Dog training at home, one short lesson a day

Your pet looks at you every time you say their name.

1. 1. Say the name once in a happy voice
2. 2. Reward the moment they look at you
3. 3. Repeat 10 times in a quiet room
4. 4. Practise in new rooms, then outside

Never use their name to scold — keep it a happy word.

Reliable basic cues for everyday safety.

1. 1. Lure a sit with a treat above the nose
2. 2. Say 'sit' as the bottom touches the floor
3. 3. Add 'stay' for 2 seconds, then 5, then 10
4. 4. Call 'come' from a short distance and reward big

Stop while your dog still wants more — 5 good reps beats 20 tired ones.

Toilet outside or on a pad, not on your floor.

1. 1. Take them out after sleep, food and play
2. 2. Use one spot and one cue word
3. 3. Reward right after they finish
4. 4. Clean accidents with an enzyme cleaner, never scold

Puppies can hold roughly one hour per month of age.

Walks without pulling.

1. 1. Start in a quiet room or lane
2. 2. Reward every time the leash is loose
3. 3. Stop still when they pull — move when it loosens
4. 4. Add busier streets slowly

A front-clip harness helps strong pullers.

A calm safe space to rest.

1. 1. Toss treats on the bed
2. 2. Reward any time they choose to lie there
3. 3. Add a 'bed' cue
4. 4. Build up to 20 minutes of calm resting

Never use the bed or crate as punishment.

No jumping or barking when guests arrive.

1. 1. Teach the 'place' cue on a mat
2. 2. Practise with a soft knock
3. 3. Reward calm on the mat while the door opens
4. 4. Ask guests to greet only when all four paws are down

Keep a treat jar near the door for practice.

Stop them picking up food or trash on walks.

1. 1. Hide a treat in your closed hand
2. 2. Wait until they stop sniffing, then reward from the other hand
3. 3. Say 'leave it' before offering the fist
4. 4. Practise with a treat on the floor under your foot

This cue can save your dog from eating something toxic.

Less crying and chewing when you step out.

1. 1. Give a lick mat or chew before leaving
2. 2. Step out for 30 seconds and come back calmly
3. 3. Slowly build up the minutes
4. 4. Keep leaving and coming back low-key

A tired dog copes better — walk before you leave.