Advanced Training Techniques

Combining target training with Cavaletti and Happy Legs, you will learn how to train your dog for very advanced gaiting, stacking and free baiting.

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In this webinar, we demonstrate advanced training techniques by combining three of our favourite training methods: target training with cavaletti pole training and with Happy Legs. These advanced methods will help with troubleshooting problems like pacing, sidewinding, the judge's exam, showing the bite, and more. They will also provide you with a way to train your dog for advanced showmanship, such as advanced stacking and free baiting. We will also look at these training methods individually to discuss more advanced ways of using them on their own.

Please note - Since this webinar is about advanced techniques, we won't be going in-depth on the basics for each of these training methods. We invite you to check out our Target Training webinar, Cavaletti pole training course, and Advanced Handling course including a stack boxes tutorial (however, we will be using Happy Legs for this webinar) if you would like a refresher on any of these methods or think you need more information once you've completed this webinar.


This webinar was live September 29, 2021.You can now enjoy unlimited access to the webinar recording, ebook and videos.


Your Instructor


Allison Alexander
Allison Alexander

I showed my first dog in Junior Handling when I was 7 years old, I went 5th out of 5 in a junior handling class, I cried, but despite that humble beginning I was instantly hooked!

Believing that you should always do what you love, I became a professional handler in 1987 and I have been presenting Canada's (and the world’s) top dogs ever since. With more than 550 All-Breed Best in Shows, I am proud to have been highly awarded at such prestigious shows as Crufts, the World Dog Show, Westminster Kennel Club and the AKC Invitational. As well I have had Top Dog All breeds in Canada 3 separate times, all three dogs are still record holder’s in their own right.

In addition to my wins as an all-breed handler, I have spent more than 30 years perfecting the art of presenting one of the dog world's most difficult breeds to master: The Poodle. Today, I am internationally recognized as one of the world's most talented and experienced Poodle handlers. I have presented seminars on grooming Poodles all over this planet. . I am also the Creative Educational Advisor and Specialist for Chris Christensen Systems.

I have proven that hard work, dedication and passion can take you absolutely everywhere in this wonderful sport, which is why I am committed to supporting, promoting and giving back to the dog community. Currently, I am President of the Canadian Professional Dog Handlers Association, Vice-President of the Canadian Kennel Club Foundation, I have been CKC Junior Handling representative for both Nova Scotia and South Western Ontario. I am a regular contributor to dog magazines in several countries. I have mentored several of the Top Professional Handlers in the USA and Canada as well as coached 3 Juniors to win the Canadian National one of whom went on to win Crufts World Junior Handling Competition.

In 2017, I launched Leading Edge Dog Show Academy, the world's first on-line dog show training school. My mission is to help mentor a new generation of dog show enthusiasts through innovative video-based grooming and handling lessons. LEDSA has won the award for Best On-line Education each year since it’s inception. I look forward to working with enthusiastic students as they perfect their skills on the way to the winner's circle.

Sit back, as I bring a lifetime of grooming and handling lessons to video, here at Leadingedge Dog Show Academy.


Course Curriculum


  Introduction
Available in days
days after you enroll

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

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