Dog & Puppy Training Gold Coast

Door manners help prevent rushing, barging, and over-excitement at doors and gates. This is a fantastic home exercise because you can practice it multiple times every day naturally.

1. Approach the door with your dog on lead.
   
2. Ask for a “Sit”.
3. Slowly begin opening the door.
4. If your dog gets up → close the door calmly.
5. When they remain sitting → mark (“Yes!”) and reward.
6. Gradually open the door further before releasing.
   
   Progression:

• Practice at front doors, gates, and car doors
• Add family members walking through first
  
  Goal: Your dog learns calm behaviour makes doors open

his week focuses on teaching your dog to truly relax on their mat during normal household activity as well as sending them away to go to mat from a distance.This skill is often easier to build at home before expecting it in busy public places..

2. Place the mat near you while watching TV or relaxing.
3. Reward calm choices on the mat.
4. Gradually increase time between rewards.
5. Keep your energy calm and quiet even when rewarding - remember to place the food on the mat not feed the dog.

Recall becomes stronger when it feels fun and rewarding for your dog.This is an excellent skill to practice at home with family members.

2. Have two people stand apart.
3. Take turns calling the dog enthusiastically.
4. Reward every successful recall generously.
5. Keep sessions short and exciting.
6. Gradually increase distance over time.
   
   Progression:
   
7. Practice in backyard spaces

Add mild distractions later

We now practice “Leave It” using common household temptations to build real-life reliability.

2. Place a low-value item on the floor.
3. Say “Leave It”.
4. The moment your dog disengages or looks at you → mark (“Yes!”)
5. Reward with a better treat from your hand.
6. Gradually increase difficulty.
   
   Examples to Practice With:
   
   Toys, Food containers, Shoes, Dropped items
   
   Important: Set your dog up for success — don’t jump straight to impossible temptations.
   
   Goal: Your dog begins making better choices around everyday items.

his week focuses on teaching your dog to truly relax on their mat during normal household activity as well as sending them away to go to mat from a distance.This skill is often easier to build at home before expecting it in busy public places..

2. Place the mat near you while watching TV or relaxing.
3. Reward calm choices on the mat.
4. Gradually increase time between rewards.
5. Keep your energy calm and quiet even when rewarding - remember to place the food on the mat not feed the dog.
   
   Send the dog to mat, from a short distance, try and refrain form moving yourself closer and "showing" the dog the mat make it clear and stand your ground whilst giving the cue- You may may throw the food if you need to encourge the dog but limit the luring.
   
   Progression:
   
   Practice while cooking dinner Practice during family activity Practice while guests visit

Teaching your dog to feel comfortable with gentle handling helps with grooming, vet visits, and everyday care.This is often much easier to teach at home in short sessions.

2. Gently touch an area (paw, ear, collar).
3. Mark (“Yes!”) and reward immediately.
4. Keep handling brief and positive.
5. Gradually increase duration over time.
6. Stop before your dog becomes uncomfortable

Practice Areas:

Paws
Ears
Collar grabs
Gentle brushing
Looking at teeth

Important:
Go slowly and keep sessions positive.

Goal: Your dog feels more comfortable being handled calmly.