The Foundations Course is a comprehensive 10-day training program designed to equip both dogs and their owners with the essential skills needed to build a strong, respectful relationship and create a well-mannered, obedient, and happy canine companion. This course lays the groundwork for all future training by establishing clear communication, reinforcing good behavior, and correcting undesirable habits early on.
Whether your dog is a young puppy just starting out or an older dog needing a fresh start, the Foundations Course is ideal for creating a consistent, disciplined structure in your dog’s daily life. The goal of this course is to help dogs understand what’s expected of them and to teach owners how to guide their dog confidently and effectively.
Over the course of 10 days, we focus on core obedience commands, such as:
Sit
Stay
Come
Down
Heel
Place
Leave it
Focus (name recognition and eye contact)
Each of these commands is introduced in a way that makes sense to your dog, using clear and consistent instruction combined with positive reinforcement and, when necessary, appropriate correction. The result is a dog that responds quickly and reliably, whether they’re at home, in the yard, or out in public.
But this course isn’t just about teaching tricks—it’s about building communication between you and your dog. Training strengthens the bond between owner and pet by establishing mutual respect. Dogs naturally look for leadership, and when you can communicate clearly and consistently, they feel more secure, confident, and eager to please.
The Foundations Course also addresses common behavior problems that many owners struggle with, including:
Jumping on people
Excessive barking
Pulling on the leash
Door bolting
Nipping or chewing
Digging
Ignoring commands
These behaviors can cause frustration, damage relationships, and even create safety risks. By addressing them early in a structured program, we prevent these bad habits from becoming long-term issues and replace them with polite, respectful behavior.
Each dog receives personalized attention, with training adapted to their specific temperament, learning style, and behavior history. No two dogs are exactly alike, so we take the time to evaluate each dog individually before the course begins and tailor the instruction accordingly. For high-energy dogs, we incorporate exercises that channel their drive into positive behaviors. For shy or anxious dogs, we focus on building confidence and reducing stress through structured routine and calm handling.
An essential part of the Foundations Course is owner involvement. We believe that the best training happens when the owner is empowered and educated alongside the dog. Throughout the course, we involve you in the process, teaching you how to give clear commands, correct unwanted behaviors, and maintain consistency at home. You’ll learn timing, tone, posture, and techniques that reinforce your leadership role and give your dog the structure they crave.
Our trainer’s military background brings a sense of discipline, structure, and effectiveness to the training. Dogs respond exceptionally well to clear expectations and routine, and our system reflects that same consistency and control used in working dog environments. Whether your goal is a calm family pet or the beginning of advanced obedience or service work, the Foundations Course sets your dog on the right path.
Training sessions are held in a controlled environment with gradual exposure to distractions to help dogs generalize their obedience skills. As dogs progress, we may introduce more real-world settings like public parks, neighborhoods, or even stores (if applicable), to prepare them for success beyond the home.
Throughout the 10-day course, we keep you updated on your dog’s progress with daily communication, feedback, and videos, so you can see the transformation happening in real time. At the end of the course, we hold a detailed transfer session with you to review everything your dog has learned and ensure you feel confident maintaining the training at home. We also provide written instructions and offer follow-up support to help answer questions or troubleshoot any issues after the program ends.
The Foundations Course is more than just a training program—it’s the first step in creating a lifetime of harmony between you and your dog. It sets the stage for advanced training and specialized programs like protection or service dog work, but more importantly, it gives you a dog you can enjoy every day—calm, confident, obedient, and responsive.
If you’re looking for a proven path to a better-behaved dog and a stronger bond, the Foundations Course is your solution. Let Red Dirt Dog Training guide you and your dog toward success—one command, one correction, and one breakthrough at a time.
