Foundations — Levels 1 to 5

Plateaus and off-days are normal — that’s training, not falling behind. 💛

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⭐ Level 1 — Foundation & Connection

We’re a team — basics at home

• Build the habit
• Get the mindset
• Name & attention
• Calm at home
• Sit
• Down
• Crate comfort
• House-trained

✅ Level up when: name response, sit & down on cue, settles calmly, crate-comfy, house-trained.

Level 2 — Core Obedience

Skills on cue, indoors → backyard

• Stay (Duration / Distance / Direction)
• Recall foundation
• Place & impulse control
• Leash position
• Soft mouth (puppy)

✅ Level up when: holds a stay through the 3 D’s, comes in low distraction, settles on place, walks in position.

Level 3 — Real-World Reliability

It holds up outside, on the walk

• Loose-leash walking
• U-turn / redirect
• Recall w/ distraction
• Stay: wild-card D’s
• The 6 D’s applied
• Automatic sit

✅ Level up when: loose-leash past distractions, recall holds with distraction, stays hold in new places.

Level 4 — Freedom

Trustworthy off-leash foundation

• Off-leash starts on-leash
• Hands-free walking
• Distance
• Duration
• Direction
• Demeanor

✅ Level up when: reliable off-leash in low-distraction areas with steady emotional control.

Level 5 — Confidence & Proofing

Calm, connected, reliable in the real world

• Off-leash new places
• Know when NOT to
• Confidence w/ triggers
• Read the stress
• Home-alone confidence
• Car manners
• Photoshoot-ready

✅ Level up when: 🎓 Graduation: calm, connected, reliable on- and off-leash in the real world.

Persistence pays off 🐾

Training is a journey — every rep counts. Here’s what showing up did for other owners: