🔊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.

Inspired by @Julie Kelley’s post about Saffy when James went in the pool, I have my own pool situation/question. Since forever, Atlas loses his MIND when I go in the pool, ESPECIALLY if I go under the water. He races from one side of the pool to the other. We’ve put him in a down & stay under the lanai with someone and he still hyperfocuses on me and tries to break the down & stay. I end up frustrated so I just get out… He is totally fine when we’re in the hot tub, he just lays on the edge on a towel and chills. He has never tried to jump in after me thankfully, and he ignores the pool entirely if I’m not in it. He’s a little interested if my parents are in it, but he will sit by the edge calmly. I think he just worries about his girl 🥹❤️🐕‍🦺 Just want him to worry less and be calmer… suggestions?

You don’t have to be an expert to train with your best friend doggo(s) 🐶💙 The world of dog stuff & training is vast — even after 20 years as a professional trainer, I still learn new things all the time. The truth is: it’s not about how much you know. It’s about taking action, building that bond, and having fun with your COOOOL doggo! And if you ever feel like you’re not “doing it right”? This is exactly the space to share, ask, and learn together. None of us have all the answers — but we’re all here to support, encourage, and grow. 👉 This week’s shout-out goes to @Reagan Hunink ! 🎉 She is a dedicated puppy raiser for ASA Service Dogs — she previously raised Chess, had Joy for a short while, and is still learning all the ins and outs of the training process. This past weekend, she had Kat for just a couple of days, and the amount she accomplished in that short time was incredible! Kat had been forging ahead in heel and sitting too far forward at stops. With just a couple days of practice, Regan took the homework I gave her, stayed consistent with the reps, and now Kat is sitting like a total champ! 🙌 Regan may not be a "dog training expert" yet, but she expertly trained Kat by simply putting in the reps, doing the work, asking questions, and responding thoughtfully. That’s what it’s all about — consistency, effort, and willingness to learn! 💙🐾 Pick something you want to work on, learn how to do it, and put in the time and reps. Your dog will love it, you’ll have fun, and you’ll come out with a more focused, easier-to-handle best friend. 🐾 Don’t forget — training should be FUN!! Go work on something with your pup today! And give @Reagan Hunink a big 👍 for taking action and training with Kat potato!!

Did you know teaching your dog to stay cool with hats, sunglasses, or even goggles isn’t just for smiles? 😎🐶 It helps your dog become more calm and chill in everyday life AND sets them up for success in bigger ways: ✨ Prepares dogs for wearing an Elizabethan collar after the vet ✨ Builds confidence in new situations ✨ Gets service dogs ready for wearing vests and equipment ✨ Prepares them for do-ggles or ear protection when needed ✨ Turns training into FUN instead of stress! So grab some hats, shades, or even safety gear, keep it positive, and help your cool dog feel comfortable no matter what they wear. 🐕💪 *GLASSES IN THE COMMENTS 👇

“Free Dog” is a release word that lets your pup know they’re officially done working. But it’s more than that—it’s also an extra layer of positive reinforcement for doing a great job in training! 👉 Ideally, your training sessions should last 3–5 minutes. At the end of every session, release with Free Dog! This isn’t just giving them permission to stop—it’s a chance to celebrate the work they just did. 🎉 When you give the Free Dog cue: - Be excited — shoot them some love straight from your heart. - Pile on the praise — verbal praise, physical scratches, happy energy. - Make it fun — have a little “you did it!” party. Even service dogs need breaks. Free Dog is their chance to decompress, reset, and enjoy being a dog for a moment before the next task. I use Free Dog in all kinds of situations: - After training at home 🏡 - Between work sessions in public 🌎 - Before releasing a dog to go potty 🚽 (example: have them sit, stay, praise, then Free Dog! so they know they’re released). 💡 Think of Free Dog as your pup’s paycheck bonus! They worked, they get paid—with love, praise, sometimes treats, and the freedom to just be a dog. Then, when you’re ready to get back to work, give your next command and they’ll know it’s time to focus again.