Dog & Puppy Training Gold Coast

The check-in game teaches your dog to choose to focus on you—even when distractions are around.

1. Stand still with your dog on lead.
2. Wait silently.
3. The moment your dog looks at you → mark (“Yes!”)
4. Reward immediately.
5. Repeat until your dog starts offering attention more frequently.
   
   Progression: Practice in slightly more distracting environments Reward quicker check-ins
   
   Goal:
   
   Your dog learns: looking at you = good things happen

Now we build on Week 1 by adding more movement, direction changes, and duration.

1. Steps: Begin walking using the “Drunk Chicken” method. Increase to 3–6 steps before stopping.
2. Reward when your dog stays beside you with a loose lead.
3. Add gentle turns and direction changes.
4. If your dog pulls → stop immediately and reset.
   
   Handler Tip:
   Keep your leash hand anchored near your belly button to stay consistent.
   
   Goal:
   Longer periods of loose leash walking with fewer resets.

We now start asking your dog to hold the sit position for short periods this is the beginning of Stay.

1. Ask for a “Sit”.
2. Pause for 1–2 seconds.
3. Mark and reward if your dog stays sitting.
4. Gradually increase duration before marking.
5. If your dog gets up → simply reset (no correction).
6. This time Ask for a sit followed by "Stay" cue - count a few seconds and say yes and reward.
   
   Progression:
   Add small movements from the handler
   Build up to 5–10 seconds
   
   

Recall builds your dog’s ability to come to you when called—one of the most important life skills. We teach this is a way where to dog doesnt have time to think bout anything else.

1. Start in a low-distraction area.
2. Say your dog’s name + “Come” in a happy tone. (the dog just needs to walk a few tiny steps in your direction
3. Move backwards to encourage them toward you.
4. When they arrive → mark (“Yes!”) and reward generously. Repeat in short sessions.
   the focus here is to pair the word come with the action like we taught the bridge word in week one.
   
   Important:
   
   Always make coming to you rewarding

Never call your dog for something negative

Goal: Your dog happily moves toward you when called.

We now build longer calm behaviour on the mat and begin true relaxation.

1. Send or lure your dog onto the mat.
2. Reward calm positions (sit or drop).
3. Pause slightly longer before rewarding.
4. Gradually increase duration between rewards.
5. Keep your energy calm and quiet.
   
   Progression:
   Step slightly away and return Reward calmness, not excitement
   
   Goal: Your dog starts to settle on the mat, not just visit it. you may have to wait out a few seconds before racing over with a treat.

“Impulse control” teaches your dog to ignore something and look back to you instead or wait for a second because you are the gate keeper.

1. Place a treat in your closed hand.
2. Let your dog sniff or investigate.
3. The moment they pull away → mark (“Yes!”)
4. Reward with a different treat from your other hand.
5. Repeat until they disengage quickly.
   
   Progression:
   Open your hand slightly Place treat on the ground (covered if needed)
   
   Goal: Your dog learns: ignoring something = better reward from you