Dog training at home
Short, reward-based sessions that fit around a day. Start with the training games and guides below.
11 guides
Step-by-step dog lessons are being reviewed by a qualified trainer. Until then, start with these training games and guides.
Training games
Games that build real skills: recall, self-control, settling and listening. Short, upbeat and reward-based.
11 gamesGame · 5 min
Recall ping-pong for dogs: how to play
Two people take turns calling your dog back and forth. Every arrival pays, so coming when called becomes the best game in the house.
Game · 10 min
Hide and seek for dogs: how to play
Hide somewhere in the house, call your dog once, and celebrate when they find you. Recall and nose work in one.
Game · 5 min
Red light, green light for dogs: how to play
Walk together on "Green light", freeze into a sit on "Red light". A fun way to practise stopping when excited.
Game · 5 min
1-2-3 pattern walk for dogs: how to play
Count "1, 2, 3" out loud as you walk and drop a treat by your leg on 3. The rhythm helps worried or excitable dogs stay with you.
Game · 5 min
It's Yer Choice for dogs: how to play
Your closed hand full of treats only opens when your dog backs off. Teaches self-control without a word.
Game · 5 min
Crate games for dogs: how to play
The crate door opens, and your dog waits inside until released. Builds a dog who loves the crate and can wait while excited.
Game · 5 min
Mat races for dogs: how to play
Toss a mat on the floor and see how fast your dog can run to it and lie down. A fun way to build a strong 'go to your mat'.
Game · 3 min
Name game for dogs: how to play
Say your dog's name, mark when they look, reward. The quickest way to get a dog who turns to you on the first call.
Game · 5 min
Simon says for dogs: how to play
Ask for cues in a random order, sometimes with a body clue to trick your dog. Teaches your dog to listen to the word, not your movement.
Game · 5 min
Trick roulette for dogs: how to play
Shuffle the tricks your dog knows and let the app pick one at random. Keeps practice fresh and shows which tricks are weak.
Game · 3 min
Position speed rounds for dogs: how to play
Sit, down, stand, sit: how many clean position changes can your dog do in 30 seconds? Puppy push-ups as a race.
From the blog
- Crate trainingA crate can be a safe den your dog naps in, or a scary box if you rush it. Here is how to choose one, build the habit with treats and short sessions, and what to do if your dog panics.
- Jumping upJumping up is friendly, but it scratches, muddies clothes and can knock people over. Here is why dogs jump and how to teach a calm greeting with rewards, not corrections.
- Loose-leash walking principlesDogs pull because pulling works and because we walk too slowly for them. The principles behind a loose lead, the gear that helps, and a simple plan to start.
- Marker trainingA marker pinpoints the exact moment your dog gets it right. How to charge a clicker or a marker word, time it, and keep it working.
- Positive reinforcement trainingRewarding the behaviour you want is the most humane and effective way to train a dog. Here is how reinforcement works, how to pick and time rewards, and why punishment backfires.
- A potty training plan that worksHouse training comes down to timing, supervision and rewards. A step-by-step plan for puppies and adult dogs, plus how to handle accidents without fuss.
- Your puppy's first week at homeThe first seven days set the tone. A calm, simple plan for arrival day, the first nights, a potty routine, a safe space and gentle first experiences.
- Recall that worksA reliable recall is built, not demanded. Why dogs ignore 'come', how to make your recall worth running for, and how to practise safely with a long line.
Fill today's basket.
Every lesson, game, walk and meal you log drops a toy in the basket. Six toys and the day is done.
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