Pre-School

Our Training Method

How Every Skill Is Built

Every skill your dog learns moves through the same four stages, from the first repetition to a behavior you can count on for life. Here is what happens at each stage and how we know it is time to move on.

• 2 Stage 1 of 4 Teaching Where the behavior takes shape

  Teaching is shaping, luring, integrating, conditioning, and desensitization. The goal behavior is built piece by piece in a low-distraction setting.

  What happens here

  • Shaping
  • Luring
  • Integrating
  • Conditioning
  • Desensitization

  Ready to move on when You see recognition, and often anticipation, of the goal behavior.

• 3 Stage 2 of 4 Reinforcing From every time to any time

  Reinforcement starts continuous and moves to variable. All four quadrants can be used in this phase as long as the dog continues to recognize the goal.

  What happens here

  • Continuous reinforcement
  • Variable reinforcement
  • All four quadrants
  • Goal recognition checks

  Ready to move on when Your dog shows full comprehension of the goal.

• 4 Stage 3 of 4 Proofing The five D's, everywhere it matters

  Proofing continues with duration, distraction, distance, direction, and difficulty. It takes the longest because it is an ever evolving process: it solidifies the behavior, finding strengths and uncovering weaknesses.

  What happens here

  • Duration
  • Distraction
  • Distance
  • Direction
  • Difficulty

  Ready to move on when The behavior holds up in new places, around new distractions, at new distances.

• 5 Stage 4 of 4 Maintenance Progression prevents regression

  Maintaining continues indefinitely. Skills stay sharp because they keep getting used: in class, at DaySchool and DayCamp, during boarding, and at home.

  What happens here

  • Ongoing practice
  • Real-world use
  • Cross-service continuity
  • PD360 tracking

  No finish line. Skills stay sharp because they keep getting used, so hard-won gains never slip back.

Pre-School Curriculum

Every Skill Your Dog Carries by Pre-School

Every skill your dog carries by Pre-School, from the ones first taught here to the ones now fully maintained. This list is cumulative, so it includes everything learned at earlier levels, each one tracked individually in PD360 with its own stage and success indicator. Skills new at this level are flagged, and you can open any card for the syllabus notes, home practice, and full guide.

Teaching · 2 of 5 New skills your dog meets for the first time at this level. Reinforcing · 3 of 5 Carried over from the previous level and strengthened with reps. Proofing · 4 of 5 Tested against real-world distraction, distance, and duration. Maintenance · 5 of 5 Kept sharp so the foundation never slips.

Manners 5 Behaviors 5 Tricks 1 Tools 3

Teaching · 2 of 5 5 New skills your dog meets for the first time at this level.

• Confidence Teaching · 2 of 5 New at this level Build a baseline of confidence so your dog can engage with the world calmly.

  Teaching · 2 of 5

  First taught in Pre-School.

  What it is

  Confidence and appropriate interactions is crucial for a well-rounded temperament. However, there will be times where a negative association or response needs to be reconditioned with appropriate guidance.

  How we teach it

  • Introduce the dog to the new or unusual object.
  • Begin building positive associations by rewarding any interaction.
  • Gradually encourage more interaction with the goal of achieving a neutral or positive response.
  • Allow the dog to disengage and try another time if they display reactivity or high levels of stress

  Mastery: Dog approaches novel sights and sounds without flight or freeze.

  Practice at home

  • Be patient and consistent: It may take time and patience for your dog to overcome their fear of objects. Do not get discouraged if your dog does not make progress immediately.
  • Take Photos or Videos: Capturing your progress back at home or outside will help us provide additional feedback.

  Go deeper

  Confidence is an important quality for all dogs to have. It helps them feel safe and secure, and it allows them to explore their environment and learn new things.

  Read the Full Confidence Building Guide →
• Etiquette Teaching · 2 of 5 New at this level Learn the day-to-day etiquette that makes your dog a great neighbor.

  Teaching · 2 of 5

  First taught in Pre-School.

  How we teach it

  • Safety Is Paramount: Remember, all dogs have been socialized differently prior to this class. Make sure to keep an open line of communication with your instructor, and other pet parents.
  • Understanding Play Style: Each dog displays different signals prior to and during any play. It's important to understand what appropriate play looks like and how to gradually build into that if your dog is not currently sociable.
  • Gradual Socialization: For dogs that are not already social, begin with positive associations. Every time your pup looks at another dog and doesn't react, praise them. If they are starting to show interest, start to move closer to the other dogs in the room. Small interactions with a lot of praise will help your dog feel more comfortable approaching.
  • Promoting Respectful Play: If your pup is starting to add a lot of energy into the group, call them back to you. If you are not at a point where your dogs comes back to you, make sure to have food or a leash. This will make the process of getting your dogs attention a lot easier. It also helps your pup understand when it is time to take a break

  Mastery: Dog greets calmly without jumping or mouthing.

