Essential Dog Training Skills & Techniques
You do not need harsh corrections to have a well-behaved dog. Let's build a foundation of trust, focus, and clear communication through science-based, force-free methods.
"Touch" or nose targeting is a versatile foundation skill. It can be used for recall, to move your dog without force, to build confidence, and as a starting point for more complex behaviors. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to teach it.
This video shows how to teach your dog to wait calmly for their meal bowl without using punishment. Instead of taking the bowl away when they rush, we reward them for staying in position as the bowl gets lower, setting them up for success.
This is a real-life "leave it" scenario. When treats fell on the floor, I cued Candy to leave them. Because this was taught error-free with positive reinforcement, there was no fear or frustration, just calm cooperation.
Teach your dog not to bolt out an open door. This video demonstrates how to teach a solid door-wait by breaking it down into baby steps and using a leash for safety. An open door becomes a cue to wait, not to rush.
This video shows how to introduce a collar to a puppy in a positive way. By breaking it down into tiny steps and pairing each step with a treat, we make the collar and the act of putting it on a fun and stress-free experience.
Puppy biting is a normal developmental stage, but it's important to teach them appropriate behavior. Instead of punishment, the key is to redirect them to a proper chew toy and teach them how to cope with their big feelings.
Does your dog only listen when they see a treat in your hand? This video shows you how to fade the lure. Practice asking for a cue with empty hands, and only reach for the treat from a pouch or pocket after your dog responds.
My dog knows a cue at home but not outside. This is because dogs don't generalize well. This video explains the "3 Ds of Dog Training": Distance, Duration, and Distractions, and how to work on them one at a time to "proof" a behavior.
How do you handle mistakes during training? Don't repeat the cue, don't get frustrated, and be patient. If your dog is struggling, lower the criteria or end the session. It's a learning process for both of you.
Giving our dogs choice is important, but so is listening when they say "no". In this session, Candy's latency (response time) was slow, so I offered a reset treat. She chose to take a break, and after, she came back more engaged.
About Essential Training Skills & Techniques
When teaching your dog to wait at the door, break it into tiny, manageable steps. Start by just reaching for the handle and rewarding them for staying put, rather than trying to open the door fully right away. This prevents the 'rush' mentality and lets them succeed without the frustration of being forced back, which is how we start building impulse control from day one.
Training is not about control; it is about giving your dog choices and the tools to navigate our human-centric world. My online classes—from interactive masterclasses to live train-alongs—focus on the '3 Ds' of training: Distance, Duration, and Distractions. We treat your dog's behavior as communication, not a character flaw. If your dog is pulling on the leash or barking, they are likely over-stimulated or struggling, not being 'naughty.'
My approach avoids aversive methods like leash tugs or dominance-based corrections. Instead, we use positive reinforcement to change your dog's emotional response. Whether we are practicing 'leave it' or fading lures so your dog listens even without a treat in your hand, we are building a language you both understand.
Join our sessions to get real-time feedback on your mechanics. My small-group format ensures we troubleshoot your specific hurdles, whether it's recall, door-waiting, or calm greetings. Stop guessing why your dog isn't listening and start learning the 'why' behind their actions to create a partnership built on mutual respect.
Kirti Tripathi
I used to stress about every pulled leash and indoor accident with my own dogs, Candy and Russel. Now, I help other pet parents move past frustration by understanding that your dog isn't giving you a hard time, they are having a hard time. I am here to help you become the calm, confident partner your dog actually needs.
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