Every dog starts at level 1 here at the Academy. You will receive a report card tracking your dog's training at least every 8 visits. If your dog progresses very quickly, we may choose to do the exam early. If there is something else you would like your dog to work on, tell us!

Level 1 Cues:
Come: touch your nose to my palm (requires moving)

Down: put your whole body on the floor (lay down)

Drop-it: let go of the object in your mouth

Kennel: go into a kennel

Leave-it: completely disengage with the object you are looking at (stationary)

Muzzle: put your face into a muzzle and allow it to be buckled

"Name" (your dog's official name): look at my face

Settle: return to a calm state

Sit: put your bottom on the ground

Wait: do not cross this clear designation (usually a doorway)

Yes: you did it right, you are about to receive a reward, and you are done!

Other level 1 behaviors without cues:

Attention: look at my face without being asked insode with no distractions

Deal with frustration: be able to calm yourself when on a tether without instruction

Handling: allow someone to examine you as a vet would (ears, paws, teeth, abdomen, tail, back)

Leash Skills: walk with a loose leash inside

Polite Greeting: put your bottom on the floor when a human approaches

Level 2 Cues:

All previous cues at a higher difficulty
Back: take one step back with all four paws

Good: continue doing exactly what you are doing

Leave-it: completely disengage with the object you are looking at (while walking)

Off: place all four paws on the floor

Paws-up: put front paws up on an indicated object or wall

Stand: stand up with all four paws on the floor

Other level 2 behaviors without cues:

All previous behaviors at a higher difficulty

Handling 2: open mouth, bend legs, standing restraint, lateral recumbency, venipuncture restraint, basic spinal exam

Nail trimmer desensitization: allow all four paws to be lifted and touched with the nail trimmer

Level 3 Cues:

All previous cues at a higher difficulty

Ball: put a ball in your mouth

Get-it: put this object in your mouth

Turn: turn your body around

Jump-on: place all four paws on this object

Roll: lay on the floor with your belly up

Other level 3 behaviors without cues:

All previous behaviors at a higher difficulty

Handling 3: dorsal recumbency, lifting, brushing teeth