{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"From Play to Performance with Sara Brueske [Episode 268]","description":"In the first part of this energising two-part conversation, Ryan Cartlidge sits down with Sara Brueske, professional trainer, sport competitor, and owner of On the Run Canine Center. Known for her joyful approach to training and her skill across an impressive range of dog sports, Sara offers a refreshing and practical look at what motivates dogs to engage, play, and grow with us as partners. Drawing from her decades of experience, Sara shares why play sits at the heart of her training philosophy and how intrinsic motivation can shape confident, resilient, and enthusiastic learners. She explores the art of keeping sessions light and fun, how to build engagement with dogs who are shy or easily overwhelmed, and why honouring the individual dog is central to sustainable sport training and family-dog work. Ryan and Sara also unpack how games can support reactive and sensitive dogs, how choice contributes to emotional safety, and why optimism is a skill that can be developed through thoughtful reinforcement strategies. Beyond the mechanics of training, Sara offers generous insight into communication, relationship building, and supporting guardians to feel successful and empowered. Throughout this episode, we explore: \u2705 How play and intrinsic motivation strengthen engagement and partnership \u2705 Strategies for helping shy, hesitant, or easily discouraged dogs build confidence \u2705 Why variety, flexible criteria, and well-timed reinforcement keep dogs in an optimistic learning state \u2705 The role of games and choice-based activities in supporting reactive or sensitive dogs \u2705 How to balance performance goals with emotional wellbeing in dogs and handlers \u2705 Sara\u2019s approach to guiding guardians through clear communication and achievable success Whether you are a dog sport enthusiast, a family-dog trainer, or someone looking to bring more joy into your daily training sessions, this conversation with Sara offers practical tools and thoughtful reminders that learning works best when everyone is having fun. Links Happy Dog Lodge - Boarding, Training, Grooming in Cambridge, MN www.happydoglodge.com&amp;nbsp;  Fenzi Dog Sports Academy www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com&amp;nbsp;  Facebook page: www.facebook.com\/brueskesara&amp;nbsp; ","author_name":"Animal Training Academy","author_url":"https:\/\/www.atamember.com","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/39032085\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/195683390"}