If we want to understand a dog’s behaviour, we must first understand how they experience the world.
In October 2026, we are delighted to host a two-day workshop with internationally renowned speaker Els Vidts: Observe, Feel, Understand.
Observe, Feel, Understand (OFU) is an intensive, hands-on workshop that teaches participants to interpret canine behavior through observation, sensory integration, nervous system regulation, movement, and body awareness rather than relying solely on conventional training methods.
A recurring idea in Els’ work is that behavior cannot be separated from the body. She emphasizes that sensory processing and physical state strongly influence arousal, emotional regulation, and behavior. Rather than viewing a behavior issue only as a training problem, she examines how the dog processes sensory information, whether the nervous system is overloaded or under-responsive, self-regulation abilities, physical comfort and movement quality, the interaction between environment, body, and behavior.
Participants will learn how to observe dogs beyond the most obvious behavioural signs—through their posture, movement, muscle tension, use of space, and non-verbal communication. Exercises may involve human body awareness, leash work, movement, observation tasks and other practical work with dogs.
The workshop offers a valuable opportunity to explore an approach that supports a deeper understanding of canine behaviour in both personal and professional settings. It is suitable for dog guardians (especially those of reactive, anxious or easily overstimulated dogs), dog trainers, behavior consultants, therapists, and other professionals, people interested in nervous-system-based approaches, as well as anyone wishing to improve observational skills, deepen their understanding of dogs and develop relationships based on observation, understanding, and cooperation.
No prior knowledge is required.
Workshop Format and Schedule
The workshop will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Each day will include two short coffee breaks and a longer lunch break. A detailed schedule will be published closer to the event.
The workshop does not follow a fixed training protocol. Instead, Els works directly with the individual dog–human team in front of her and explores whatever challenges are present: social situations, fear, sensory processing, regulation, movement, body awareness, physical discomfort, or behavioral issues. The goal is to help participants better observe, feel, and understand what is happening in the dog and in the interaction between dog and handler.
Each day, seven dogs will participate in practical sessions and work individually directly with Els Vidts. This will offer ample opportunities for observation, discussion, and experiential learning throughout the weekend.
The workshop will be conducted in English.
Workshop Fee and Registration
The fee for the two-day workshop with Els Vidts is €250 without a dog or €300 with a dog. The number of places is limited.
The workshop fee includes coffee breaks and light refreshments. Accommodation and all other meals are not included and should be arranged independently by participants.
Only seven working spots with a dog are available. It is suitable for all dogs, including dogs with behavioral challenges. All participant dogs will work with Els Vidts on Sunday, 11 October 2026. Due to the limited number of places, working spots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Participants applying for a working spot with a dog will be required to agree to the participation guidelines and conditions designed to ensure the welfare and comfort of all dogs attending the event. Further details can be found in the workshop registration form.
Registration is open until 25 September 2026, or until all available places have been filled.
Event Location
The workshop will take place in Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenia. Click HERE for the exact location.
More about the Speaker