  Practice at home

  • Safety Is Paramount: Remember, all dogs have been socialized differently prior to this class. Make sure to keep an open line of communication with your instructor, and other pet parents.
  • Take Photos or Videos: Capturing your progress back at home or outside will help us provide additional feedback.

  Go deeper

  Imagine happy tail wags, playful pounces, and joyous barks echoing through your home the symphony of appropriate dog play. This joyful interaction not only fosters a deeper bond between you and your furry friend but also provides essential physical and mental stimulation.

  Read the Full Appropriate Play Guide →
• Socialize Teaching · 2 of 5 New at this level Structured exposure to other dogs and people in a controlled setting.

  Teaching · 2 of 5

  First taught in Pre-School.

  What it is

  Creating positive interactions between people and dogs is essential for harmonious relationships.

  How we teach it

  Intros w/People & Dogs

  • Starting Position: Begin with your dog on a leash and in a safe, controlled environment.
  • Introduction: Allow your dog to politely sniff and interact with the new dog or person.
  • Guidance if Needed: Be sure to read your dog's body language to ensure the introductions are safe and positive.
  • Immediate Reward: Reward instantly with a treat or toy upon successful introduction.
  • Consistent Practice: Allow your dog to regularly conduct safe and positive introductions.

  Appropriate Interactions & Etiquette

  • Safety Is Paramount: Remember, all dogs have been socialized differently prior to this class. Make sure to keep an open line of communication with your instructor, and other pet parents.
  • Understanding Play Style: Each dog displays different signals prior to and during any play. It's important to understand what appropriate play looks like and how to gradually build into that if your dog is not currently sociable.
  • Gradual Socialization: For dogs that are not already social, begin with positive associations. Every time your pup looks at another dog and doesn't react, praise them. If they are starting to show interest, start to move closer to the other dogs in the room. Small interactions with a lot of praise will help your dog feel more comfortable approaching.
  • Promoting Respectful Play: If your pup is starting to add a lot of energy into the group, call them back to you. If you are not at a point where your dogs comes back to you, make sure to have food or a leash. This will make the process of getting your dogs attention a lot easier. It also helps your pup understand when it is time to take a break

  Mastery: Dog can be near other dogs without overreacting in either direction.

  Practice at home

  • Immediate Reward: Reward instantly with a treat or toy upon successful introduction.
  • Consistent Practice: Allow your dog to regularly conduct safe and positive introductions.
  • Take Photos or Videos: Capturing your progress back at home or outside will help us provide additional feedback.

  Go deeper

  Imagine your dog thriving in any social situation, a well-mannered ambassador spreading tail wags and smiles. General socialization teaches your pup the essential skills for navigating the world with confidence and grace.

  Read the Full General Socialization Guide →
• Cues Teaching · 2 of 5 New at this level Build awareness that handler cues mean something is about to happen.

  Teaching · 2 of 5

  First taught in Pre-School.

  Do They Give Them? Do They Respond To Them?

  What it is

  Improve your dog's understanding and communication with social cues. Social cues are subtle signs that animals display to communicate energy, stress, and more.

  How we teach it

  • Cue Recognition: Most dogs need to be taught to recognize social cues of other dogs and to disengage when those occur.
  • Giving Cues: Many dogs need to be taught appropriate ways to disengage, rather than reverting to reactivity.
  • Cue Response: When a social cue is recognized and the appropriate action is performed, rewards should follow.
  • Add A Command: A command like “Out” or a simple recall can be a great way to teach your dog to recognize and respond to social cues.

  Mastery: Dog orients toward the handler when a cue is given.

  Practice at home

  • Reward your dog: for staying within the boundaries, and do not punish them for crossing the boundaries.
  • Take Photos or Videos: Capturing your progress back at home or outside will help us provide additional feedback.

  Go deeper

  Imagine your dog reading your every mood, responding to your gestures with understanding, and anticipating your needs with a wagging tail. This isn't magic, it's the power of social cues recognition.

  Read the Full Social Cues Recognition Guide →
• Gentleness Teaching · 2 of 5 New at this level Soft-mouth taking food and toys without snatching or nipping.

  Teaching · 2 of 5

  First taught in Pre-School.

  No Mouthing, No Teeth, No Pawing

  What it is

  Encourage polite and gentle food taking to promote safer and more enjoyable interactions.

