Here are 3 full lessons from the 48 in the course: the marker word, the door wait, and recall. Try them with your dog and see how it feels.
Lesson 1 · FreeCharge the “Yes” marker
2 minutes, 3 times a day, for 2 days
Goal. Your dog learns that the word “Yes” means a treat is on its way.
Why it matters. Dogs can't read your mind. A marker word is a clear, instant message that says “that exact thing you just did earned a reward.” Once “Yes” has real meaning, you can teach almost anything, because you can mark a behavior at the precise moment it happens, even from across the room.
What you need
Step by step 0 of 8 done
Your practice plan
Practice log
After each try, tap what happened. Aim for 8 of your last 10.
No tries logged yet.
Your next step
Start with the first step.
Do step 1 of this lesson, then tap your result after each try. Keep it to about 5 tries and stop while she is still keen.
If it isn't working
Pick a problem and the fix appears here.
If she is a slower learner (or you are new to this). Some dogs need more repetitions, and that has nothing to do with how smart she is. Every dog learns at her own speed. Spread practice over 4 or 5 days instead of 2, keep sessions to 1 minute, and use her very favorite treat. If you're new to training, practice your timing alone first: say “Yes,” drop a treat into a bowl, and repeat until the word and the treat motion feel smooth. Don't rush to the next lesson. A solid marker makes every later lesson faster.
Common mistakes
Saying “Yes” after the treat is already in her mouth. The word must come first.
Waiting 3 or 4 seconds before delivering the treat.
Using “Yes” to mean other things (such as “good girl” or “okay”). Keep it for the marker only.
Making each session too long. Two minutes is plenty.
Repeating the word when she isn't looking. Say it once.
Checkpoint
Your lesson report
Tick the steps, log your tries and tap the checkpoints above. Your rating for your dog, what went well and what to change will appear here.
Next. Lesson 2 teaches her name, so you can get her attention on purpose.
Lesson 7 · FreeWait at the front door
3 sessions a day, 8 to 10 reps each, for 5 days
Goal. She waits at an open door until you say “Okay,” then walks through with you.
Why it matters. A dog who bolts through an open door can run into traffic, get lost, or meet something dangerous. A reliable door wait gives you a safety pause at every doorway for the rest of her life. It also makes arrivals and departures calm instead of chaotic.
What you need
Step by step 0 of 9 done
Your practice plan
Practice log
After each try, tap what happened. Aim for 8 of your last 10.
No tries logged yet.
Your next step
Start with the first step.
Do step 1 of this lesson, then tap your result after each try. Keep it to about 5 tries and stop while she is still keen.
If it isn't working
Pick a problem and the fix appears here.
If she is a slower learner (or you are new to this). If she needs more time, that's completely fine. Spend a full day on each stage and use her favorite treats. If it's easier, break the door opening into even smaller steps, such as half an inch. If you're finding the timing difficult, practice the motions with the door by yourself. Success matters more than speed: a dog who has practiced 100 calm waits is safer than one who learned it in a day.
Common mistakes
Opening the door fully on the first try.
Practicing without a leash.
Using a door that opens onto a road.
Letting her go through sometimes without “Okay.”
Getting frustrated and raising your voice.
Checkpoint
Your lesson report
Tick the steps, log your tries and tap the checkpoints above. Your rating for your dog, what went well and what to change will appear here.
Next. Lesson 8 teaches the same skill for the car, where a mistake can be even more dangerous.
Lesson 19 · FreeCome in the kitchen
2 minutes, 3 times a day, for 3 days
Goal. She runs to you when you say “Come,” from across a quiet room.
Why it matters. Coming when called is the most important safety skill you can teach. A dog who comes reliably can be kept safe near roads, in parks, and if she ever gets loose. The secret is making coming to you the best thing that ever happens, every single time, so she wants to do it.
What you need
Step by step 0 of 8 done
Your practice plan
Practice log
After each try, tap what happened. Aim for 8 of your last 10.
No tries logged yet.
Your next step
Start with the first step.
Do step 1 of this lesson, then tap your result after each try. Keep it to about 5 tries and stop while she is still keen.
If it isn't working
Pick a problem and the fix appears here.
If she is a slower learner (or you are new to this). Recall is a skill that takes months to polish, and it's perfectly normal for dogs to need many weeks to get it right. If she's a slower learner, repeat each stage for several days, use bigger rewards, and keep distances very short. If you're new to this, record yourself to check your timing and voice. Remember, you can't over-reward a recall. Make it the best part of her day.
Common mistakes
Calling her to end fun or to do something unpleasant.
Repeating “Come” over and over.
Using an angry or frustrated voice.
Grabbing her collar and putting her away right after she arrives.
Practicing near roads or off leash too soon.
Checkpoint
Your lesson report
Tick the steps, log your tries and tap the checkpoints above. Your rating for your dog, what went well and what to change will appear here.
Next. Lesson 20 builds recall through the whole house.
Want the other 45?
The full course has four core skills, 48 lessons, a practice calendar, cheat sheets and troubleshooting.
