OFFICIAL CLUB ADVENTURE: Calm in Practice with Monica Allaire

ABOUT THE EVENT:
This Official Club Adventure brings the ideas from professional dog trainer and owner of Barrington, Barks & Behavior Monica Allaire’s July Pop Up Talk into a real-life, hands-on learning experience.

During this in-person session, Monica will guide handlers through thoughtful observation, awareness of calming signals, stress reduction, and environmental setup to help dogs and humans feel safer, calmer, and more connected. Rather than focusing on obedience or forcing behavior, this experience will invite participants to slow down, observe the dog in front of them, and practice making small adjustments that can support well-being at both ends of the leash.

Dogs will have the opportunity to explore at their own pace while humans learn to notice subtle communication, respond with more awareness, and create conditions that support confidence and safety.

During this adventure, we will explore:

• How to read calming and stress signals in real time
• How distance, space, and movement affect a dog’s comfort level
• Why curving, pausing, and thoughtful leash handling matter
• How to support agency and choice without losing structure
• How the environment can either increase or reduce stress
• How our own body language and emotional state influence our dogs

This event is ideal for handlers who want to better understand their dog, build confidence in shared spaces, and practice a calmer, more welfare-centered approach to being together.

This is not a traditional training class. It is a guided, thoughtful learning experience designed to help you see your dog more clearly and support them with more skill, patience, and compassion.

IS THIS EVENT GOOD FOR REACTIVE DOGS?
Reactive Dog Level 1-2. See our Comfort Chart for explanation. This event is great for reactive dogs since it is in a controlled environment with focused and relaxing activities and all dogs on leash. There will be lots of room for dogs to spread out and engage in the exercises and activities offered. If you have concerns or questions about if this event is right for your dog, please email woof@goldendognh.com for assistance.

COST: Please register for this event below. Limited to 15 dogs and a maximum of 2 handlers/dog.

• Golden Dog Members – $35/dog, up to 2 handlers per dog (Your special pricing will be reflected in the CART.)
• Not-Yet-Members – $50/dog, up to 2 handlers per dog

For maximum happiness, 1 dog per person please. Full refund issued if cancellation received 48 hours prior to event start time, otherwise no refund if canceled after. 

ABOUT MONICA ALLAIRE-MCMAHON:
Monica is the owner of Barrington Barks and Behavior LLC. She is committed to kind, ethical treatment of both humans and their dogs. Monica focuses on learning what the needs of the individual dog and their family are, addressing those needs and in turn improving the welfare of every one in the home.

Monica is a certified Nordic Dog Trainer and Behavior Specialist, and a KPA-CTP-Karen Pryor Academy graduate with distinction. She was the second person worldwide to receive certification through the Dynamic Dog Practitioner Programme –acting as a liaison between client and veterinarian, and highlighting physical and behavioral areas of concern. Monica is also an Associate Member of the Pet Dog Trainers of Europe, and is an ambassador for The Slow Dog Movement.

Her studies include aggression, fear, animal emotions, relationship, and sensory enrichment. Monthly sessions in the Tiny Science Journal Chat club led by a PhD candidate, review current research papers and keep her up to date on the evolving understanding of dogs.

Monica had the honor of speaking at the Virtual Dog Conference, Fling less February, and From the Hound Up Academy – UK based groups – and will be delivering talks for her Russian colleagues in the fall.

She currently offers one-to-one consultations, Dynamic Dog Assessments, Sensory Explorers sessions, and is a Mentor for the Nordic C.A.R.E. community

To learn more, visit BarringtonBarksandBehavior.com.

DIRECTIONS/PARKING:
This adventure takes place in Barrington, NH. Directions will be provided to participants in the confirmation sent via email 24 hours prior to the event.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE JOINING AN EVENT:
Please review our Club Guidelines, sign our Liability Waivers & Release Forms, and read our covid guidelines on our Events & Activities page.

CANCELLATIONS:
If weather or covid conditions make gathering and walking unsafe, the event will be cancelled and registered participants will receive a email cancellation notice. It will also be announced in the Event section of the Facebook Community Group and on this Calendar page.

QUESTIONS:
If you have questions, text/call (603) 815-2453 or email woof@goldendognh.com.