Course Outline

Here's what you and your dog will learn!

  • 01

    Welcome to the course!

    • A Message from Your Instructor

    • How This Course Works

    • Join Facebook Group!

    • Podcasts, Books, and More!
  • 02

    Class Resources

    • Handouts, Podcasts, Books, and More!

    • Our Favorite Training Gear!

    • Marker Training Basics

    • Level 1 - Good Dog Basics

    • Protocol For Relaxation
  • 03

    Good Dog Basics - Week 1

    • Marker Training Basics Overview

    • Marker Training Basics FAQs

    • Different Types of Markers & Rewards

    • Marker Mechanics

    • Capturing, Shaping, Luring

    • Adding a Cue

    • Your First Week of Homework

    • Jamie Practice Sessions for First Week of Homework

    • Practice Time!

    • Week 2 - Coming Soon
  • 04

    Good Dog Basics - Week 2

    • Review: Ping Pong Game & Name Game

    • Look at That

    • Offer A Sit

    • Settle on a Mat or Station

    • "Leave It" Foundations - Dog Zen & Food Bowl Self-Control

    • Hand Targeting

    • Practice Time!

    • Week 3 - Coming Soon
  • 05

    Good Dog Basics - Week 3

    • Review & Reminders

    • Down

    • Down - Troubleshooting

    • Settle - Adding Distractions and Duration

    • Leave It - "Smell Chicken Find Person"

    • Let's Get Ready To Walk

    • Recall to Hand Target

    • Practice Time!

    • Week 4 - Coming Soon
  • 06

    Good Dog Basics - Week 4

    • Reminders & Review

    • Name Game - Adding Difficulty

    • Loose Leash Walking - Follow Me & Waltzing Games

    • "Smell Chicken Find Person" - Adding Difficulty

    • Recall - Adding The Cue

    • Sit By Your Side

    • Practice Time!

    • Week 5 - Coming Soon
  • 07

    Good Dog Basics - Week 5

    • Reminders & Review

    • Review the Cues!

    • Stay

    • Loose Leash Walking - Connect the Dots Game

    • Recall - Round Robin Game

    • Targeting - Teach Something New!

    • Extra Credit: Greet With A Sit

    • Practice Time!

    • Week 6 - Coming Soon
  • 08

    Good Dog Basics - Week 6

    • Reminders & Review

    • Don't Forget - Share Your Hand Targeting Trick!

    • Say Hi!

    • Under & Over

    • Cooperative Care for Veterinary & Grooming Visits

    • Practice Time!
  • 09

    Class Wrap-Up

    • Class Is Over, But The Adventure Is Not!

    • Thanks for Joining Us!

    • We LOVE Great Reviews

Class Instructors:

Sarah has been an animal lover since childhood - she was one of those children always dragging animals home asking “can we keep it?”. Her specific interest in training and behavior started when she co-founded A Soft Place to Land in 2010, a rescue helping breeding dogs from commercial breeding facilities. The special attention these dogs needed prompted Sarah to learn as much as she could about positive reinforcement practices in training. As ASPTL became known as a rescue that would take less-than-easily adoptable dogs with either medical or behavioral needs, Sarah fostered dogs of all shapes, sizes, and behavioral challenges. Sarah is a graduate and Certified Training Partner of the Karen Pryor Academy and a Puppy Start Right Instructor.

Sarah Stiles KPA-CTP

Associate Trainer

Class Instructors:

I love helping people and their dogs have great adventures together. I have been training dogs since the age of 10, and teaching others how to train their dogs since the age of 13. Needless to say, it's a long burning passion of mine that's not going away any time soon. When I'm not teaching about dogs online or in person, you'll find me hiking with my best four-legged hiking buddy in the lovely mountains of Colorado.

Amber Quann KPA-CTP CPDT-KSA

Trail Blazer & Head Trainer

FAQ

  • How old does my dog need to be to take this class?

    This class is ideal for dogs 6 months and up! There is no upper age limit either - even older dogs can learn new skills!

  • How long will I have access to the course?

    You'll have access to the course for one year from your enrollment date.

  • What if I have questions as I'm working through the course?

    We have a private Facebook group just for students of our online classes. You can post videos and ask questions there!

  • How long does it take to get through the course?

    It takes a minimum of 6 weeks, as new content is released to you every 7 days. Many of our students take more than one calendar week on certain course weeks of content. It's up to you how fast you and your dog move through the material!