Dog training guide

Practical training flow

Build consistency with small repeatable sessions.

Getting started

Your first month of training, week by week

New owners often try to teach everything in the first week. A calmer order gives faster results because each skill supports the next one:

1. Week 1 — marker and name: charge a clicker or a marker word, then play the name game until your dog turns to you quickly at home. See marker word training.
2. Week 2 — sit and settle: a sit for greetings and meals, and a mat to relax on. These two cover most daily frustrations.
3. Week 3 — recall games indoors: short recalls between family members, always paid well. Keep the outdoor cue protected until it is strong. See reliable recall.
4. Week 4 — leash basics: reward the position next to you inside first, then on quiet streets. See loose leash walking.

Throughout the month, use management for everything you have not trained yet: a gate at the door, a long line in open spaces, chews for the evening. Management is not cheating; it stops your dog from practising the habits you are trying to replace.

At the end of each week, look back at the journal. If a skill still fails in the easiest setting, it needs more repetitions there before it moves outside.

FAQ

Answers for new dog owners and daily trainers.