Nate Schoemer Dog Training Podcast Ep. 52 - Denise Fenzi: Why Dog Training Education Matters More Than Ever
Apr 9, 2026
Denise Fenzi, founder of Fenzi Dog Sports Academy and renowned precision trainer, shares why education is central to modern dog training. She discusses structuring effective seminars, tailoring methods to each team, play and relationship-driven approaches, errorless learning versus allowing mistakes, and practical first-lesson strategies. Short, clear guidance for better decisions and communication in training.
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From Reinforcer To Play Toy With A Mature Dog
- Denise uses play and toy relationship to make training fun, sometimes using toys only for play once behaviors are solid.
- She explained that in sport dogs a strong relationship makes dogs expend energy to 'get it right' because they like the game.
Training Two Opposite Dogs Requires Opposite Starts
- Denise contrasted three dogs: a high-drive Belgian that needs control and a shut-down Border Collie who required leash 24/7 initially.
- She tailored foundations: more control and bite work for the Belgian, slow socialization and safe running outlets for the Border Collie.
Build Behavior With Shaping Then Introduce Errors Fast
- Use shaping and environmental setup to create mostly errorless learning, then intentionally introduce mistakes so dogs learn what's wrong.
- Example: progressively shrink platform and allow going around so dog compares right (on) vs wrong (around).