Training resource
One trick per day, building from basics to useful real-world skills. Pick today\'s trick, spend 5-15 minutes with your dog, and rotate through the week.
This week
Each trick is designed to be done in one short session. Pick whichever day you\'re on — or start from Monday and build week to week.
Monday
Say your dog's name once, wait for eye contact, then mark with "yes!" and reward. Repeat 10-15 times. The goal is instant orientation when they hear their name — no matter what's happening.
Tuesday
Hold your palm out, say "touch", reward when their nose makes contact. Add duration: hold the touch for 1 second, then 2, then 5. This is the foundation for dozens of other tricks.
Wednesday
Ask for sit. Reward. Ask for stay. Take one step back. Return. Reward. Ask for "come". Reward heavily. Build duration and distance gradually. Never call your dog for punishment — recall must always mean good things.
Thursday
Show a treat in a closed fist. When the dog stops sniffing/pawing, mark and reward with a DIFFERENT treat. Open your hand when they reliably back off. Eventually upgrade to items on the floor. This prevents them picking up things off your yard during cleanup visits.
Friday
Hold a treat in a closed fist near the dog's chest. When they paw at it, mark "yes!" and reward. Add the cue word "shake" once they're offering the paw reliably.
Saturday
Hide 5-10 treats around a room while the dog watches. Say "find it!" and let them search. Great mental workout for high-energy dogs on days they don't get a long walk.
Sunday
Lure the dog onto a mat with treats. Reward calm behavior. Gradually extend the duration before treating. The goal is a dog that can relax on a designated spot during meals, visitors, or while you work.
Principles
Three 5-minute sessions spread across a day produce more learning than one 30-minute marathon. Dogs learn in short bursts and need rest between.
Reward within 1-2 seconds of the correct behavior. A late reward teaches the dog you're rewarding whatever they're doing right now, not what they did a moment ago.
Always finish with something the dog knows well. They walk away happy, you feel successful, and tomorrow's session starts with confidence.
Dogs pick up on your mood. If you're tired or frustrated, give them a treat walk or play session instead. Come back to training tomorrow.
Once your dog is comfortable with "leave it" and "stay", cleanup visits become easier — the gate stays secure and your dog learns to wait at the door. Browse local providers below.
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