Live Online Weekend Camp
NOTE: WORKSHOP REPLAYS + WORKBOOKS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE
Your First Month Together Matters: A Dog Mom's Guide to Start Life Right with Your Dog
How You Begin Your Life Together Matters. Join us for a live online weekend workshop, designed for modern-minded dog moms eager to start life right with their dog through natural social learning and connection that builds trusting cooperation. Confidently integrate your dog into your home, meet their needs, and avoid common mistakes—so you can start right, together.
How You Start Together Matters
I know how important these first few weeks and months with a new dog are. It’s easy to feel like you need to get everything right — and that pressure can be overwhelming. And, I’ve seen firsthand how small, well-meaning mistakes can create long-lasting distress and endless worry.
The truth is, the choices you make early on will affect your life together for years to come. I want you to feel confident, supported, and free from overwhelm as you start this new chapter with your dog.
The way you begin your life together shapes everything that follows. This workshop will give you the proven strategies to create a positive, joyful relationship with your dog that lasts a lifetime.
I created this workshop to offer the guidance and reassurance I wish I had when I started my journey. I’ve distilled the most important pieces that will make the biggest difference for you and your dog, so you can confidently begin your journey for a loving, connected, cooperative life with your dog — right from the start.
💕🐾 THE TRUTH IS: Whether you’re just bringing home a new dog, or feel like you got off to a rocky start with your dog .. every month together matters when it comes to building a life of trust, connection and cooperation. Now is always the best time to start!
Who This Workshop is For:
This online weekend Camp Experience is hand-crafted and designed for dog moms who want to share a life of cooperation, confidence, and connection with their dogs …
- Dog moms welcoming a new dog into their life and want to get started right.
- Dog moms who want a fresh start, and to fill gaps in their relationship and connection.
- Dog moms who want to nurture a trust-based, emotionally connected relationship with their dog (without obedience-based training, micro-managing and controlling their dog through trained commands).
In this 2-Day Online Camp Experience ...
Get the plan and support you need to start life right with your dog today.
What You’ll Learn Inside the Workshop:
💝 How to create emotional safety so your dog feels calm, secure, and connected in their new home.
💖 Proven strategies to build trust and connection through everyday activities.
💗 How to meet your dog’s needs while preventing common behavior challenges and struggles.
🚀 A step-by-step plan to confidently launch the next month of the rest of your life together.
Event Details:
📅 Dates: January 25th & 26th, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM CT
✅ Live Online Workshop Access (2-part series delivered over Zoom).
✅ Ongoing Access to the Workshop Recordings so you can revisit anytime.
✅ A Customizable First Month Plan to use immediately with your dog.
🎯 Workbooks, Replays, Personal Support with live Q+A
💝 BONUS: Invitation to join my Brilliant Partners Academy for ongoing support, including a special month-long implementation event “Your First Month Partnership Camp” with my personal guidance during weekly coaching calls, at no additional cost — it’s FREE for new members!
1. Creating a Safe & Supportive Environment
- The Art of the Start: relationship-building, protecting trust and confidence, and nurturing emotional connection.
- Setting up the ideal stress-free and dog-safe space at home to grow bonding, emotional safety, and natural learning.
- Early communication and interaction mistakes to avoid.
- How to introduce nature / outdoor time safely before leash walking.
- Nurturing and normalizing behavior through role modeling and guiding.
2. Understanding Your Dog’s Deeper Needs
- Emotional impact of being in a new home for dogs of all ages and histories.
- Identifying root causes and remedies for common unwanted behaviors (barking, chewing, jumping).
- Preventing behavior challenges by meeting under-the-surface needs, not through training for compliance.
- The importance of nature, exploration, and unstructured activity first.
- Balancing activities, structure, rest and natural exploration.
3. Life Skills Through Daily Interactions
- Building trust through natural communication and dialogue feedback loop.
- Inviting connection and cooperation as a way of life together.
- Teaching life skills through play, natural engagement, normalizing the normal through social learning.
- Encouraging calmness without structured training – through natural activities (sniffing, digging, scavenging).
- When leash walking is necessary: A trust-based simplified framework for introducing the leash gently.
4. Planning Your First Month
This is the first month of the rest of your brilliant life together!
- Creating a personalized 4-week roadmap for success.
- Draft a plan for Balancing:
- connection, play, engagement, enrichment, structure, routine, unstructured dog time, rest and sleep.
Get the plan and support you need to start life right with your dog today.
Secure your spot for Only $97
LIVE DEEP DIVE WORKSHOPS: (Replays & Resources included)
💝 Part 1: Creating a Safe & Supportive Environment
💖 Part 2: Understanding Your Dog’s Deeper Needs
💗 Part 3: Life Skills Through Daily Interactions
🚀 Part 4: Planning Your First Month of the rest of your life together!