  How we teach it

  • Preparation: Begin in a calm area. Hold a treat in your closed fist to set the stage for gentle taking.
  • Clear Instructions: If you hold your treat in a flat palm you are at risk for your pup mistaking your finger for a treat. When you present the treat in a closed fist, it reduces injury as well as slows the dog down. They can't see the treat until you open your fist.
  • Immediate Reward: Open your hand slowly and give the treat. When your dog takes it softly, praise, reinforcing positive behavior without mouthing or pawing.
  • Consistent Training: Regular practice ensures understanding and adherence to gentle taking.
  • Progressive Challenges: Gradually introduce more tempting treats while enforcing the same gentle behavior standards.

  Mastery: Dog takes treats gently from hand.

  Practice at home

  • Consistent Training: Regular practice ensures understanding and adherence to gentle taking.
  • Take Photos or Videos: Capturing your progress back at home or outside will help us provide additional feedback.

  Go deeper

  Teaching your dog proper food manners isn't just about avoiding messy spills or unwanted begging. It's about establishing boundaries, fostering respect, and creating a positive association with mealtime.

  Read the Full Gentle/Calm Food Manners Guide →

Class Format

Inside the 45-Minute Class

Every Pre-School class runs the same 45-minute shape: focused reps, whole-class work, an AMRAP push, and a trainer demo. Each week then carries its own theme, and classes run weekly at both campuses, so any week is a valid place to start.

1

Interval 20 min

Small groups rotate through four stations, moving to a new skill at each one.

2

Group 15 min

The whole class works one behavior together to build focus around other dogs.

3

AMRAP 5 min

Pick one behavior and get as many successful reps as possible before time runs out.

4

Demo 5 min

Your trainer shows a focus command, gives feedback, and sends home practice for the week.

‹

Week 1

Foundational Skills

Build Confidence & Appropriate Play Yes & No Marker Words Name RecognitionWatch Sit wLure

Group 15 min Integrating the focus behaviors of the day, the class will combine for group training activities.

AMRAP 5 min Parents may choose one of the focus behaviors to accomplish as many successful completions in the allotted time.

Demo 5 min

• Demonstrate and Improve: Demonstrate one of the five focus commands for the day to receive feedback and praise
• Home Practice: Continue to focus on difficult commands at home for the following class.

Week 2

New Manners Introduced

Intros wPeople & Dogs Down wLure Intro To Crate Slip Lead

Group 15 min Integrating the focus behaviors of the day, the class will combine for group training activities.

AMRAP 5 min Parents may choose one of the focus behaviors to accomplish as many successful completions in the allotted time.

Demo 5 min

• Demonstrate and Improve: Demonstrate one of the five focus commands for the day to receive feedback and praise
• Home Practice: Continue to focus on difficult commands at home for the following class.

Week 3

Social Cues & Reinforcement

Basic Social Cues Yes & No Marker Words Name RecognitionWatch Sit wLure

Group 15 min Integrating the focus behaviors of the day, the class will combine for group training activities.

AMRAP 5 min Parents may choose one of the focus behaviors to accomplish as many successful completions in the allotted time.

Demo 5 min

• Demonstrate and Improve: Demonstrate one of the five focus commands for the day to receive feedback and praise
• Home Practice: Continue to focus on difficult commands at home for the following class.

Week 4

Behavior Refinement & Tools

Taking Food Gently Down wLure Intro To Crate Martingale

Group 15 min Integrating the focus behaviors of the day, the class will combine for group training activities.

AMRAP 5 min Parents may choose one of the focus behaviors to accomplish as many successful completions in the allotted time.

Demo 5 min

• Demonstrate and Improve: Demonstrate one of the five focus commands for the day to receive feedback and praise
• Home Practice: Continue to focus on difficult commands at home for the following class.

Week 5

Continue Socialization

Continued Socialization Yes & No Marker Words Name RecognitionWatch Sit wLure

Group 15 min Integrating the focus behaviors of the day, the class will combine for group training activities.

AMRAP 5 min Parents may choose one of the focus behaviors to accomplish as many successful completions in the allotted time.

Demo 5 min

• Demonstrate and Improve: Demonstrate one of the five focus commands for the day to receive feedback and praise
• Home Practice: Continue to focus on difficult commands at home for the following class.

Week 6

Reinforcing Intros & Tools

Intros wPeople & Dogs Down wLure Intro To Crate Slip Lead

Group 15 min Integrating the focus behaviors of the day, the class will combine for group training activities.

AMRAP 5 min Parents may choose one of the focus behaviors to accomplish as many successful completions in the allotted time.

