Throughout the Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master levels of the DTC Program, you’ll often hear us talk about teaching “tricks” and “training games.” When we use these words, we’re really talking about skills. So why describe them this way?

• Referring to a skill as a trick or game helps bring the fun into training! That doesn’t make the behaviors any less valuable.
• Thinking of training as a game helps set the right mindset. Training should always feel playful and enjoyable - for both people and dogs.
• Let’s be honest, “trick” and “game” simply sound more exciting than “skill” or “behavior.” But every skill included in this program has been chosen with purpose and is never frivolous.
• Each one is designed to build your knowledge and practical ability while also helping dogs develop their learning skills.

Many of the behaviors you’ll practice are important for Fostering Collaborative Care, while others are the kinds of skills you might teach a service dog. Some provide essential physical and mental enrichment.

The program also covers the foundation skills needed for a Pet Dog Manners Class - the very skills that support a happy home for dogs and their families. These are often called obedience skills, but we prefer terms like manners, tricks, and games when working with clients, as they feel more positive and inviting.

You’ll also learn a few behaviors that may seem like they’re “just for fun.” You may never teach many of your clients’ dogs some of the advanced tricks or games, but practicing them with your own dog will grow your skills and confidence. More importantly, you’ll learn training methods you can apply to countless other behaviors in the future.

Of course, we can’t include every skill in one program. What we can do is give you the tools and knowledge to apply what you’ve learned in creative ways and to generalize your skills far beyond the lessons in this course.