Courses / Skills course

Skills course

A six-week course for dogs aged around nine months and over, focused on practical skills for everyday life.

  • From around 9 months
  • 6 weeks
  • Positive reinforcement
More information
Baloo, a black Labrador, lying in the grass by the cabin

About the course

For: dogs aged nine months and older.
How we train: positive reinforcement, choice and control, and a good relationship between you and your dog.

The aim: Build the foundation skills that make everyday life with your dog easier, while developing confidence, focus and communication.

Each skill is broken down into small, manageable steps. You don't need to master everything by the end of the course; you'll leave with a clear foundation to build on.

Week by week

  1. Week 1 Foundation skills

    • How dogs learn
    • Positive reinforcement
    • Marker words
    • Reward placement
    • Engagement
    • Magic Mat (calm mat)
    • OK / release cue

  2. Week 2 Building engagement

    • Contact
    • Hand target
    • Reward timing
    • Building focus and attention on the handler

  3. Week 3 Confidence and self-control

    • Boundaries (boundary training)
    • Middle (between your legs)
    • Choice and control

  4. Week 4 Play and recall

    • Different types of play
    • Motivation
    • Rewards through play and games
    • Basic recall

  5. Week 5 Loose lead walking

    • Reward zones
    • Following the handler
    • Handler value (the value of being with the handler)
    • Environmental distractions

  6. Week 6 The real world

    • Combining skills
    • Everyday handling
    • Problem solving
    • Building on your training for long-term progress

Any questions? Get in touch, or read what clients say.