Speaking

Public Speaker Somatic Dog training

Andrew Ledford

562-423-1691

Speaker and Author

  • Accept the past
    • Understand the present
      • Change the future

I help people go from becoming to being

Safe Dog Walking for Seniors & Fall Prevention

Safe Dog Walking For Seniors and Fall Prevention Guide

A C.A.N.I.N.E. Method approach to safer walking, safer environments, and behavior change for older adults and their dogs.

Training the handler is at least as important as training the dog, and sometimes more important.

Dog-walking safety is not simply a dog-training problem. It is a system involving the handler, the dog and the environment.

The talk is based on Andrew Ledford’s forthcoming book, Safe Dog Walking for Seniors and Fall-Prevention Guide, scheduled for publication in 2026.

Safe Dog Walking for Seniors and Fall-Prevention Guide

Presentation Overview & Key Topics

  • The Person, the Dog & the Environment.
    Why dog-walking safety can’t be solved by training the dog alone.
  • Understanding Fall Risk.
    How everyday habits, equipment, environments and movement patterns can create unnecessary risk.
  • Changing the Walking System.
    Using change strategies, acceptance, adaptability and the Deming Cycle to rethink walking routes and routines.
  • Training the Handler.
    (Somatic movement): Positioning, leash handling and practical exercises designed to improve how the person moves with the dog.
  • Changing Behavior.
    Leveraging Tiny Habits, the Premack Principle and other behavioral strategies for making safer choices strengthen behavior and sustain long-term change.
  • Training the Dog for a Safer Walk.
    Communication, positioning, equipment, and practical dog-handling strategies.

Interactive Audience Exercises

(Watch the 2.3-minute demonstration video above)

During the presentation, Andrew leads attendees through a simple, practical movement drill derived from Tai Chi Chuan concepts. Tai Chi has been extensively studied for its ability to improve balance and reduce fall risk in older adults.

Through lightweight interactive exercises, audience members explore body awareness, attention, balance, and physical coordination in real time.

Throughout the presentation there are interactive exercises to keep people engaged.

Available for Presentations & Speaking Engagements

Organization Types:

  • Senior Living Communities & Activity Centers
  • YMCAs, Community Centers & Libraries
  • Rotary Clubs & Service Organizations
  • Meetups & Special-Interest Groups
  • Chambers of Commerce & Business Groups
  • Dog Clubs, Rescues & Pet Organizations
  • Community groups
  • Professional and business groups
  • Nonprofit Organizations

Primary Regional Service Area
Available for in-person presentations throughout:

  • North Orange County
  • The 562 Area: Long Beach to Whittier
  • San Gabriel Valley: Hacienda Heights to Pasadena

Have an event coming up?
Book Andrew for Your Group:
Contact Andrew 562-606-1729

Interested in other presentations? Explore Andrew’s Speaking Topics & Presentations