ACE freework……is Ace!

ACE Free Work – For Dogs Who’d Like a Say in the Matter

Let’s be honest – if our dogs could talk, they’d probably tell us to cool it with all the commands. "Sit! Stay! Don’t eat that sock!" But what if there were a way to understand what our dogs need without barking orders? That’s where Sarah Fisher’s ACE Free Work (Animal Centred Education) comes in. Think of it as a mindfulness retreat... but for dogs.

What is ACE Free Work?

ACE Free Work is like setting up a playdate where your dog’s in charge. You create a space with lots of interesting things – soft mats, bumpy rubber, bowls of snacks, maybe a sand tray if you’re feeling fancy. Then, instead of telling your dog what to do, you do the hardest thing of all: you sit back and watch. No commands. No expectations. Just you, your dog, and a buffet of weird textures to explore.

This approach is fantastic for dogs who, frankly, don’t care much for traditional training or who’d rather skip the social pleasantries. If your dog thinks "obedience" is code for "I’ll stand here till you give me a treat," then ACE Free Work might be right up their alley.

Why ACE Free Work is Refreshingly Different

1. Finally, Your Dog’s in Charge: In ACE Free Work, your dog is the decision-maker. Do they want to sniff the rubber mat? Give it a go. Lick the sand? Why not. Ignore everything and walk away? Perfect. You’re there to observe, not control – think David Attenborough, but with more snacks on the sidelines.

2. Less Stress, More Zen: Without the pressure of performing for treats, your dog gets to relax and just be. For dogs who get jittery around new experiences or other dogs, this calm, observational environment can help them unwind. Plus, it’s a chance to see if your dog actually enjoys soft surfaces or if they only put up with them because they know a treat is coming.

3. A Trust-Building Experience: For once, it’s not about “sit” or “stay” – it’s about “you do you.” ACE Free Work encourages us to respect the choices dogs make, and you’ll be surprised how quickly they pick up on that trust. Over time, you’ll feel like that chill parent at the playground who’s not fussing over every move but still there, watching closely – and that sense of support builds trust faster than any obedience class.

How to Get Started with ACE Free Work

If you want to give it a go, set up a little area with different textures and objects, like soft mats, rubber mats, maybe even a cardboard box. Throw in some treats or favourite toys to encourage a little curiosity. Then, instead of telling your dog what to do, sit back with a cup of tea (or whatever helps you relax), and watch as they explore.

It’s fascinating to see how they approach things without any prompting. Maybe your dog sniffs each texture carefully, or maybe they instantly fall asleep on the softest mat (hey, dogs need comfort too!). You’ll start to see which objects they like, which ones they avoid, and – if they’re anything like mine – which ones they think make perfect pillows.

The Surprising Benefits of ACE Free Work

Dogs that once acted like caffeine-fuelled toddlers suddenly get chill when they realise they don’t have to do anything. Reactive dogs start to look more relaxed, shy dogs start to look more curious, and before long, the same dog who treated the vacuum cleaner as their arch-nemesis is meandering through new environments with way more confidence.

And honestly, it’s great for us humans too. By watching how they choose to interact with their surroundings, we get to know them in a new way. Are they skittish on certain textures? Do they favour a certain side of their body? All these little details help us understand their quirks and needs, so we can support them better.

The Big Picture: Building a Bond (Without the Bribes)

The magic of ACE Free Work is that it teaches us to listen to our dogs in a way that’s refreshingly low-key. No shouting commands or fumbling for the treat bag – just you, your dog, and the freedom to explore their personality.

So, if your dog’s been giving you the side-eye every time you bring out the training bag, consider giving ACE Free Work a try. You might just discover that your dog has a whole new side – and maybe, that they’ve been waiting for you to listen all along.