Calm control in complex real life.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Start far enough from the trigger to keep a loose leash.
2. Cue the movement pattern once in a calm voice.
3. Turn, arc, or position your body to create space.
4. Reward as your dog follows your line instead of the trigger.
5. Add a decompression sniff break after the pass.

Watch For

• A skateboard appears half a block away; you turn and reward before barking starts.
• 4 of 5 surprise U-turns within 2 seconds.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Set the distraction safely while your dog stays on a long line.
2. Let your dog notice it without reaching it.
3. Call once and move backward to invite the turn.
4. Reward at your feet with several small treats.
5. Release to sniff, greet, or move away only after reconnection.

Watch For

• Your dog sniffs toward sealed chicken, hears “come,” and returns for a jackpot.
• 4 of 5 recalls from 10 feet away.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Initiate a low-intensity game of tug or fetch.
2. Give one clear "Drop" cue without adding body pressure.
3. Mark "Yes" the moment the toy leaves their mouth.
4. Wait for eye contact (reorient) before rewarding with a treat.
5. Restart the game immediately as the ultimate reward.

Watch For

• During tug, your dog drops, taps your hand, then earns another 10 seconds of tug.
• 5 consecutive drop-plus-next-cue rounds.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Place your dog on their 'Place' mat as the guest approaches the door.
2. Reward for staying on the mat as the doorbell rings or guest knocks.
3. Have the guest enter and stand still; reward the dog for staying.
4. Release the dog to greet politely for 3 seconds.
5. Call the dog back to the mat and reward for settling again.

Watch For

• A friend enters, your dog stays on place, greets briefly, then returns to place.
• 2 full mat-greet-return sequences.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Trigger a low-volume doorbell sound while the dog is relaxed.
2. Mark and reward if the dog looks at you or moves toward their mat.
3. If the dog barks, wait for a pause, then lure to the mat.
4. Gradually increase sound volume and door activity.
5. The goal is for the bell to become a 'Go to Mat' cue.

Watch For

• The bell rings, your dog barks once, then runs to bed for treats.
• Reaches mat within 5 seconds in 4 of 5 reps.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Set the mat in a quiet corner or under your table at a patio.
2. Settle the dog and provide a high-value chew or enrichment toy.
3. Reward 'four-on-the-floor' and chin-down postures as people walk past.
4. If the dog gets restless, decrease distraction or increase reward frequency.
5. Stay for only 5-10 minutes initially to ensure success.

Watch For

• A server walks by with food and your dog lies back down after looking.
• 10 settled minutes with 3 passing distractions.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Walk with a friend and their dog in the same direction, 20 feet apart.
2. Focus on your dog’s check-ins and loose leash, not the other dog.
3. Reward heavily for 'dismissing' the other dog (looking away).
4. Slowly decrease the distance between handlers as both dogs remain calm.
5. If fixating starts, increase distance and reset the focus.

Watch For

• Your dog notices the other dog across the path, checks in, and keeps walking.
• 5 minutes parallel within 12 feet.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Find a busy park perimeter where dogs are visible but at a distance.
2. Identify a 'safe arc' that allows your dog to pass without reacting.
3. Walk the arc, marking and rewarding every glance at you.
4. Keep the leash loose; any tension is a cue to move further away.
5. Allow a long, decompression sniff break after every successful pass.

Watch For

• Two dogs pass opposite you; your dog looks, eats, and follows your curved path.
• 3 dog pass-bys without lunging.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Cue the 'Place' command and wait for a relaxed down.
2. Move 5 steps away, then 10 steps, returning to reward frequently.
3. Introduce mild household noise (opening a drawer, moving a chair).
4. Stretch the duration between rewards while the dog stays soft.
5. Give a clear 'Free' release before the dog decides to get up.

Watch For

• You send your dog to place, pick up a mug, return, reward, then say “free.”
• 3 minutes on place while you do 2 tasks.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Invite your dog onto a non-slip station.
2. Show the tool or touch point and reward calm noticing.
3. Add one brief contact or voluntary nose-in.
4. Stop and feed before your dog pulls away.
5. Finish with an easy cue and release.

