The Dopamine Box:

Its Application — Online Workshop Live with Martina

Limited spaces available for non-members  

Join me for this special online workshop where we dive deep into one of my favourite training tools: the Dopamine Box.  
In this session, you’ll learn exactly what the Dopamine Box is, why it works, and how to apply it in a variety of real-life training situations.

 🧠 The Dopamine Box Protocol (aka Box Feeding)  

🔹 What It Is  The dopamine box is a conditioned calming and safety cue: a small box (or container) where the dog consistently puts their head down to eat, typically with their nose inside the box.  Over time, the box becomes a conditioned cue for calmness and safety, and triggers dopamine release — hence the name.  

🔹 How It Works

 •You teach the dog to place their head into the box to eat.

 •The box becomes associated with calm, positive experiences.

 •When the dog is engaged with the box (head inside, eating calmly), they are in a better emotional state to work through fear triggers. •Over time, the box itself triggers a dopamine response — anticipation of a positive experience.  

 🛠️ Uses of the Dopamine Box 

 It’s a fantastic foundational emotional regulation tool for dogs struggling with:

 •Noise phobia

 •Environmental sensitivity •Grooming stress •Vet anxiety 

•Car reactivity 

•Generalised reactivity or stress  

  ✅ Why It Works 

•Dopamine release: The positive anticipation of food and the safety of the routine triggers a neurochemical calming effect.

 •Strong conditioned cue: Over time, the box becomes a reliable signal of safety similar to a mat or settle cue but more passive and rooted in emotional state.  

  🐾 You can combine the dopamine box with noise recordings, gentle handling, muzzle training, or any other stress-related protocol. It’s especially powerful when used preventively with puppies or new rescues.  

At the end of the workshop, there will be plenty of time for Q&A, so bring your questions!  

🟡 This is normally a members-only event for Collie Club — but for this workshop, I’ve opened up a few spots for non-members to attend.