From Reactive to Responsive

Fun, functional skills for real-life moments

  • Engage the Brain. Transform the Outcome.

    Learn “tricks” that you can turn into practical, fun, & incompatible behaviours that help your dog cope in everyday situations. Especially for dogs that need something to do!

  • Backed by Science For Dogs Who React.

    Learn how behaviour science, and thoughtful trick training can come together to support management and emotional safety - without pretending that tricks are a cure.

  • Consent First Learning That Builds Real Trust!

    Discover how to teach tricks in a way that lets your dog opt in, creating a confident learner who actively says “yes please” to training.

If you’re living with a reactive dog, you know how important it is to have tools that work!

Especially if you find yourself in a sticky situation.

While you’re addressing the root cause of your Dog's Reactive Behavior through approaches like BAT or other behaviour work, it's incredibly important to have a few 'Tricks" up your leash - and that's where the incredible Sassafras Patterdale, CPDT-KA, CDTI comes in! Through a consent-based, science-led lens, Sassafras will show you how simple, fun tricks can become powerful support strategies to help you cope with everyday life.

These aren’t just “party tricks”, they’re practical, adaptable skills that give your dog something meaningful to do when the world feels overwhelming or escape is not an option.

Along the way, you’ll deepen your relationship with your dog, learn how they communicate, how they choose to engage, and how to create training they genuinely want to be part of.

The result? A stronger bond, a more willing learner, and a dog who can say “yes” to training even in challenging environments.

You’ll also get step-by-step guidance on a selection of useful tricks (with on-lead options), so you can start building these skills right away in a way that feels safe, achievable, and importantly, fun!

See what's included below...
Photo of the Instructor Sassafras Pattredale

What to Expect from Trick Dog

This course has something for everyone, from the novice who is curious about how tricks work to advanced handlers looking to add new management skills to their professional toolbox.

Click the down arrows to expand the sections.

  • 1

    Welcome to Trick Dog with Sassafras Patterdale

    • Welcome to the Grisha Stewart Academy

    • How to attend the live events on June 1st and June 8th
  • 2

    Part One: Introduction to Trick Dog and Why It Makes Sense for Reactive Behaviors

    • Joining instructions for the live event

    • Introduction to Trick Dog with Consent

    • Why tricks make sense in reactive settings

    • Tricks are not a cure, but an intervention

    • How tricks can help deepen the bond between dog and caregiver

    • Tricks for force free placement

    • Sneak Peak Bonus Video: Teach your dog 'Back Up'

      FREE PREVIEW

    • Pause to practice (AKA homework!)

    • Watch the recording and Q+A session
  • 3

    Part Two: Tricks Review. Troubleshooting, Support and Next Steps

    • Joining instructions for the live event

    • Tricks review

    • Troubleshooting

    • Continue learning with Sassafras

    • Watch the recording and Q+A session
  • 4

    What's Next?

    • Course completion certificate and CEUs

    • Continue learning at the GSA

More Details

Dates, Times, Format and CEUs

  • Format

    This course will be presented in two parts. Parts One and Two will both be in Zoom Webinar Format.

    Part One will be broadcast live on Monday, June 1st at 10am Pacific Time.
    Part Two will be broadcast live on Monday, June 8th at 10am Pacific Time.

    Each session is expected to last for approximately 2 hours including presentation and Q+A sessions.

  • Accessibility

    All live sessions will be broadcast with Close Captions turned on. Viewers can adjust the language and display settings in real time.

    Recordings will be subtitled in English and viewers will be able to toggle these on or off.

  • CEUs/CPD


    A Certificate of Completion will be available to download from your account once you finish the course. You can use this to obtain CEUs/CPD credits.

    CEUs from the CCPDT and IAABC are pending.

    To find out how to apply for CEUS from the CCPDT and/or the IAABC please visit our Submission Process page.

Meet Your Instructor

Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed, Certified Trick Dog Instructor, AKC CGC Evaluator

Sassafras Patterdale, CPDT-KA, CTDI

Sassafras Patterdale (Lowrey) They/Them is a CPDT-KA, Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) and Fear Free Certified Professional. They are an award-winning author whose books have been honored by organizations ranging from the American Library Association to the Dog Writers Association of America.

Sassafras’ dog books include: Tricks In The City, and Chew This Journal: An Activity Book For You And Your Dog.

Sassafras' dog Sirius is the first Grand Champion Trick Newfoundland and the three-time winner of the #1 Newfoundland in the AKC National Trick Dog Competition. Sirius' puppy Rodeo is the first American Hairless Terrier to earn the Champion Trick Dog Title.

Sassafras teaches both nationally and online and writes regularly about dog training and behavior for leading publications including WIRED, and The New York Times.

Ready to Get 'Tricky' With It?
Here's How to Sign Up!

You can purchase this course with forever access for $70
or
Become a Member of the Grisha Stewart Academy and get all our courses and events for one low price a month. See below for more details and what's included in each option.

  • $70.00

    $70.00Trick Dog for Reactivity: Moves to Help in Sticky Situations. A Two Part Course with Sassafras Patterdale, CPDT-KA, CDTI. Live Events June 1 and 8

    One time payment that includes access to the live events, course materials and the recordings.

    Enrolment never expires so you can learn at your own pace and return again and again!

    Buy Now

  • $19.99 / month

    $19.99 / monthGSA Library Pass

    On-demand access to our learning library (including the recording of this event!).

    The ideal choice if you are interested in a great value membership option, but don't need all the extras included in the All Access Pass , or can't attend the live (see below).

    New content added every month, and you can get CEUs with this pass too!
    Sign Up!

  • $29.99 / month

    $29.99 / monthDiamond Membership All Access Pass

    Community Supported Rate.
    Sliding scale choice, same membership access as the standard rate.
    Sign Up!

  • $39.99 / month

    $39.99 / monthDiamond Membership All Access Pass

    This is the best choice if you are a professional or aspiring dog trainer and are looking for more than just webinars.

    This pass not only includes access to all recorded webinars (over 160 at last count!) but also the:

    Member's Only Book Club with Grisha Stewart, Holding Space Monthly Member Support and Mentoring Sessions with Danielle Beck, Live Case Studies/Panel Discussions hosted by Tom Candy, an Exclusive Private FB Group, a Free listing in our Dog Trainer Directory, and the exclusive opportunity to become a CBATI-KA/KSA.
    Sign Up!

If you choose to purchase a Membership, your subscription will go for a month from the start date and then renew automatically each month after that. You can easily cancel renewal at any time and your access to the content will just expire on your renewal date.

Already a Member? You're already enrolled in this event, at no extra charge. Just log in and refresh this page, and you'll see a Start Learning or Resume Learning button on the top.

Scholarships. We also have lifetime free access for PGM/BIPOC folks (because your ancestors prepaid), and 6-month need-based scholarships. Click for scholarship information.