F3001 From GO To WHOA!: How to Switch from Chaos to Settle

3 WEEK CLASS - Got a dog who struggles to settle or flip the switch to off? In this focused 3-week class, you’ll learn simple, easy behaviours that will help your dog find their CHILL so they can settle quickly and learn to stay relaxed at home, in public, and everywhere in between. We’ll build confidence, and teach reliable relaxation skills your dog will actually enjoy learning—transforming chaos into calm one step at a time.

Course Details

Perfect for pups who need help turning “GO!” into “WHOA” or who struggle to find that all-important off-switch. A must-take class for busy dogs and busy humans.

Teaching Approach

Lectures & Video Demonstrations

Lectures are released at the beginning of each week and include both written and video descriptions, presented in a clear step-by-step format. The course begins with "setting the stage" skills and gradually builds toward more advanced exercises. Early lessons and exercises support and build for success in later weeks.

Videos will depict training done with the handler either sitting or standing. For viewing of mechanics or handler requirements, exercises can be modified by either the handler sitting on the ground or in some instances raising the dog by utilizing a platform to assist with a better view or mechanics.

Homework & Practice

Any homework assignments are listed at the end of each lecture for easy reference. Each week offers several exercises, tailored to the skill level and needs of both dog and handler. Teams progress at their own pace, working at a level where the dog demonstrates confidence and understanding.

Feedback

Students receive both general and personalized feedback, with timestamps for video reference. You may submit work from current or previous weeks to ensure you're receiving guidance throughout the course. Each team should work at their dog's level. Consider your dog's readiness to move forward.

Syllabus

WEEK 1

Early structure sets the Tone
> Why am I in this mess
We Can Still Let Them Be Dogs – Just Not Lunatics
Manners Matter Everywhere
Do’s & Don’t or Probably Shouldn’t
Every second of Every day They’re Learning
Deciding what needs to be taught & What can be managed
Setting the SCENE!
Are your basics in place?

WEEK 2

Settling happens in more ways than you think
Mat Settles
Neutral Neds & Nellies
Freeze Tag – Excitement to Calm
Car Rides worth their weight in GOLD
> How to use the car to teach calm

WEEK 3

Practising in the real word
Generalizing in new locations
Keeping Calm

Prerequisites & Supplies

Students should have the basic foundation behaviours with verbal and/or signals attached. Behaviours such as: Sit, Down, Come, Hand Target/Follow and Stand are examples we will most definitely use.You do not need a large space to work. The majority of the exercises can be practiced easily in your home space. We will break down the exercises into smaller, manageable pieces so a large space is not necessary. A safe place to exercise or play with your dog would be helpful.Equipment Needed:Treat pouch, clicker, lots of soft, easily swallowed treats, Leash, a mat, dog bed or raised bed.

Instructor

Heather Lawson (she/her) is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA) and also a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP), a CGN evaluator and a free-style judge. She has been training dogs and their humans for more that 20 years after deciding that...

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FAQ

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