To help you get a clear picture of what it takes to train a dog, we’ve sketched out this Road Map of our basic approach. Every dog’s training journey is unique in its particulars, of course — but this outline provides the broad themes and goals of FOUNDATION training for every dog.
FOUNDATIONS Puppy | Character Development
8 weeks to 16 weeks (4 to 6 lessons)
Teach games that are fun and contribute to desired learning outcomes like eye contact, self-control, and dynamic partnership with a person.
Establish relationship and expectations.
Set up and maintain positive environment to facilitate house-training and develop a versatile, emotionally stable companion with no learned bad habits.
Teach appropriate puppy commands like:
Hold Still: for examination, grooming, and handling
Leave It: drop something or don’t touch something
Let’s Go: how to be successful on a leash
Wait: at doors, for toys, for food
Off-Leash Recall
(3-4 sessions)
The Come command can be added to any puppy program. Our unique approach to teaching the recall gives your dog an improved margin of safety when off-leash.
This command is completed during Adult Obedience.
FOUNDATIONS Adult | Practical, reliable obedience
6 months and older (10-15 lessons)
Phase I
Teach the meaning of each command.
commands are based on your individual evaluation and custom Training Plan
Develop games.
Foster a connected, loving relationship.
Phase II
Overcome equivocation to commands.
fast, reliable response with good attitude
Establish off-leash reliability.
Phase III
Play Train
integrate games with training
Proof to distractions
establish reliability in varied environments
Our Foundations Program for Puppies and Adults is a complete solution to developing a rewarding relationship with your companion dog. If you are interested in a sport or working dog, the Foundations program is the essential starting place for a future career in therapy, assistance, protection, hunt, agility, and more. In other words, every dog needs the essential lessons and character development these programs provide.
