A dog who comes when called, settles at home, and walks without dragging you. In 8 weeks of 10 minute games.

This class is for you if your dog is friendly but has no manners yet (jumping, pulling, ignoring you when it counts), if you have a new puppy or a new rescue and want to start right, if you tried a class before and life got in the way of the weekly drive, or if you want training the whole family can do, kids included. It is not the right fit if your dog is showing aggression, serious fear, or resource guarding that worries you. Reach out to us first and we will point you in the right direction. By the end of Level 1 you will have a dog who:

Comes when called, built in stages up to an emergency recall you can trust in the wild

Settles on a mat while you cook dinner, answer the door, or sit at a cafe

Sits when a person approaches instead of jumping on them

Leaves food on the floor and drops what is in their mouth when you ask

Walks with you, not ahead of you

Relaxes for handling: collar, ears, teeth, brushing, and the vet's hands

How it works

1. Start with Orientation. A short welcome course explains how we train and gets your marker word and first three games going. Our in person students get the exact same start. 2. One week unlocks at a time. Each week has 5 to 8 short lessons, most with a video of the exercise. Play each game for a few minutes a day. 3. Ask when you are stuck. Every student gets access to the Mystic Paws Academy Online community where you can post questions and share wins. 4. Finish with the Level 1 Evaluation and unlock Level 2. Level 1 Online is $150. That is $50 less than the same class in person, and you never have to load the dog in the car. You get 8 weeks of lessons, Orientation, community access, and 4 months to finish at your pace.

Course Curriculum

8 Chapters · 50 Lessons

    1. Treat Magnet Free preview
    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Keep Up Game

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Shaping the Mat

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Sit on the Mat

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Collar is a Noun

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Get Dressed: Collar

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      First Stage of Come

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction to Play

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Pez Dispenser/Closed Hand Targeting

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Down on the Mat

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Patting and Handling

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Ping Pong Recalls

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Shape Get in the Box

    6. Person Approaching = Sit Free preview

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Moving Backups

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Closed Hand Targeting with 1 Step Backwards Diagonally

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Open Bar/Closed Bar on the Mat

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Body Handling : The Pat Down

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Body Handling: Ears Lift and Hold

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Send to the Mat

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Go Home Using the Mat

    8. It's Yer Choice: Food on Floor (or knee) Free preview
    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Destructive Chewing Discussion

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Drinking Bird

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Where's Heel? Back up to Heel with Closed Hand Target 1 Step Forward, Reward for Position

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Slow Treats Game

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Brush or Wipe Your Dog

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Make Recall Fun: 2nd Stage of Come

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Cone Head

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Free Exploration of Surfaces

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Closed Hand Target with Auto Focus "Keep Up Game" adding more steps

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Doggie Zen

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      One Foot, Two Foot, Green Foot, Blue Foot

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      1st Stage of Come Adding Restrained Recall

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Drop It or Give It (Self Control): The Two Toys Game

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Training is a Lifestyle: How to Make Training Part of Everyday Life

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      "Stick to Me Game"

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Review Open Bar/Closed Bar on the Mat & Add Distractions

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lift Lips to Check Gums and Teeth and Eye Check

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Review Make Recall Fun (stage 1): 2nd Stage of Come

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Review Collar is a Noun & Practice Interruptions

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Nosy Games

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Minimizing Development of Resource Guarding

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Where's Heel? Back up to Heel with Closed Hand

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Wait at Thresholds Using Mat as Target

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Cues for "In My Lap" and Proper Pick Ups

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Emergency Recall and Jackpot with Increased Distance

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      How to Play Slow & Low Tug-of-War

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Introducing Noisy and Cleaning Objects

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Level 1 Evaluation

What families say about Level 1

Real Google reviews from families who took this class with us in Crystal Lake.

”
Heather is teaching really valuable skills and Figment (our pup) LOVES to learn and come to class. We have completed two full courses and are signed up for more.
Jess L.

Google review

”
Small classes and personal attention are the best thing I ever did for my fearful rescue dog.
Fran W.

Google review

”
Force free training thru play. Really teaching her to focus.
Theresa C.

Google review

”
Heather does a phenomenal job of treating all furry friends with the utmost compassion.
Alex

Google review

Questions families ask

How much time does it take? Plan on 10 minutes a day, split into two or three tiny sessions. Short games work better than long ones. What age does my dog need to be? Any age. Puppies from 8 weeks, adult dogs, and seniors all start at Level 1. Do I need special equipment? A flat collar or harness, a regular leash, small soft treats, and a mat or towel. That is it. Can my kids help? Yes. Level 1 is built for families. Most games are safe for school age kids with a parent nearby. What if my dog is not food motivated? Day 2 of our free 7 Days Through Your Dog's Eyes course shows you how to find what your dog actually works for. Toys, play, and sniffing all count. How long do I have access? 4 months from your start date. Most families finish in 8 to 10 weeks. What happens after Level 1? Levels 2, 3, and 4 continue the same system. You will get the link to Level 2 when you complete the Level 1 Evaluation. Is this really the same as the in person class? Yes, same exercises in the same order, taught by Heather. In person is $200 and you get to be in the room. Online is $150 and you get to be in your pajamas.

Ready to see what 10 minutes a day can do?

Start Level 1 Online today. Your dog is already trying to tell you they are ready.

$150.00

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