What is a S.E.A.R.C.H. Session?
SEARCH stands for Sensory Exploration And Reflection of Canine Holism
Wait… what?
I know, it’s a mouthful, but when choosing a name for this service, it was important to me to include what it’s about. “Exploration and Observation Room” was too much of a mouthful, too, so I went with an acronym that (I think) works even better!
So what is a Sensory Room or "SEARCH Session" for dogs?
Sensory Exploration:
It’s no surprise that dogs experience the world through their senses – sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing – which are highly developed compared to humans (even if sometimes we wonder if their ears work).
The SEARCH Session offers the opportunity for agency throughout their Sensory Exploration. Watching the way they move through the set up, following a scent trail, investigating (or avoiding) textures with their paws or nose, or seeing how they choose to consume the carefully selected food options, all gives us valuable insight into how they perceive and interact in the world. The more we pay attention to their sensory experiences, the better we can support their needs.
Reflection:
Taking a step back and observing our dogs without expectation allows us to truly see them as individuals. Every dog is unique and has their own personality, preferences, and way of navigating the world.
By watching quietly and observing how your dog explores, how they respond to stimuli, the way they choose where to go and what to interact with, even how they rest, we gain a deeper understanding of what makes them feel safe, confident, or uncertain.
Reflection also applies to us as their humans. How do our interactions shape their experiences? How can we adjust our approach to build a stronger, more trusting relationship?
Canine Holism:
Looking at dogs as whole (Canine Holism) beings means recognizing that their well-being isn’t just about obedience or physical health. In order to have a truly healthy, happy dog, we need to meet all of the needs. That includes their innate, natural needs such as digging, licking, foraging, and freedom of movement. The SEARCH Session is full of mental stimulation, autonomy, and self-regulation opportunities designed to collect information about each dog as well as allow them time and opportunity to stretch, bend, and generally slow down in ways they don’t often get to do.
When we take a holistic approach, we’re not just meeting their basic needs; we’re creating a life where they can truly thrive.
Your Happy Dog Coach is thrilled to offer this service after completing a really amazing, very intensive course from Puzzle Dog Academy called “Sensory Room For Canine Professionals“.
I had followed Puzzle Dog for years online, and when I signed up for the course, I thought it would be focused on the actual puzzles; that the Sensory Room would be focused solely on creating puzzles for dogs.
I was wrong.
Instead, I learned even more about body language and the importance of giving dogs autonomy and agency. But more than that, I learned about the importance of having a quiet, calm environment to explore, and I also learned a surprising amount about canine conditioning in terms of body movements, where they may have pain or discomfort, and how to recognize the tiniest signs of movements and what they may mean.
More about what these terms are (click the + to open for more information):
Autonomy: Freedom to make choices and self-direct behavior.
- A dog deciding which route to take during a walk.
- Choosing whether to engage in play or take a nap.
- Picking a preferred toy or sleeping spot.
Agency: Ability to act intentionally and influence outcomes.
- A dog signaling to go outside by standing at the door or ringing a bell.
- Indicating discomfort or enjoyment in response to human actions, such as stepping away when they don’t want to be petted or leaning in for more affection.
- Using puzzle toys to obtain treats, showcasing problem-solving skills.
Canine Conditioning: Exercises to improve a dog’s strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination.
- Balancing on unstable surfaces (e.g., wobble boards or balance discs).
- Controlled movements like stepping over cavalettis or climbing stairs.
- Stretching to improve flexibility and range of motion.
- Strengthening core muscles through activities like sit-to-stands or crawling under objects.
But Why?
The Sensory Exploration and Reflection of Canine Holism (SEARCH) Session is a multidimensional approach to understanding dogs, integrating their sensory experiences, emotional well-being, and holistic health.
As with everything that Your Happy Dog Coach strives for, these SEARCH Sessions are meant to encourage an approach to canine care that is thoughtful, mindful, and comprehensive, considering all aspects of the dog’s being.
-
- How they experience and interact with the world through their senses
- How they reflect that through behavior
- How they function as whole, integrated individuals.
Simply, it’s another call for a more empathetic and holistic approach to understanding and caring for dogs.
