Feral Dogs as Teachers: A Transformational Workshop for Trainers, Dog Rescuers & Shelter Professionals, and Dog Enthusiasts
May 11–16, 2026 | Las Vegas, New Mexico
This six-day, sun-filled, adventure-based, feral dog workshop is unlike any other professional dog training experience. Designed for dog trainers, shelter professionals, and behavior specialists, this immersive program uses feral and extremely fearful dogs as our greatest teachers—revealing truths about canine behavior, human presence, and the foundations of trust that cannot be learned in a classroom alone.
Feral dogs act as magnifying glasses for our skills, mindset, and emotional regulation. Having survived without human support, they show us—without filters—what truly builds safety, confidence, and connection. The insights gained through feral dog rehabilitation extend far beyond extreme cases and can be applied to every dog, from shelter populations to beloved family companions.
What You’ll Learn
Participants will develop practical, immediately applicable skills in:
Building trust with fearful, feral, and shut-down dogs
Reading and responding to canine body language
Creating predictability and emotional safety
Leash handling and spatial awareness with high-stress dogs
Facilitating brave behavior using Nose-Centric Dog Training and Rehabilitation techniques
Regulating your own mindset, energy, emotions, and expectations to better support dogs
How to apply Nose-Centric techniques to help all dogs connect with us better and improve your training results.
This work goes to the core of the human–dog relationship, offering not only professional growth, but deep personal insight.
Your Instructors
You will be guided by Kelly Engel and Julie Hart, highly experienced feral dog rehabilitators with decades of combined hands-on work. The May 11–12 shelter portion also includes collaboration with Nelson Hodges, founder of the Canine Human Relationship Institute, who brings additional perspective on human–canine connection and communication.
Workshop Structure
May 11–12, 2026 | Shelter-Based Training & Demonstrations
Location: Las Vegas Animal Care Center, Las Vegas, New Mexico
Capacity: Maximum 20 participants
This two-day professional workshop focuses on classroom learning, live demonstrations, and limited hands-on practice using shelter dogs ranging from fearful to feral, all in various stages of rehabilitation.
Topics include:
Forming trust with extreme-case dogs
The power of acknowledgment and presence
Effective body language and leash skills
Supporting confidence without pressure
Translating feral dog lessons to “everyday” dogs
Participants stay at local hotels (at their own expense).
Closest airports: Santa Fe (SAF) and Albuquerque (ABQ).
A rental car is required if you are flying in; car-sharing will be coordinated.
📌 Bonus: A 2-hour supplemental Zoom class led by Nelson Hodges (date TBA).
If you wish to attend only the two day portion, see the separate listing: “Feral and Fearful Dog Rehab Workshop – 2 Day.”
May 13–16, 2026 | Immersive Feral Dog Rehabilitation Experience
Capacity: Limited to 5 participants
Location: Tesuque, NM (north of Santa Fe)
This advanced immersion is designed for professionals and enthusiasts ready to go deeper in understanding dogs. Each participant will be paired with a feral dog to rehabilitate while living together in a peaceful, authentic New Mexico home set on 20 private acres of desert and mountain landscape.
The home features:
5 bedrooms / 5 bathrooms (private room and bath for each student)
Multiple indoor and outdoor spaces for reflection and downtime
Stunning views and quiet surroundings ideal for focused work
Daily activities include:
Individual and group rehabilitation sessions
Outdoor trust-building experiences in gorgeous settings.
Pack work and guided discussions
Classroom learning integrated with real-time application
Optional outings may include Ghost Ranch, Santa Fe art galleries, Santuario de Chimayó, Ojo Caliente hot springs—depending on weather, group interest, and dogs’ needs.
✨ At the conclusion of the workshop, participants may choose to adopt their feral dog. Adoption is optional, not required.
Prerequisite: You must attend the May 11–12 workshop to participate in the immersion unless you have attended the Fearful Feral Workshop previously.