Watch For

• You touch an ear, feed, then touch a paw and feed.
• 5 handling points with relaxed body.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Show the grooming tool (brush/clippers) at a distance.
2. Mark and reward for calm observation without sniffing or pawing.
3. Touch the tool to the dog's shoulder briefly and reward.
4. Simulate the tool's sound (if any) and reward the lack of reaction.
5. Repeat in short bursts, ending while the dog is still comfortable.

Watch For

• You show the brush, make one gentle stroke, reward, and put it away.
• 10 tool presentations and 3 contacts.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Stop the car and wait 10 seconds before reaching for the door.
2. Open the door slightly; if the dog moves to exit, close it gently.
3. Wait for the dog to sit or offer eye contact.
4. Attach the leash while the dog is still inside the vehicle.
5. Give a clear 'Okay' release for the dog to exit calmly.

Watch For

• At the trailhead, your dog waits, looks at you, then exits after “okay.”
• 5-second wait in 4 of 5 trials.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Approach a dog-friendly store entrance slowly.
2. Pause 10 feet away and reward for focus on you amidst the noise.
3. Wait for automatic doors to cycle; reward the dog for staying steady.
4. Enter the threshold with a loose leash and immediate check-in.
5. Reward heavily once inside and move to a quiet aisle.

Watch For

• At a pet-friendly entrance, your dog checks in before automatic doors.
• 3 calm entrance-exit reps.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Engage in 20 seconds of high-intensity play (fetch or tug).
2. Abruptly freeze your body and hide the toy behind your back.
3. Wait for the dog to offer a 'downshift' behavior (sit, down, or step back).
4. Immediately mark "Yes" and re-engage in play as the reward.
5. Repeat 3 times, ending with a calm treat-scatter on the floor.

Watch For

• After tug, your dog drops, goes to the mat, then plays again after settling.
• 4 play-to-mat resets within 30 seconds.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Spot a strong scent patch or wildlife track on a long line.
2. Allow the dog to sniff for 5 seconds to build engagement.
3. Give your recall cue and move backward rapidly.
4. Reward with a high-value 'jackpot' (3-5 treats) at your feet.
5. Immediately release the dog back to the scent as a functional reward.

Watch For

• Your dog follows rabbit scent, returns when called, then earns sniffing elsewhere.
• 3 of 5 returns within 5 seconds.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Approach the distraction at a distance where your dog is alert but not pulling.
2. Give a clear 'Leave it' cue as your dog notices the item.
3. The moment the dog looks away, mark and move 5 steps past the item.
4. Reward only after the dog has successfully moved away from the distraction.
5. Repeat, gradually decreasing the distance to the distraction.

Watch For

• Your dog sees a dropped napkin, turns away, and walks on calmly.
• 4 of 5 passes with no circling back.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Set up a mat near a window where your dog usually barks at passersby.
2. Reward the dog for staying on the mat while the window is closed.
3. As a person passes, mark "Yes" before the dog barks and deliver a treat.
4. If the dog barks, call them away from the window to their mat immediately.
5. Gradually increase the time spent watching without needing a treat.

Watch For

• A neighbor walks by; your dog watches, turns back, and settles on the mat.
• 3 outdoor movements with recovery under 5 seconds.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Send your dog to 'Place' and reward for a settled down.
2. Have a helper knock or ring the bell; reward the dog for staying on place.
3. Walk to the door and open it slightly while the dog remains on the mat.
4. Simulate taking a package, then close the door and return to reward.
5. Repeat with the dog staying on place for the entire duration of the delivery.

Watch For

• A package lands outside and your dog stays on place while you bring it in.
• One full simulated delivery on mat/boundary.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Start with the dog 2 feet away and cue a down. Reward.
2. Move to 5 feet away, give the cue, and mark the moment the elbows hit.
3. Walk back to the dog to deliver the reward (don't toss it).
4. Gradually increase the distance to 10-15 feet in a quiet park.
5. Reward for immediate response despite outdoor smells and sounds.

Watch For

• From 8 feet on a long line, your dog downs while a jogger passes across the field.
• 4 of 5 downs from 10 feet.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Have a helper approach your dog at a distance.
2. Allow the dog to sniff the helper's hand for exactly 3 seconds.
3. Call your dog's name and move backward to encourage them to follow.
4. Reward heavily once the dog turns away from the helper and reaches you.
5. Release the dog to go back to the helper for a final greeting.

