Calm
Teaching
Default to settled instead of revved up.
You will know it is working when: Dog defaults to a relaxed posture during downtime.
New skills from Elementary that are not at Maintenance yet. Each meter shows the stage to aim for.
Teaching
Default to settled instead of revved up.
You will know it is working when: Dog defaults to a relaxed posture during downtime.
Teaching
Respect for off-limits zones in the home and environment.
You will know it is working when: Dog stays out of designated off-limits areas without correction.
Teaching
Polite, four-on-the-floor introductions to new people.
You will know it is working when: Dog greets new people without jumping or mouthing.
Teaching
Read other dogs and adjust play style to match.
You will know it is working when: Dog matches play style to play partner and disengages on cue.
Teaching
Return to a calm, focused state on cue when energy spikes.
You will know it is working when: Dog drops arousal and re-engages handler within 5 seconds.
Teaching
Default Sit when the handler stops walking: no verbal cue needed.
You will know it is working when: Dog automatically sits when the handler stops.
Quick refreshers from Kindergarten so earlier wins never slip.
Reinforcing
Structured rules of engagement during play sessions.
Success check: Dog can settle on a cue during high-arousal play.
Reinforcing
Calm transfer of the leash and the dog's focus between handlers.
Success check: Dog accepts a new handler without anxiety or reactivity.
Reinforcing
Gradual exposure that reduces over-arousal to specific stimuli.
Success check: Dog can be exposed to a known trigger without reactivity.
Next milestone
Entry begins at a PD360 score of 309. Maple is at 268 today.