Courses: In-Depth Dog Training & Behavior Lessons

Courses are a series of online lessons that provide structure and a self-study homework guide to help you practice. Lessons are written like a private blog, with videos and self-practice assignments. They are accessible to professional dog trainers and regular dog-loving families.

Course Titles

NOTE: Please read this whole page before clicking on a course title to learn more. Courses without links are not offered yet.

Leash Handling: skills for the human end of the leash
Loose Leash Walking: train your dog not to pull
Super Recall: train your dog to reliably come when called
Two-Way Communication: how to use body language and training to ‘talk’ and ‘listen’
Essential Skills: how to train the 6 of the 7 most fundamental dog cues (excludes recall)
Dog Genius: brain games for smart dogs and happy families
Cooperative Care: training for grooming, vet procedures, etc.
Focus Tricks: training and tips to get attention and prevent reactivity
BAT Set-Ups: introduction to Behavior Adjustment Training (Leash Handling is a prerequisite, Focus Tricks is also recommended)
Puppy Power: socialization and training
Barking Mad: BAT and other techniques for frustration (BAT Set-Ups and Leash Skills are pre-requisites, Focus Tricks is also recommended)

Standard Registration: Self-Study

Standard registration includes the Self-Study component and viewing of the video classes (when available). To actively participate in the Live Video classes, please register at the Premium level and select a specific term (see below).

Each course has a set of self-study text/video lessons with homework to help you practice at your own pace. It is sort of like a book with several videos included. You can register for a Self-Study course at any time and you only need to do so once. You’ll keep access to the most up-to-date version of your course for as long as I am offering it.

Premium Registration: Live Video Group Class

During several 4-week terms throughout the year (see dates below), I focus on specific courses to have group classes by live video. Up to 4 students can register to join me for live streaming video discussions via Skype.

The group classes are broadcast live and are recorded for all Standard and Premium course participants. We reserve the right to remove individual group class videos from the course library.

Term Dates for Live Group Classes in 2016 (subject to change):

March 23 – April 13 (Wednesdays, Orientation: March 16)
- Puppy Power, Two-Way Communication, Focus Tricks
April 20 – May 11 (Wednesdays, Orientation: April 13)
- Leash Handling, Cooperative Care, Essential Skills
June 29 – July 20 (Wednesdays, Orientation: June 22)
- Super Recall, BAT Set-Ups, Loose Leash Walking
August 10 – August 31 (Wednesdays, Orientation: August 3)
- Puppy Power, Focus Tricks, Super Recall
October 26 – November 16 (Wednesdays, Orientation: October 19)
- Leash Handling, Barking Mad, Essential Skills

Get Extra Support with a Membership

[s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]As an ABBA member, you have access to extra support for your course within our community.[/s2If][s2If current_user_cannot(access_s2member_level2)]Animal Building Blocks Academy members get access to extra support within our community.[/s2If] You can ask questions in the ABBA Facebook group and during the Office Hours. My teaching staff and I moderate and facilitate Facebook discussions.

More information

Lessons stay in your library for future reference, even if you do not have a Building Blocks membership
Course registration includes a free Sample of Building Blocks member videos
Member Discounts for the Self-Study courses: 15% for Student Members, 20% for Professional Members. Discount does not apply to Live Group Classes (Premium), so get the discount on Self-Study courses, be sure to register for a Self-Study course before adding Premium registration.

[s2If current_user_cannot(access_s2member_level2)]
If you are a member, please log in before registration to get your discount on self-study courses.[/s2If]

Note: If you are not a dog trainer, we recommend working with a private trainer in person on some of these lessons, particularly the courses related to aggression or fear.

Grisha Stewart