February is Dog Training Education Month, and I want to share the sport I’m using to build something deeper than obedience: relationship.

I’m taking Makoa through Dog Parkour titles this year starting with Training and Novice, and I’ll be offering drop-in classes along the way. Foundations first, then Intermediate, Specialty, Championship, and Expert.(I’ll post rotating days/times each week so you can jump in when it works for you. I have taught this since 2017 and decided to help people get titled, as well as Makoa.

What is Dog Parkour?

Dog Parkour, as taught through the International Dog Parkour Association, is about helping your dog safely navigate real-world environments with balancing, stepping, climbing, and moving with control using natural obstacles you find outside. Exactly what I have been teaching since 2017 to prevent injuries.

It’s more then looking cool. It’s about: confidence, body awareness, teamwork, and learning to “read” each other in motion

The titles and the path Makoa and I are following this year

Here’s the title ladder we’ll be working through:

• Training Level (PKD-T): optional foundation level; open to any age (and it’s the only title level for dogs under 18 month). Makoa has this and probably your dog too if you have worked with me.
• Novice (PKD-N): prerequisite for most other titles; open to dogs 18+ months. This one has a few foundations to work on.
• Intermediate: technically challenging; builds control and body awareness.
• Specialty: deep-dives into one movement category; obstacles must be naturally found outdoors (great for sharpening your “parkour eye”).
• Championship: emphasizes journey + growth; requires variety of environments and creativity.
• Expert: advanced physical and mental confidence; sequences, control, and a well-developed parkour eye.

Want the official organization? Here it is: https://www.dogparkour.org/ (dogparkour)

Why I call Parkour the “Relationship Sport”

Because you are unable to fake trust on a ledge. That’s R = Relationship in real time.

Parkour teaches you to:

• slow down and communicate clearly
• notice micro-signals (weight shifts, hesitations, stress signs)
• let your dog say “not today” without shame
• celebrate tiny wins that compound into real confidence

How it ties into the PAWER Loop

Before we “do the thing,” we use the loop: Pause → Air → Watch → Execute → Review

Parkour makes this simple:

• Pause + Air before the obstacle (calm bodies learn faster)
• Watch one clue (feet, spine, focus, breathing)
• Execute one safe rep
• Review and adjust (no forcing, no shame)