HOW TO GET STARTED WITH ACE FREE WORK WITHOUT BUYING A THING

How to get started with ACE Free Work without buying a thing

If you’ve ever watched your dog struggle to relax or wished you could help them feel calmer and more confident, ACE Free Work might just be the missing piece.

You don’t need fancy kit, a big garden, or even much time.

In fact, you can start today – using things you already have at home.

In this post, I’ll show you what ACE Free Work is, how it helps, and exactly how to get started without buying a thing.
And if you’d like a printable checklist and step-by-step guide, you can download my freebie here.

What is ACE Free Work?

ACE (Animal Centred Education) Free Work was developed by Sarah Fisher as a gentle, dog-led activity that encourages exploration through choice, movement, and the senses.

It’s not obedience training or a trick to master – it’s an opportunity for your dog to slow down, sniff, and make their own decisions in a calm, safe space.

This simple, choice-based activity can:

– Help dogs who are nervous, anxious or reactive feel more settled.

– Build confidence and reduce over-excitement.

– Release tension from the body and mind.

– Strengthen the bond between you and your dog through quiet observation.

ACE Free Work is especially helpful for dogs who find walks stressful, or those recovering from injury, surgery, or big life changes.

Why you don’t need fancy equipment

One of the biggest myths I hear is that you need to buy special enrichment toys or equipment to support your dog’s wellbeing. You really don’t.

You can create meaningful ACE Free Work sessions using household items such as:

– Towels, mats or fabric scraps.

– Footstools, plant pots or laundry baskets.

– Baking trays or shallow tubs.

– Books, boxes or steps.

It’s all about creating variety – different textures, surfaces, heights, and smells for your dog to explore safely at their own pace.

(You’ll find ten everyday ideas in the free download – no shopping required!)

How to get started with ACE Free Work

Here’s a simple way to try your first session:

Set up while your dog is in another room.
Choose 3–5 items and place them with space between. Add a few bits of food and chews around and on top of things.

Check it’s calm and safe.
Avoid slippery floors and loud noises. Have fresh water nearby.

Invite your dog in calmly.
No cues, no “go on” – just let them wander in and explore in their own way.

Observe quietly.

Watch what they do. You’ll start noticing things you’ve never seen before – how they move, what they gravitate towards, when they pause.

End gently.
When they walk away or settle, the session is done. No need to call them off or pack up mid-flow.

You’ll be amazed by how much your dog can tell you when you simply give them space and choice.

For a full printable version and checklist, download your free guide here.

What ACE Free Work can help with

Free Work can support dogs who:

– Struggle with confidence or novelty.

– Are reactive to dogs, people or noises.

– Have handling, grooming, or vet visit worries.

– Find walks overstimulating or stressful.

– Struggle getting into or travelling in vehicles.

– Need mental enrichment while recovering or on restricted exercise.

It’s calming for us humans too – slowing down to simply watch our dogs can be grounding and surprisingly emotional.

Real-life results: Rama’s story

“My anxious puppy LOVES his ACE Free sessions and demands them every evening now.

He even goes in his pen to watch while we set up, then shoots out like a rocket to see what we’ve made for him today.

As he moves, his stressy tail comes down, he relaxes, and it’s helping him generally be calmer.

Niki is so supportive, helpful and genuine, and ACE Free Work is a huge help for both the dog’s wellbeing and human observation.”

Manuela & Rama

Common barriers (and why they’re easier to overcome than you think)

“I don’t have fancy equipment.”

That’s exactly why I created this guide – you already have everything you need at home.

“I don’t know where to start.”

The freebie gives you a simple step-by-step plan, complete with ideas, setup tips and a checklist.

“How is this different to just doing enrichment?”

Most enrichment games are still directed by humans – we hide food or give instructions.

ACE Free Work is different because it’s dog-led. Your dog decides what to explore, when to pause, and when to stop.

“I’m busy.”

Simple setups take minutes and can fit around your day – even ten minutes can make a difference.

“My dog is nervous, older, or has special needs.”

ACE Free Work is completely adaptable. It can be done indoors, outside, or in a small space, with no pressure or expectation.

Ready to start?

 ACE Free Work can transform the way you see your dog – and it doesn’t cost a thing to begin.

👉 Download your free guide: How to get started with ACE Free Work without buying a thing
and see what your dog shows you when you give them the gift of choice.