Re: New dog owner. very confused

[Teresa Stanczak]

Hi and welcome to the forums!

Keep reading through the pyramid, it will help you set up the proper relationship between you and your dog, as well as serve as a foundation of information that you will need to implement the training.

I would not recommend using the Koehler method. Lots of harsh correction, which is not necessary to train your dog.

I would recommend following our videos to teach the foundation method of training. You will get high reliability without the need for hArsh correction and without having to rely on food.
As far as where to start with videos, you should start with the phase 1 videos Even if your dog already knows sit down etc. During these videos we teach our dog to respond to the verbal command with no hand signal. We also incorporate a “silent” stay into by using a release word like free.
Since your dog knows a good portion of this you will move through phase 1 quickly.

Then move on to phase 2 videos starting with “climb” . work your way through each video in this phase mastering each exercise. Phase 2 is going to increase reliability and move away from food rewards.

Keep us posted on your progress!