Watch For

• Your dog sniffs the helper’s hand, keeps paws down, then returns to you.
• 3 greetings with clean return.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Cue your dog to their mat and reward for a settled posture.
2. Walk to their crate and tap the entrance; cue 'Crate' or 'In'.
3. Reward the dog for moving smoothly into the crate and lying down.
4. Provide a long-lasting chew or enrichment toy inside the crate.
5. Close the door briefly, then open and release once they are calm.

Watch For

• Your dog rests on a mat during guest arrival, then moves to the crate for a chew.
• Settles in second location within 1 minute.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Identify a sidewalk with moderate pedestrian traffic.
2. Move your dog to the side furthest from oncoming people.
3. Reward every time the dog looks at you while passing someone.
4. If the dog pulls toward a person, stop and wait for a check-in.
5. Keep the leash short but loose to prevent building tension.

Watch For

• On a narrow sidewalk, your dog moves right and passes a stroller without pulling.
• 5 pedestrian passes with loose leash.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Walk with your dog and stop to talk to a helper.
2. Cue your dog to 'Sit' or 'Down' beside you.
3. Begin a conversation and reward the dog for staying settled.
4. Gradually increase the conversation length from 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
5. Release the dog and continue the walk once the chat ends.

Watch For

• You chat with a neighbor for 2 minutes while your dog lies beside you.
• 3-minute conversation with no pulling.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. If your dog barks at a trigger, move 20 feet away immediately.
2. Wait for the dog to stop barking and look at you voluntarily.
3. Cue a 'Touch' or 'Sit' to redirect their focus.
4. Jackpot reward for the successful reset behavior.
5. Wait for a relaxed body posture before continuing the walk.

Watch For

• Your dog barks at a distant dog, follows you behind a car, sits, and takes treats.
• 4 of 5 recoveries within 10 seconds.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Cue your dog to 'Stay' on their mat in a quiet room.
2. Perform a household task (like folding laundry or opening a cabinet).
3. Return to the mat every 30 seconds to reward the stay.
4. Increase the difficulty by walking into another room briefly.
5. Always return to the dog to deliver the reward before releasing.

Watch For

• Your dog stays while you open the closet, close it, and return.
• 5 minutes through 3 household actions.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Position a favorite person 30 feet away on a long line.
2. Call your dog's name and move in the opposite direction.
3. Reward heavily once the dog runs to you instead of the person.
4. Release the dog to go play with the favorite person as a reward.
5. Repeat, gradually moving the helper closer to the recall path.

Watch For

• Your dog sees your spouse, comes to you, then earns permission to say hello.
• 4 of 5 recalls from 15 feet.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Apply a very light sideways tension on the leash.
2. Wait for the dog to take a single step toward the tension.
3. Mark and reward the moment the leash goes slack.
4. Repeat in different directions (left, right, and backward).
5. The goal is for the dog to move *with* the leash, not against it.

Watch For

• Your dog spots a squirrel; light side pressure cues a step with you and a reward.
• Responds in 4 directions without bracing.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Show the muzzle to your dog and reward for sniffing it.
2. Place a treat inside the muzzle and let the dog eat it.
3. Encourage the dog to place their nose inside for 2 seconds.
4. Mark and reward for voluntary cooperation without straps fastened.
5. Slowly build up to 5 seconds of nose-in time over several sessions.

Watch For

• Your dog places their nose in the basket for 2 seconds and backs out freely.
• 5-second voluntary nose-in relaxed.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Enter a quiet lobby and cue your dog to 'Sit' beside you.
2. Reward for maintaining focus as elevator doors open and close.
3. Practice stepping into the elevator and facing the back wall.
4. Reward the dog for staying settled during the floor transition.
5. Exit calmly only when the 'Free' or 'Okay' cue is given.

Watch For

• An empty elevator opens; your dog steps in beside you, sits, then exits calmly.
• 2 calm entries and exits.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.

Do This - 10 Minutes

1. Let the dog trot ahead of you on a 30ft long line in a field.
2. Give a clear 'Wait' or 'Stop' cue.
3. The moment the dog stops, mark and jackpot.
4. Walk up to the dog to deliver the reward so they don't return.
5. Release them to continue forward as the ultimate reward.

Watch For

• Your dog trots ahead; you say “wait,” they stop, and you walk up to reward.
• 4 of 5 stops within 2 steps from 20 feet.
• Your dog can reset before the session gets noisy or frustrated.