What: 

At Dogs Playing for Life’s Stranger Danger Workshop, hosted by Aimee Sadler, Founder and CEO of Dogs Playing for Life (DPFL), you will learn how to work with and support dogs that are wary of strangers, building their confidence and helping them develop new skills which will enable them to meet new people happily and successfully! This workshop is applicable to owned dogs, foster dogs, and/or shelter dogs and will benefit dog trainers, dog owners, and shelter staff alike.

This workshop offers up to 8 working spots for a handler and dog, plus unlimited audit spots. 

Working spots please note: the participating dog must know a stationary position (sit, stand, or down) and be able to hold the position with added duration, distance, and distraction. Please feel free to reach out with questions.

Why: 

Our objective is to support dogs physically, emotionally, and behaviorally while emphasizing quality of life and focusing on the experience of the individual dog. In our training, generalization, i.e., behaving similarly from person to person, is critical to success. 

In our hands-on work with participating dogs, we will demonstrate: 

• DPFL’s Assess and Progress approach - alternating between assessing and influencing behavior to determine how a dog might respond WITHOUT proper human support to determine what training is necessary

• Comprehensive Tool Selection - determining what tool will best support the dog while keeping the handler and others safe during the learning process

• Principles vs. Methods - determining what approach will teach the dog as efficiently and effectively as possible 

• Creative Proofing - training with the goal of solid generalization of new skills so the dog can work for multiple handlers with clarity and confidence

Dogs will learn the following skills: 

• DPFL’s Meet and Greet Routine - a predictable routine that allows for consent from the dog when meeting new people

• DPFL's Home Door Routine - a fun and reliable approach to bringing unfamiliar people into your home without needing to put your dog away
• Other Games, Tips, and Tricks - designed to help wary-of-strangers dogs feel comfortable and make new friends

How: 

Dogs Playing for Life (DPFL) is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for dogs in shelters through innovative enrichment and behavioral intervention.

In 2017, DPFL established the Canine Center Florida (CCF) in Lake City as a premier 13-acre regional hub designed to manage high-risk canine populations and serve as a critical resource.

At the end of 2025, DPFL temporarily shuttered CCF in order to reimagine how it can best serve dogs, shelters, and communities. Don't miss this unique opportunity to enjoy all that CCF has to offer including natural beauty, an events pavilion, multiple indoor and outdoor training spaces, several fully-fenced exercise yards, dorm accommodations for all working spots, and a dock diving pool, which will be open for use in the evenings.

Founder and CEO, Aimee Sadler, has been developing canine enrichment, training, and behavior programming for sheltered dogs since 1998. With over 35 years of experience working with multiple species in varying venues, Aimee has become an internationally recognized trainer and speaker specializing in shelter programs that enhance quality of life and reduce canine euthanasia in animal shelters. Aimee regularly presents at animal welfare and professional dog training conferences such as Humane World for Animals’ Animal Care Expo, Best Friends Annual Conferences, and the International Association of Canine Professionals Conference. DPFL’s industry-leading, measured achievements were recognized when DPFL became the inaugural recipient of Petco Love’s Love in Action Award. In 2016, DPFL was featured in Episode 4 of the PBS television series, “Shelter Me TV.” Aimee is a proud recipient of the Henry Bergh Leadership Award and the Maddie’s Hero Award and has been inducted into the Members Hall of Fame for the International Association of Canine Professionals.

Accommodations:

Working spots will be offered an on-site dorm room at no additional cost (but individuals are welcome to stay elsewhere if preferred). Dorm rooms are private with a double bed and a wire crate. All linens, blankets, pillows, and towels are provided. Bathrooms and shower are private but shared. There is a full kitchen with refrigerators, oven, stove, microwave, toaster oven, coffee maker, toaster, dishes, and utensils all available for use.

Audit spots DO NOT come with accommodations. Lake City is approximately 20 minutes away and offers the closest hotels and vacation rentals. 

Below are some options: 

• Home2 Suites (allows pets for an additional fee)
• Corporate rate of $139: Call +1 386-487-9890 and reference "Dogs Playing for Life."
• Courtyard Marriott: Group rate of $139. Click here to book .
• Comfort Suites
• Best Western Plus 
• TRU by Hilton (allows pets for an additional fee; maximum weight of 75 lbs)