Forrest School Professional Workshop

• Two days of hands on experience and instruction on running a Forrest School
• Two dinners to network, discuss, and build relationships with like minded individuals
• 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 price of $495 (If I offer this format in the future, the price will be higher.)
• Contact me for group pricing options for organizations/staff groups
• Small group of participants to assure optimal participation level for all (Limited to 10 people)

The workshop takes place over three days in Westhampton, Massachusetts. We begin with a casual group dinner on Friday evening to meet fellow participants, followed by two full days of intensive hands-on training Saturday and Sunday. Each training day runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST with a 1.5 hour lunch break, and we'll gather again Saturday evening for another group dinner and networking opportunity.

Can I bring my own dog?

Maybe. If you have a dog that you think would enjoy and be capable of handling a new environment with strange dogs and people, please indicate this on your registration form. Participating dogs must be UTD on vaccinations and have a negative fecal within two weeks of the start of the workshop. They must be able to crate out of your vehicle or in another indoor space comfortably and either be fully muzzle conditioned or proven to be safe with groups of dogs. Remedial socialization and in depth behavioral modification is outside the scope of this workshop, but we will be looking for a few dogs that we can work through our integration process for hands-on demonstration purposes.

Will there be a fully virtual option?

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

What is the Shadow Program about?

This workshop is a condensed version of our introductory shadow program. If you complete this workshop, you will be 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 also 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 will be in the Virtual Course?

The virtual course components are currently under development and will be offered following this pilot in-person workshop. Normally, these virtual modules would be prerequisites for the in-person training. We're including them here so you can see the complete curriculum. Virtual modules will include material well-suited to online delivery as well as tools you can actively implement into your 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, we'll be offering three virtual courses to help build out your knowledge and equip you with the tools to implement your own Forrest School program. During our Saturday group dinner, we'll schedule the live calls for these modules together, so bring your calendar!

The virtual curriculum covers 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, you'll receive ready-to-use tools and resources we've developed for our own business, such as intake workflows, facility design guidelines, emergency protocols, and pricing calculators, to help you implement and grow your Forrest School program.