Reflections on Chatting with Denise Fenzi

K9 Detection Collaborative

What to listen for:

Our hosts, Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing, reflect on their recent two-part conversation with Denise Fenzi and her strategies for ensuring steady, measurable progress when training your dog.

“Learning is a fragile place. Being correct is a reward in itself.”

Denise is a staunch advocate for finding your compass—a guiding principle that does wonders not just in your career as a handler, but in your personal life as well. This, along with understanding that learning requires humility, is key to navigating the chain of complex behaviors your dog goes through in the field.

“If you want your dog’s behavior to change, you have to change yours first.”

Self-reflection was another key theme in their chat with Denise, who explained that successful handlers see vulnerability as a superpower when training their dog. That’s why it’s important to track progress not just by skills learned but by demeanor as well. And as you monitor that progress, Denise encourages going for slow, gradual tweaks to prevent overwhelm.

Finally, the Dames of Detection give their take on Denise’s philosophy around repetition and rewards. In particular, they break down the power of structuring your training around five repetitions per command, and why it pays to embrace creativity and pattern interrupts when your training hits a slump.

Key Topics:

• Find Your Compass (02:06)
• Learning is a Fragile Place (09:13)
• The Value of Self-Reflection (14:03)
• The Power of Minor Tweaks (21:53)
• What to Know About Repetition in Training (29:12)
• Don’t Be Afraid of Trying Something New (42:25)
• “Let’s Go!”: A Case Study (50:10)
• Upcoming Events and Happenings! (53:00)

Resources:

• Fenzi Dog Sports Academy Webinars
• K9Sensus @MUTC
• K9Sensus Detection Dog Trainer Academy
• Military Working Dog Symposium
• ATK9

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• K9Sensus Detection Dog Trainer Academy
• K9Sensus Foundation can be found on Facebook and Instagram. We have a Trainer’s Group on Facebook!
• Scentsabilities Nosework is also on Facebook. Here is a Facebook group you should join!
• Crystal Wing K9 Coach can be found here at CB K9 on Facebook + Instagram and here at Evolution Working Dog Club. Also, check out her Functional Obedience Class here.
• You can follow us for notifications of upcoming episodes, find us at k9detectioncollaborative.com to enjoy the freebies, and tell your friends so you can keep the conversations going.