🔊Volume down until 2:36! FYI The voiceover part at the beginning of the video is a bit louder than the rest - and that ends at 2:36 🙉 No matter what — whether you’re starting with an 8-week-old puppy or an older dog — this is always the very first place I begin when it comes to training. This exercise (shown in the video) focuses on the primary commands: stand, sit, and down. It’s the first step to get you comfortable with using a marker word or clicker and it sets the foundation for everything else. Not only is this a fun game, but it also: ✅ Builds strong foundational skills ✅ Helps your dog learn through offering behaviors ✅ Creates a positive training habit for both you and your dog What we’re looking for: - Mark and reward when your dog offers sit, down, or stand - Mark and reward for leaving it - In this video, we also introduced an “up” onto the KLIMB for extra fun and confidence building 👉 Be conscious of your hand positions as you train: - Sit → hover your fist above your dog’s head - Down → point directly toward the ground - Stand → hold your thumb at their nose, then pull your hand slightly back toward you Whether you’ve been training for years or are just starting out, this is a fantastic way to begin. And most importantly — your dog will have fun doing it with you! 🎥 Here’s a look at Sandy in her very first training session practicing this foundational game.