Fenzi Dog Sports Podcast E448: Erin Lynes - "Teaching Your Dog Thoughtful Movement"
Feb 20, 2026
Erin Lynes, a Canadian dog trainer, breeder and canine fitness instructor, teaches movement-puzzle and body-awareness training for sport and everyday life. She explains thoughtful movement as deliberate limb control. Short pattern games and stop-and-go drills build planning, confidence and better motor control. Practical class tips and simple prop ideas are shared.
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What Thoughtful Movement Actually Means
- Thoughtful movement means dogs control individual limb movement and posture, not just reach an end behavior.
- It's vital for precision tasks like running dog walks, weave pulls, or navigating rough terrain where safety and accuracy matter.
Teach Movement By Breaking Behaviors Down
- Break complex behaviors into movement components to teach dogs how to move, not just achieve the end position.
- Example: use a front foot target so the dog keeps front feet still and learns to step the rear feet forward into a sit.
Body Awareness Requires Structured Practice
- Body-awareness training needs planning and structure, unlike free exercise that only burns energy.
- These exercises can be done in small spaces using props, making them accessible year-round.