The Relationship between Accepting a Dog Where They Are Today and Supporting Progress into the Future.

Acceptance, Expectations, and the Dog We Have

How do our expectations shape the relationship we build with our dogs?

When we bring a dog into our lives, we often have dreams and expectations about who that dog will become. But what happens when reality looks different?

In this special live conversation, internationally recognized trainer Denise Fenzi joins Hund i Fokus for an honest and thought-provoking discussion about acceptance, expectations, goals, and the relationships we build with our dogs.

Rather than a traditional presentation, this will be an interactive conversation exploring questions such as:

• What is the difference between being a dog person and simply loving dogs?
• How do our expectations help—or hinder—our relationship with our dogs?
• Should we set goals for our dogs, and how do those goals influence the relationship?
• Are we dog-centred, human-centred, or situation-centred in the way we approach our dogs?
• What does true acceptance of the dog in front of us actually look like?
• Can accepting our dog as they are today help us make greater progress tomorrow?

As Denise herself puts it:

"If you can let go and appreciate the dog for who they are, you may get significantly further with that dog than you ever thought possible."

The conversation will be guided by Nina Haaland, who will also bring in questions submitted by participants in advance, followed by an opportunity for live questions from the audience.

Whether you share your life with a family dog, a reactive dog, a sport dog, or a dog who has challenged your expectations, this conversation promises to offer valuable insights and new perspectives.

About Denise Fenzi

 

Denise Fenzi is one of the world's leading voices in motivational, force-free dog training. She is the founder of Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, one of the largest online dog training schools in the world, and is internationally recognized for her work in motivation, engagement, and building strong relationships between dogs and their handlers.

Although Denise has achieved top-level titles across numerous dog sports, her greatest passion is helping both dogs and their people overcome training challenges and develop relationships built on trust, understanding, and joy. Through her teaching, writing, and speaking, she continues to inspire trainers around the world to see the dog in front of them and build training around that individual.

  

Over the years, Denise has earned titles in obedience, tracking, Schutzhund, herding, conformation, agility, French Ring, and Mondioring, including two AKC Obedience Championships and perfect obedience scores in both Schutzhund and Mondioring. Her success across a wide range of disciplines reflects decades of experience as both a trainer and competitor.

Practical Information

Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM CEST (Central European Summer Time)
If you're joining from another country, please check the corresponding time in your local time zone, following this link.

Duration: Approximately 90–120 minutes, including audience questions.

Location: Live online via Zoom.

Recording: Can't attend live? No problem! All registered participants will receive access to the recording and can watch it at their own convenience for three months after the event.