Proactive Pain Management - ACE Free work

As far as I am concerned, ACE Free Work (created by Sarah Fisher) is an essential skill for all dog professionals & guardians. It is impressively multi-faceted.


On the surface it is a very thorough, accessible, and affordable way to meet any dog's needs.
• Can be made entirely from things you have already & tailored to suit literally any dog.
• Fantastic for dogs in pain and/or "reactive".
• Pair with conversational training to craft choice-based training sessions.

However, Free Work is way more than that.

Free work can address behavior concerns.
• Engages the SEEKING system, leading to dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter.
• Nose work improves optimism.
• Provides opportunity to exercise control, which improves confidence.

Most relevant, Free Work can be used to identify signs of pain & discomfort and improve musculoskeletal health with appropriate exercise.
• What activities does your dog choose? In what order?
• How do they engage with different activities? What does their posture look like when standing or laying down with each activity?
• Looking for abnormalities or changes in gait, posture, capabilities, coat changes, and preferences.
• Promoting positive emotions, empowerment and movement help improve pain.

Broad Strokes How-To:
1) Prepare a few enrichment activities for your dog. Use different foods (eg: texture, flavor, consistency).
2) Include non-food enrichment, especially for reactive or painful dogs who can’t go for walks or play dates anymore.
3) Arrange these activities at different heights (eg: floor, big book, small box).
4) Place different surfaces (eg: yoga mat, faux grass, bubble wrap).
5) Offer water in the free work space.
6) Remove your dog's collar & harness (as much as safely possible).
7) Let 'em go AND OBSERVE!