Beyond The Breed;
Canine Functional Characters Discovery Workshop
Heather Stevens (author and founder of Beyond the Breed), a CFBA-registered Canine Behaviour Practitioner and trainer with over 40 years’ experience, will be spending the day teaching you all about the 9 different types of Functional Characters, helping you to get the best of them depending on their character and understanding group dynamics.
Sunday 25 April 2027, 9 am
- 5 pm
Early Bird Prices:
Includes Refreshments throughout the day
Enhance your Canine Partnership
Wouldn't it be awesome to properly understand why your dog does what it does based on their own individual Functional Character. This workshop aims to provide a deeper understanding of Functional Characters and help you determine the functional character of your current dog/s.
Functional Characters (FCs) describe the instinctive social roles dogs adopt within a group. They enable us to understand dogs on a deeper level - from the inside out - and explain the social interactions and dynamics of any group of dogs.
Not only know why they do what they do, why they react differently to different dogs, but how to properly train them, read their body language, and what key skills is best to train them based on their Functional Character. For example for a Defender and a Hunter, 99.9% Recall is a must!
In this 1-day Discovery workshop, Heather Stevens will explore all the 9 Functional Characters, explain the different things to look for between each Functional Character, which characters bring about the best dynamics and much more.
Understanding your dog’s functional character helps explain:
- why they bond with certain dogs and avoid others
- why some dogs become anxious while others take charge
- why some appear aloof, clingy, busy, cautious, bold, or conflict-avoidant
- why certain dogs “test,” nag, follow, guard, or supervise
And most importantly… why training alone often doesn’t change these patterns.
Every dog is born with a Functional Character.
Once you understand your dogs Character, you can help prevent, resolve or identify behavioural problems that may arise within a group of dogs, as well as knowing how best to train them.
What are the 9 Functional Characters:
Below is a simplified overview of the 9 FC's
(more detailed explanations happen during the workshop):.
Guide
Self-preserving problem-solvers - the dogs others naturally look to for direction.
Defender
Fearless, solid, determined individuals who support Guides and protect the group.
Hunter
Fast, nimble, movement-driven dogs with long “to do” lists and busy minds.
Peacekeeper
Soft, appeasing dogs who calm tensions and absorb social pressure. not be wrapped in cotton wool!
Overseer
The quality-control managers! They “check” other dogs’ abilities and often appear to test or fuss.
Observer
The vigilant “look-outs” - sensitive, alert, easily overwhelmed, and quick to notice changes.
Lone Individual
Independent dogs with large personal space bubbles and very small social circles.
Follower
The steady “stand-by crew”; not natural problem-solvers but vital helpers in group roles.
Nanny/Guardian
An associate character developing around 18 months+. These dogs “come alive” around puppies or vulnerable individuals.
About the Workshop
Handler and Dog Spaces are limited so early booking is essential if you wish to come along with your dog/s.
Location: Paws & Play Gundogs Training Ground, SK17
This 1-day workshop will be interesting & fun for all, as it will introduce you to canine functional characters.
- what they are and give you some examples of how to identify the functional character of your dog
- help you determine your own dogs Functional Character for a deeper understanding of your pet.
- how you can support them further by knowing their Functional Character, so you can enhance your ability to tailor their training & socialising
- how their characters can impact group dynamics
- and how to understand certain behaviours they may exhibit as a result of their functional character.
The Discovery; Unlock the secrets of your dog's innate character.
- You'll be introduced to the 9 Functional Characters and discover which one resonates with your dog. Learn about each Functional Character through engaging discussions and hands-on workbooks.
- Practical individual assessments to identify your dog's unique character.
- Discover why diet has a significant impact on behaviour, and explore why what often appears as aggression is not truly aggression.
- Whether your dog is bold, cautious, playful, or protective, this workshop will give you the tools to truly understand their natural instincts and behaviours.