Your Happy Dog Coach’s SEARCH Session is an experience that offers individual dogs a unique, calming environment to explore and engage with a variety of sensory and textural stimuli at their own pace. This carefully designed space is free from distractions, allowing your dog to investigate and choose freely, while you and Your Happy Dog Coach, as a trained observer, gain valuable insights into their preferences, movements, and emotional responses.
Each session is strategically laid out to provide your dog with a safe, stress-free environment to express natural behaviors. while giving you tools and knowledge to replicate similar enriching experiences at home.
Whether your goal is
- to deepen the bond with your dog,
- learn more about how they think, move and operate,
- uncover new ways to enrich their life,
- or simply give them a moment of unpressured joy;
the YHDC SEARCH Session helps you do just that — explore, observe, and grow together.
Details:
Now that you know What a SEARCH Session is, and Why it’s offered, let’s go over the rest of the details:
Where:
These personalized sessions will happen in your home or yard.
I will bring everything I need with me! We will discuss where on your property is the ideal space to set up, either inside or outside, during our phone consultation.
When:
This service is included in our first in-person consultation visit.
Contact me to book a standalone personal session if you are already a client.
During personalized SEARCH Sessions, we allow 35 minutes per dog, but we will end when the dog decides they are finished exploring, which can be anywhere between 10 and 30 minutes.
Cost:
This service is included in the cost of our consultation visit at $125.
If you are already a client and would like an additional SEARCH Session, the cost will be $50.
NOTE: One dog per session – even if your dogs are best friends and are not food aggressive, the SEARCH Session is designed to be an exploration event for one dog at a time. An additional cost of $50 will be added for each additional dog to go through the setup.
What Is Included:
Your Happy Dog Coach will provide all of the necessary items, including treats, water, and sensory supplies. All you need is you and your dog!
Note: The quiet and calm nature of the SEARCH Session requires that there are the least amount of distractions. Because of this, I ask that only one adult, two at maximum, be present during the session, in addition to YHDC.
Bonus:
Within a week after your dog’s session, you will receive an email with a link to the video taken (if you choose to have one taken) as well as the details and supplies needed for you to create your own SEARCH Session at home!
Important Note: Please see Terms, Conditions and Waiver of Liability below for additional relevant information.
If you are interested in booking a stand alone SEARCH Session, email me! I will be in touch.
Terms, Conditions & Liability Waiver
Your Happy Dog Coach/Lori-Lee Regimbald (hereafter referred to as “YHDC”) will make every effort to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for both you and your dog. However, YHDC will not be held responsible for any unintentional errors, omissions, or misstatements. Recommendations for any product or service are not guarantees of satisfaction. By participating in the SEARCH Session, it is assumed the participant agrees to adhere to the rules and policies outlined in this agreement:
I recognize that attending the SEARCH Session is not without risk to myself or my dog. I accept full responsibility for my dog’s actions at all times and agree to indemnify and defend YHDC against any injury, expenses, damages, or costs arising from my actions or my dog’s actions. This includes damages to materials, the premises, YHDC, other participants, their dogs, or any third parties.
YHDC may use photos or videos from sessions for promotional or educational purposes. If I do not wish to be photographed or filmed, I must notify YHDC prior to the session.
Behavior Policy:
Verbal or physical abuse toward humans or animals will not be tolerated. Violators will be required to leave immediately, and YHDC reserves the right to withhold refunds in such cases.
Session Termination Policy:
YHDC reserves the right to terminate this agreement at any time before or during its term if, in their sole discretion, they determine that a dog poses a risk to the health or safety of others. Refunds may be withheld in these cases.
Cancellation Policy:
- Cancellations made up to 8 days before the event are eligible for a full refund, minus a $5 administrative fee per spot.
- No refunds or credits will be issued for cancellations made within 7 days of the event.
- Exceptions: If YHDC must cancel the event (e.g., due to weather or unforeseen circumstances), a full refund or credit will be provided.
Booking Policy:
Your booking is only confirmed once full payment has been received.
These Terms, Conditions, and Waiver of Liability are a part of the SEARCH Session Intake Form. This must be filled in full, and signed electronically, along with the full payment of either a stand alone session or a consultation first visit:
My colleague, friend, and fellow Sensory Room for Canine Professionals Graduate, Kelsey with Companion Theory Dog Training, made this amazing informative video that I’m sharing (with permission) to explain more about what we learn about dogs in the Sensory Room aka SEARCH Sessions. It’s less than 3 minutes long, check it out!