THIS 2-DAY ONLINE CAMP EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
✅ Two 3-hour Deep-Dive Interactive Workshops
✅ Detailed workbook + implementation exercises
✅ Live Q+A sessions with Kathy
✅ Access to the replays, resources, and content
📅 Dates: January 25th & 26th, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM CST
PLUS:
💝 BONUS: Invitation to join my Brilliant Partners Academy for ongoing support, including a special month-long implementation event “Your First Month Partnership Camp” with Kathy’s personal guidance during weekly support calls … at no additional cost!!
✨✨✨
I can’t wait to share this camp experience with you and help you create the trusting, cooperative life with your dog that you both deserve! Kathy xo
A Personal Message from Kathy...
I’ve been building partnerships with my dogs for a lifetime. Puppies I’ve raised, adults I’ve rescued, dogs that no one wanted and dogs that were said to be ‘untrainable’ and hopeless.
Each and every dog was a blessing, and ALL of my dogs became amazing companions, world-class partners in dog sports like agility and herding, and the best teachers ever!
25+ years of working professionally with over 5800 dogs and their families in over 27 countries around the world has taught me sooooo much! I’ve put together the exact ingredients that create a trusting, loving, attentive and responsive relationship with a dog … instead of one built on transactions, unable to stand up to ordinary challenges of modern life.
My small farm in northern Illinois became a busy beacon for those who had exhausted all other training avenues, needing to start over with their dogs, and for those that wanted to get started right. 🐾💕
I had a proven system that worked consistently well for my students and clients, earning referrals from veterinarians, dog trainers, behaviorists, and from happy clients inspiring their dog friends to want “THAT” kind of trusting, connected, naturally cooperative relationship with their own dogs!
Now, I’m in the next phase of my work: to share the power of partnership with dog moms around the world.
I am eager to be your guide and help you get started!
For the love of dogs,
Kathy xo
Kathy Kawalec: Founder of Dancing Hearts Dog Academy, Brilliant Partners Academy, Creator of the Dancing Hearts Partnership Lifestyle Method™, Host of the Enlightened by Dogs Podcast.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Find out how over 5800 dog moms in over 27 countries around the world are using our proven-in-the-real-world, holistic, heart-centered and science-based approach to create a trusting relationship with their dogs for a kind, consensual, cooperative life they love. 💚
What Our Members Say...
“What do I say about a program that changed despair to joy?”
“My dream dog had become a dog-reactive nightmare, my life was in turmoil and my family was miserable. After Kathy's program? Our life is liberating, joyful and totally works! Who knew?”
~Dee and Phalen
“I'm so proud of my 3 fur kids, and forever grateful for Kathy and her program.”
“I thought: I’ve tried everything, training classes, behavior sessions, reactive dog classes, I have nothing to lose. 10 months later, we all enjoying our Brilliant Partners lifestyle and I’m so proud of my 3 fur kids!”
~Bettina, with Murphy, Mary and Bear
“Kicked out of obedience class … to brilliant partners!”
"After being kicked out of obedience class, and failing reactive dog class, I found Kathy Kawalec. Instead of focusing on obedience and training, we breathed a sigh of relief and began focusing on appreciating each other and observing and listening to each other. Life since is a daily delight with my girl!”
~Jane and Skye
“I never dreamed this was possible!”
"After adopting Bella who was reactive to EVERYTHING, I never dreamed I would be hiking with BOTH of my dogs, enjoying nature without constantly scanning, and I love having the tools I learned in BPA to keep my little pack safe, calm and happy!"
~Terri and Bella
“It feeds our souls - not my ego.”
“My dream agility puppy was OCD, over-aroused and uncontrollable on walks and in the agility building. Now, we live in partnership because who I am for my dogs comes from my desire to live with my dogs in a way that feeds our souls - not my ego."
~Kim with Summit
“Our relationship is 90% joyful, loving and fun.”
"We enjoy our walks and adventures and cuddles. I trust her so she is off lead and exploring so much more which she loves. My relationship with Jess is 90% joyful, loving and fun, rather than 90% worried, stressed, upset and frustrated like before."
~Erin with Jess
“I love my boy with all my heart!”
"We had a rocky start and when nothing was working, I regretted getting him. Finally, through Kathy's program, I had a mindset breakthrough that changed everything with my dog.
I don't cry with frustration anymore. I love my boy with all my heart and he now comes running to me with a smile that is something I cherish and makes me cry with joy. "
~Lori with Cabo
“Is this the same dog?”
"Is this the same dog that threw herself at the patio door with manic barking that drove me to exhaustion? What I love about my life with Freya now is the feeling of partnership.
I get such a thrill when I go outside to check on her in the garden, and she immediately looks at me, and if I need her to come in, she skips happily along at my side. My heart feels lighter, and I am in awe about how amazing she is."
