A 20-year curriculum that teaches your dog to tune in to you — even with other dogs around. Beginner and Intermediate workshops, held outdoors at Dee Dog Park. The first class is always free, no obligation.
Beginner 9am · Intermediate 11am · Dee Dog Park, San Juan Capistrano · 5 consecutive Saturdays · $400 for the series (first class free).
There's no substitute for practicing around other dogs. In a calm, structured class, your dog learns to focus on you with anywhere from 10 to 60 dogs around — the exact skill that's nearly impossible to build at home.
You'll leave every week with clear homework and a dog that's a little more dialed in. And because I tailor each class to the dogs who show up, no two weeks are the same.
Introductions and goals; how your dog learns and how we train (our energy, reward the good, redirect the rest); the importance of timing and consistency; body language vs. tone (move less, talk less); handling your dog anywhere for grooming and vet care; the Focus command — the root of all training; potty training (14 days in a row!); and crate training.
Review focus; redirecting unwanted behaviors; why dogs jump and how to fix it; the auto-sit for greetings; teeth-on-skin; sit with release; collars & leashes (proper fit and types); choosing the right toys for your breed; and walking on a leash vs. true heeling.
Loose-leash walking; "leave it"; "drop it" (and how to avoid building resource guarding); the down with proper reward placement; and a nutrition primer — because diet drives behavior.
Walking past distractions and ignoring things on a walk; the basics of grooming; "come" (how recall is really taught and learned); and stay with release.
Reading other dogs; proper on-lead greetings (sniff and go); combining commands before the reward; and "pass the dog" — having a stranger cue your dog. By the end, your dog works with you in a busy, real-world environment.
The Workshop builds on everything from Beginner and pushes a little harder each week. We use AKC Rally and Agility plus focused-based heeling to sharpen your timing and deepen the handler–dog "team." There's no fixed script — I tailor each class to the dogs who show up. 10–40 dogs, 45–60 minutes, $400 for five workshops.
Throughout the season I also run focused, single-topic clinics — deep dives on the issues owners ask about most:
No obligation. Bring your dog, watch how we work, and decide from there.