Course Outline

Here's what you and your dog will learn!

  • 01

    Welcome to Nice to Meet You!

    • A Message from Your Instructor

    • How This Course Works

    • Join the Facebook Group!

    • Podcasts, Books, and More!
  • 02

    Training Basics

    • Marker Training Basics Overview

    • Marker Training Basics FAQs

    • Different Types of Markers & Rewards

    • Marker Mechanics

    • Capturing, Shaping, Luring

    • Adding a Cue
  • 03

    Week 1

    • Fundamentals for Polite Greetings

    • Envision your Ideal Greeting with your Dog

    • Review: Ping Pong Game & Name Game

    • Door Greetings - Door Sounds Conditioning

    • Door Greetings - Management

    • Look at That

    • Sit at Your Side

    • Hand Targeting for Polite Greetings

    • Approach & Retreat Game

    • Practice Time!

    • Week 2 - Coming Soon
  • 04

    Week 2

    • Reminders and Review

    • Passing Other Dogs & Side By Side Walking

    • 2 Paws & 4 Paws (Station Stays)

    • Approach, Sit, Retreat

    • Door Greetings - Settle with Door Sounds

    • Settle Between Two Mats

    • Practice Time!

    • Week 3 - Coming Soon
  • 05

    Week 3

    • Reminders and Review

    • Release Words & Real-Life Rewards

    • Approach, Retreat Game - Increase Difficulty

    • Settle - Raising Criteria for Door Greetings and Out & About

    • Multi-Dog Household Management Strategies

    • Practice Time!

    • Week 4 - Coming Soon
  • 06

    Week 4

    • Reminders and Review

    • Putting it All Together

    • Settle for Door Greetings - Knock First

    • Approach & Release to "Say Hi"

    • When Things Don't Go As Planned

    • Practice Makes Perfect

    • Class is Over, but the Adventure is Not!
  • 07

    Class Wrap-Up

    • Thanks for joining us!

    • We LOVE Great Reviews

Instructor:

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

FAQ

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

    This class is ideal for dogs 6 months of age and up.

  • How long will I have access to the course?

    If you purchase the course with the a la carte option, you'll have access to the course for one year from your enrollment date. If you choose the Virtual Classroom monthly subscription, you'll have access to the course for as long as you maintain your subscription.

  • 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 4 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 puppy move through the material!