~Pauline with Freya
“Beyond anything I ever imagined!”
"I am no longer an anxious ball of nerves on walks. The progress we have made is beyond anything I had ever imagined possible.
We no longer chase wildlife, joggers or cyclists and we can walk where other dogs are and remain relaxed and connected with each other -- on leash and off!"
~Ros with Phoebe, Myrtle and Ekko
Get the plan and support you need to start life right with your dog today.
Secure your spot for Only $97
LIVE DEEP DIVE WORKSHOPS: (Replays & Resources included)
💝 Part 1: Creating a Safe & Supportive Environment
💖 Part 2: Understanding Your Dog’s Deeper Needs
💗 Part 3: Life Skills Through Daily Interactions
🚀 Part 4: Planning Your First Month of the rest of your life together!
THIS 2-DAY ONLINE CAMP EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
✅ Two 3-hour Deep-Dive Interactive Workshops
✅ Detailed workbook + implementation exercises
✅ Live Q+A sessions with Kathy
✅ Access to the replays, resources, and content
📅 Dates: January 25th & 26th, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM CT
PLUS:
💝 BONUS: Invitation to join my Brilliant Partners Academy for ongoing support, including a special month-long implementation event “Your First Month Partnership Camp” with my personal guidance during weekly coaching calls … at no additional cost!!
✨✨✨
I can’t wait to share this camp experience with you and help you create the trusting, cooperative life with your dog that you both deserve! Kathy xo
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this First Month Matters online Camp Experience for?
This weekend Camp is designed for dog moms who want to start (or restart) their life with their dog with calm, confidence, and connection. Dog moms welcoming a new dog into their life – their first dog, or their next and want to get started right. Dog moms who want a fresh start, and to fill gaps in their relationship foundation. Dog moms who seek a trust-based, emotionally connected relationship with their dog (without obedience-based training, micro-managing and controlling their dog through trained commands).
Who is this workshop NOT for?
Dog moms looking for a quick fix of their dog's behavior instead of nurturing lifelong natural cooperation; or those looking for a dog training or behavior modification technique that focuses on getting dogs to do what we want without high regard for the dog's deeper needs and preferences; or a dog mom who is not interested in exploring a personal development growth mindset while staying curious about how to be a brilliant partner for and with their dogs.
What will I learn in this workshop?
You'll learn how to understand how to establish a kind, loving, cooperative life with yoru dog using a heart-centered, science-based approach that does not focus on obedience or on training away behaviors. This workshop covers creating a safe and regulated environment, building a trusting partnership without relying on traditional obedience training, and implementing practical strategies for lasting change. You'll leave with a clear plan to foster a cooperative, trusting relationship with your dog.
Do I need any prior experience or skills?
No prior experience is necessary! This workshop is designed to guide participants of all levels, from beginners to those with more experience, through the process of understanding how to start life right with dogs. We focus on practical, easy-to-apply strategies that anyone can implement.
How interactive is the workshop? Will I get personalized feedback?
The workshop is highly interactive, featuring live Q&A sessions where you can ask questions and receive personalized feedback from our expert, Kathy.
What if I can't attend the Live sessions?
No worries! If you can't make the live sessions, all students enrolled in this paid workshop have ongoing access to all replays and resources for a minimum of one year. This means you can watch the sessions at your own pace and revisit the material whenever you need a refresher.
What makes this workshop different from dog training classes and courses?
What sets our live online camp experience apart is the unique combination of heart-centered, science-based approaches and Kathy's extensive experience in dog behavior and relationship building. Unlike traditional training methods that focus on obedience and behavior modification, this workshop emphasizes building a trusting, cooperative partnership with your dog. Kathy's proven strategies and compassionate guidance ensure a transformative experience for both you and your dog.
But seriously, why are you doing all of this for such a low cost?
Our main motivation to do this workshop is to better support our members in our Brilliant Dog Foundation Builders $7/mo membership, and in our $49/mo Brilliant Partners Academy coaching membership.
There's something so magical and special about a live experience like this that helps our members stay inspired and helps them to fill any gaps in their understanding. And it gives us an opportunity to continue to level up our teaching content as we spread the ripples of what is possible with a true and brilliant partnership to dog moms who may be struggling right now with their dog -- or who just love the idea of kind, compassionate, consensual, and loving cooperation with their dogs instead of relying on training, rewards, behavior modification or corrections.
We will also offer the opportunity to continue to work with us in one of our established programs (mentioned above) to the dog moms in this workshop. Of course, there is absolutely no obligation or pressure of any kind, that would not be aligned with our core values. But, we would absolutely LOVE to support every dog mom who can use a kind and caring guide on this journey to brilliant partnership.
Kathy and the Dancing Hearts team are committed to the vision of a safe, calm and happy life for dogs and those who care for them as deeply as we do. The success of our members is our passion and our mission. xo
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