What’s Included
May 11–12 shelter workshop
May 13–16 immersion lodging, meals, and group activities
Use of proper equipment
New Mexico services tax (6.25%)
Not Included
Hotel accommodations May 11–12
Airfare and rental car
Some meals (details provided upon registration)
Non-group outings or off-site dining
Physical Requirements
This workshop includes outdoor activities. Participants must be able to:
Hike approximately 1 mile with minor elevation change
Safely handle a dog that may pull, freeze, or dart
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Julie at julie@hart2heartcanine.com
Feral Dogs as Teachers: A Transformational Workshop for Trainers, Dog Rescuers & Shelter Professionals, and Dog Enthusiasts
May 11–16, 2026 | Las Vegas, New Mexico
This six-day, sun-filled, adventure-based, feral dog workshop is unlike any other professional dog training experience. Designed for dog trainers, shelter professionals, and behavior specialists, this immersive program uses feral and extremely fearful dogs as our greatest teachers—revealing truths about canine behavior, human presence, and the foundations of trust that cannot be learned in a classroom alone.
Feral dogs act as magnifying glasses for our skills, mindset, and emotional regulation. Having survived without human support, they show us—without filters—what truly builds safety, confidence, and connection. The insights gained through feral dog rehabilitation extend far beyond extreme cases and can be applied to every dog, from shelter populations to beloved family companions.
What You’ll Learn
Participants will develop practical, immediately applicable skills in:
Building trust with fearful, feral, and shut-down dogs
Reading and responding to canine body language
Creating predictability and emotional safety
Leash handling and spatial awareness with high-stress dogs
Facilitating brave behavior using Nose-Centric Dog Training and Rehabilitation techniques
Regulating your own mindset, energy, emotions, and expectations to better support dogs
How to apply Nose-Centric techniques to help all dogs connect with us better and improve your training results.
This work goes to the core of the human–dog relationship, offering not only professional growth, but deep personal insight.
Your Instructors
You will be guided by Kelly Engel and Julie Hart, highly experienced feral dog rehabilitators with decades of combined hands-on work. The May 11–12 shelter portion also includes collaboration with Nelson Hodges, founder of the Canine Human Relationship Institute, who brings additional perspective on human–canine connection and communication.
Workshop Structure
May 11–12, 2026 | Shelter-Based Training & Demonstrations
Location: Las Vegas Animal Care Center, Las Vegas, New Mexico
Capacity: Maximum 20 participants
This two-day professional workshop focuses on classroom learning, live demonstrations, and limited hands-on practice using shelter dogs ranging from fearful to feral, all in various stages of rehabilitation.
Topics include:
Forming trust with extreme-case dogs
The power of acknowledgment and presence
Effective body language and leash skills
Supporting confidence without pressure
Translating feral dog lessons to “everyday” dogs
Participants stay at local hotels (at their own expense).
Closest airports: Santa Fe (SAF) and Albuquerque (ABQ).
A rental car is required if you are flying in; car-sharing will be coordinated.
📌 Bonus: A 2-hour supplemental Zoom class led by Nelson Hodges (date TBA).
If you wish to attend only the two day portion, see the separate listing: “Feral and Fearful Dog Rehab Workshop – 2 Day.”
May 13–16, 2026 | Immersive Feral Dog Rehabilitation Experience
Capacity: Limited to 5 participants
Location: Tesuque, NM (north of Santa Fe)
This advanced immersion is designed for professionals and enthusiasts ready to go deeper in understanding dogs. Each participant will be paired with a feral dog to rehabilitate while living together in a peaceful, authentic New Mexico home set on 20 private acres of desert and mountain landscape.
The home features:
5 bedrooms / 5 bathrooms (private room and bath for each student)
Multiple indoor and outdoor spaces for reflection and downtime
Stunning views and quiet surroundings ideal for focused work
Daily activities include:
Individual and group rehabilitation sessions
Outdoor trust-building experiences in gorgeous settings.
Pack work and guided discussions
Classroom learning integrated with real-time application
Optional outings may include Ghost Ranch, Santa Fe art galleries, Santuario de Chimayó, Ojo Caliente hot springs—depending on weather, group interest, and dogs’ needs.
✨ At the conclusion of the workshop, participants may choose to adopt their feral dog. Adoption is optional, not required.
Prerequisite: You must attend the May 11–12 workshop to participate in the immersion unless you have attended the Fearful Feral Workshop previously.
What’s Included
May 11–12 shelter workshop
May 13–16 immersion lodging, meals, and group activities
Use of proper equipment
New Mexico services tax (6.25%)
Not Included
Hotel accommodations May 11–12
Airfare and rental car
Some meals (details provided upon registration)
Non-group outings or off-site dining
Physical Requirements
This workshop includes outdoor activities. Participants must be able to:
Hike approximately 1 mile with minor elevation change
Safely handle a dog that may pull, freeze, or dart
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Julie at julie@hart2heartcanine.com
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