Manners & More - Course Outline & Supplies Needed

Week 1: Communication & Calm Beginnings

• Getting to know your dog: breed, lifestyle, needs, and goals

• Communication: marker training & timing

• The power of reinforcement, the science of learning

Cues Introduced: Yes/Treat (marker), Watch Me, Break, Sit, Down, Stand
Homework: Daily structure & enrichment; focus building, push-ups

Week 2: Foundation Skills & Focus on You

• Building impulse control

• Recall and leash handling foundations

• Calm starts and moving together

Cues Introduced: Leave It, Come, Loose Leash Walking (“Let’s Go!”)
Homework: Focused leash walks + recall games

Week 3: Boundaries & Household Manners

• Reinforcing polite behaviors at home

• Teaching calm and clear boundaries

• Adding duration distance & distraction

Cues Introduced: Off, Out, Wait, Stay
Homework: Practicing polite exits and impulse control at meal time, boundaries in the home

Week 4: Doors, Patience & Place

• Managing high-stimulation moments

• Teaching dogs to wait at thresholds

• Creating reliable settle behavior

Cues Introduced: Wait, Place, Door Manners
Homework: Calm door routines, place practice, teach a trick!

Week 5: Tricks, Touch & Graduation!

• Confidence building with fun skills

• Head control & cooperative handling

• Combining skills for real-life reliability

Cues Introduced: Face (head control), Touch, Trick Plus: Graduation challenge & photo!

Homework: Cooperative care handling

What you will need for this course:

·      Training treats (small, pea-sized, soft treats)

·      Toy (tug, rope, plush, no balls please)

·      Collar (Flat buckle or martingale – small dogs may have harness)

·      Leash (6' flat leash - no retractable leashes please)

·      Small bath mat with a little grip on the back side (dollar store!)

·      Family members are encouraged to attend!

·      Please be sure to clean up after your pet if they make a mess in the facility. Paper towels, cleaning solutions and garbage cans will   be available.

·      Be prepared to have fun with your dog!