 Individual vs. Group Decision Matrix

• Relationship Building Requirements: Basic trust before group integration
• Specialized Skill Development: Public access training, specific handling needs
• Pull-Out Protocols: When individual work is needed, integration timing
• Extracurricular Integration: Bikejoring, specialized activities
• Vehicle Considerations: Cooling equipment, safety protocols

3.4 Schedule Integration & Community Building

• Forrest School Frequency: 2x/week optimization, time/dog/trainer ratios
• Private Lesson Integration: Home, neighborhood, real-world practice
• Parent Participation: Group hikes, coaching opportunities, community development
• Pricing Structures: With/without parent participation, value positioning

3.5 Hands-On Skills Teaching

• Multi-Dog Instruction: Teaching skills to groups efficiently
• Individual Attention: Addressing specific needs within group setting
• Parent Coaching: Teaching families during group sessions
• Skill Assessment: Testing and progression in real-world scenarios

4.1 Prevention Protocols

• Environmental Assessment: Heat, cold, rain, terrain evaluation
• Group Energy Management: Arousal regulation, distance from vehicle planning
• Early Intervention: Warning signs, de-escalation techniques
• Equipment Preparation: Safety gear, communication devices, first aid supplies

4.2 Emergency Response Procedures

• Off-Leash Dog Approaches: De-escalation, protective positioning, group management
• Dog Fight Intervention: Tools and Methods
• Wildlife Encounters: Species-specific protocols, physical intervention tools
• Medical Emergencies: Human and dog first aid, evacuation procedures, communication

Following the in-person workshop, three virtual courses were planned to help build out participant knowledge and equip them with the tools to implement their own Forrest School programs. During the workshop, live calls for these modules were scheduled together.

The planned virtual curriculum covered three key areas including evaluation and intake process with comprehensive evaluation protocols and client screening, business implementation and scaling with operational systems and pricing strategies, and professional development and network building focused on continuing education pathways and community building frameworks.

Throughout these modules, participants were to receive ready-to-use tools and resources developed for our own business, such as intake workflows, facility design guidelines, emergency protocols, and pricing calculators, to help them implement and grow their Forrest School programs.