A relationship-based, force-free journey toward confidence, emotional balance & trust.

This program is designed for dogs who need more than basic training — dogs who are sensitive, anxious, overwhelmed, reactive, or struggling to feel safe and settled in the world. Using positive, force-free methods grounded in modern behavioral science, we focus on emotional regulation first, then build practical skills on top of that foundation. This is a calm, supportive process — never rushed, never forced.

 

Course Overview

Duration: 8 weeks
Format: One-on-one, fully personalized sessions
Delivery: In-person or virtual (depending on what best supports your dog)
Support: Ongoing guidance between sessions

Each week builds gently on the last, allowing your dog to gradually gain confidence, clarity, and connection at their own pace, in their own time, and within their comfort level.

 

Week 1 — Safety, Trust & Understanding

Goal: Create emotional safety and a clear starting point.

Focus Areas:

• Understanding your dog’s emotional world and triggers

• How stress, fear, and arousal affect behavior

• Reading subtle body language and early stress signals

• Setting realistic expectations and compassionate goals

Key Skills Introduced:
✔ Calm engagement and decompression exercises
✔ Reinforcing relaxed behavior
✔ Creating predictability through routine

At-Home Practice:
✔ Observation and journaling (learning your dog’s signals)
✔ Simple calming routines to reduce stress

 

Week 2 — Connection & Choice-Based Engagement

Goal: Strengthen trust and voluntary engagement.

Focus Areas:

• Building connection without pressure

• Teaching dogs they have safe choices

• Reinforcing check-ins and attention

• Reducing conflict and frustration

Key Skills Introduced:
✔ Voluntary engagement and orientation
✔ Name response and gentle focus cues
✔ Reinforcing choice rather than control

At-Home Practice:
✔ Short, low-pressure engagement games
✔ Rewarding moments your dog chooses calm

 

Week 3 — Emotional Regulation & Calm Skills

Goal: Help your dog learn how to settle and self-regulate.

Focus Areas:

• Understanding arousal levels

• Teaching calm as a skill, not an expectation

• Building duration in relaxed behaviors

• Supporting dogs who struggle to “switch off”

Key Skills Introduced:
✔ Settle / relaxation foundations
✔ Calm mat or station work
✔ Reinforcing pauses and stillness

At-Home Practice:
✔ Daily calm practice in safe environments
✔ Reinforcing rest and recovery

 

Week 4 — Foundations for the Real World

Goal: Begin applying calm skills to everyday life.

Focus Areas:

• Generalizing calm behavior beyond the home

• Introducing mild distractions thoughtfully

• Equipment guidance for comfort and safety

• Creating predictable, supportive walks

Key Skills Introduced:
✔ Loose-leash walking foundations
✔ Reinforced check-ins outdoors
✔ Calm transitions

At-Home Practice:
✔ Short, structured walks
✔ Reinforcing calm choices outside

 

Week 5 — Impulse Control Through Understanding

Goal: Replace impulsive reactions with thoughtful choices.

Focus Areas:

• Why impulse control is emotional, not stubbornness

• Teaching dogs how to pause and think

• Addressing jumping, pulling, grabbing, or barking

• Preventing rehearsal of unwanted behaviors

Key Skills Introduced:
✔ “Leave it” foundations
✔ Waiting calmly
✔ Choice-based impulse control games

At-Home Practice:
✔ Daily impulse control games
✔ Reinforcing calm decisions in real life

 

Week 6 — Confidence Building & Resilience

Goal: Help your dog feel safer and more capable in the world.

Focus Areas:

• Supporting sensitive or fearful dogs

• Gradual exposure to new environments and experiences

• Building optimism and resilience

• Avoiding flooding or overwhelm

Key Skills Introduced:
✔ Confidence-building exploration
✔ Positive associations with mild stressors
✔ Reinforcing curiosity over avoidance

At-Home Practice:
✔ Guided confidence exercises
✔ Celebrating small wins

 

Week 7 — Real-Life Challenges & Individual Goals

Goal: Address your dog’s specific struggles compassionately.

Focus Areas:

• Mild reactivity or frustration

• Over-arousal around dogs, people, or environments

• Refining leash skills and focus

• Adjusting strategies based on progress

Key Skills Strengthened:
✔ Calm responses under manageable distraction
✔ Increased emotional flexibility
✔ Reliable engagement

At-Home Practice:
✔ Real-world practice tailored to your dog
✔ Continued reinforcement of calm behavior

 

Week 8 — Integration & Moving Forward

Goal: Create a sustainable, long-term plan.

Focus Areas:

• Reviewing progress and celebrating growth

• Troubleshooting remaining challenges

• Creating routines that support continued calm

• Deciding next steps (maintenance or advanced support)

You’ll Leave With:
✔ A clear understanding of your dog
✔ Practical tools to support emotional balance
✔ A personalized plan moving forward
✔ Confidence in your ability to support your dog

 

What You’ll Walk Away With

✔ A calmer, more emotionally balanced dog
✔ Stronger trust and connection
✔ Reduced stress for both dog and human
✔ Skills that support real-life success
✔ A deeper understanding of behavior and emotion

 

Why This Approach Works

This course is built on:
✔ Positive reinforcement
✔ Emotional safety and trust
✔ Teaching skills instead of suppressing behavior
✔ Respecting each dog’s individual pace

Calm behavior grows from connection, not control.

 

Course Logistics

• Weekly one-on-one sessions

• Personalized homework and guidance

• Ongoing support between sessions

• Available virtually or in person

• Designed for dogs who need extra care and patience

Is This the Right Fit?

This course is highly recommended and ideal if:

• Your dog is very anxious, sensitive, or easily overwhelmed

• You want compassionate support without force or fear

• You’re ready for a deeper, relationship-focused approach

• You value slow, meaningful progress