Basic Dog Training Exercises
- Step by Step
This course provides the basic training skills that you and your dog need for good cooperation in everyday life and in animal-assisted services (AAS).
Through short and practical lessons, you will learn to teach core exercises that support clear communication, structure, and predictable routines in daily interaction with your dog.
The course is suitable for those who:
want to build a solid foundation for everyday life with their dog
work (or plan to work) with dogs in animal-assisted interventions
You will learn
1. Reward marker
How to teach a reward marker (e.g., YES or clicker) as an important tool for further training with your dog.
2. Doggie Zen
A training technique used to build duration and stability in an exercise.
The dog learns to maintain the behaviour and receives clear feedback through the open hand (continue) and closed hand (adjust).
This develops concentration, duration, and impulse control.
3. Head in lap
A calm and safe contact exercise used both in AAS and can be used in everyday situations such as grooming and handling.
4. Go to mat
How to teach your dog to go to the mat and stay there.
An important exercise for rest, calmness, and predictability — at home and in new environments.
5. Follow the thumb
A simple way to guide your dog into a specific position.
Useful for everyday handling, training, and activity during walks.
6. Lead by the collar
How to teach your dog to be comfortable with gentle handling of the collar and to follow calmly without resistance.
7. Yield to touch
The dog learns to follow a light touch so that you can move or position it calmly when needed.
Course format
Practical videos
Step-by-step written instructions
Short training sessions (1–2 minutes) that fit into daily routines
Focus on correct timing, clear criteria, and smooth communication
Text explanations of useful training techniques
All exercises are based on positive training principles, clear signals, and calm learning situations.
What you will gain
Fundamental exercises for daily life and further training
Clear and consistent training methods
Better understanding and cooperation in everyday situations
A good basis for work in animal-assisted services (AAS)
You’ll have access for 1 year
You can also take this course via the mobile app.
Go to the app to get started.
