Plans

Foundation Training Plan: From New Dog to Well-Mannered Companion

A 16-lesson curriculum that takes a new dog owner from "how do dogs even learn?" to a dog who sits politely for greetings, walks nicely on a leash, comes when called, and settles calmly in the home. Follow the lessons in order — each one builds on the last. Plan on 2–4 weeks of practice per lesson before moving on.

16 lessons

  1. 1

    How Dogs Learn: The Basics of Positive Reinforcement

  2. 2

    Choosing Rewards Your Dog Will Work For

  3. 3

    Marker Training: The Power of a Clear "Yes"

  4. 4

    Reading Your Dog's Body Language

  5. 5

    Setting Up for Training Success

  6. 6

    The Name Game: Building Attention

  7. 7

    Watch Me: The Focus Cue

  8. 8

    Teaching Sit

  9. 9

    Teaching Down

  10. 10

    Recall ("Come")

  11. 11

    Leave It

  12. 12

    Stay: Duration, Distance, Distraction

  13. 13

    Introducing the Collar, Harness & Leash

  14. 14

    Loose-Leash Walking

  15. 15

    Stopping the Jumping-Up Habit

  16. 16

    Door Manners: Waiting at Thresholds