Demo 5 min

• Demonstrate and Improve: Demonstrate one of the five focus commands for the day to receive feedback and praise
• Home Practice: Continue to focus on difficult commands at home for the following class.

Week 7

Consolidating Manners

Taking Food Gently Yes & No Marker Words Name RecognitionWatch

wLure

Group 15 min Integrating the focus behaviors of the day, the class will combine for group training activities.

AMRAP 5 min Parents may choose one of the focus behaviors to accomplish as many successful completions in the allotted time.

Demo 5 min

• Demonstrate and Improve: Demonstrate one of the five focus commands for the day to receive feedback and praise
• Home Practice: Continue to focus on difficult commands at home for the following class.

Week 8

Reinforcing Obedience

PeopleDog Socialization Down wLure Intro To Crate Martingale

Group 15 min Integrating the focus behaviors of the day, the class will combine for group training activities.

AMRAP 5 min Parents may choose one of the focus behaviors to accomplish as many successful completions in the allotted time.

Demo 5 min

• Demonstrate and Improve: Demonstrate one of the five focus commands for the day to receive feedback and praise
• Home Practice: Continue to focus on difficult commands at home for the following class.

Week 9

Reinforcing Obedience

Sit WLure Down wLure Intro To Crate Taking Food Gently

Group 15 min Integrating the focus behaviors of the day, the class will combine for group training activities.

AMRAP 5 min Parents may choose one of the focus behaviors to accomplish as many successful completions in the allotted time.

Demo 5 min

• Demonstrate and Improve: Demonstrate one of the five focus commands for the day to receive feedback and praise
• Home Practice: Continue to focus on difficult commands at home for the following class.

Week 10

Reinforcing Manners

Appropriate Interactions Spin Name RecognitionWatch Martingale

Group 15 min Integrating the focus behaviors of the day, the class will combine for group training activities.

AMRAP 5 min Parents may choose one of the focus behaviors to accomplish as many successful completions in the allotted time.

Demo 5 min

• Demonstrate and Improve: Demonstrate one of the five focus commands for the day to receive feedback and praise
• Home Practice: Continue to focus on difficult commands at home for the following class.

Week 11

Reinforcing Communication

Spin Down wLure YesNo Markers Slip Lead

Group 15 min Integrating the focus behaviors of the day, the class will combine for group training activities.

AMRAP 5 min Parents may choose one of the focus behaviors to accomplish as many successful completions in the allotted time.

Demo 5 min

• Demonstrate and Improve: Demonstrate one of the five focus commands for the day to receive feedback and praise
• Home Practice: Continue to focus on difficult commands at home for the following class.

Week 12

Reinforcing Manners

Crate Down wLure Sit WLure Taking Food Gently

Group 15 min Integrating the focus behaviors of the day, the class will combine for group training activities.

AMRAP 5 min Parents may choose one of the focus behaviors to accomplish as many successful completions in the allotted time.

Demo 5 min

• Demonstrate and Improve: Demonstrate one of the five focus commands for the day to receive feedback and praise
• Home Practice: Continue to focus on difficult commands at home for the following class.

›

Classes run weekly at both campuses, and any week is a valid entry point.

Scottsdale schedule Cave Creek schedule

Progression and Scoring

How the Pre-School Score Climbs

Every skill your dog knows sits at a stage, and every stage is worth points. As behaviors move up from Teaching to Maintenance the score climbs toward the Pre-School graduation target.

Every skill your dog knows sits at one of five stages, and each stage is worth points. A grade level's score is the sum of those stage scores across every skill met so far. As behaviors move up a stage the score climbs, and when it reaches the graduation target the move up is obvious.

The same score follows your dog across Group Classes, DaySchool and DayCamp, private lessons, and boarding, keeping parent, dog, and trainer in sync.

Pre-School on the PD360 scale Graduation target 184 points

Most dogs join around 235

Graduation target · 184

151Baseline 755Full scale

Every dog starts at the 151 point baseline, because a behavior nobody has taught yet scores 1. Most dogs join partway up, around 235 points. Graduation is about progress across many behaviors, not one number.

How graduation works Your dog graduates a grade once at least 80% of the behaviors that need to reach the next grade's stage have progressed. Some dogs jump several stages in one grade, so the points do not always immediately equal graduation.

Teaching 14

New skills your dog is meeting for the first time at this grade.

• Confidence 2
• Etiquette 2
• Socialize 2
• Cues 2
• Gentleness 2
• Name 2
• Sit 2
• Markers 2
• Crate 2
• Down 2
• Spin 2
• Slip Lead 2
• Martingale 2
• Treats 2

Reinforcing 0

Carried over and strengthened with focused repetition.

No skills sit at this stage for Pre-School yet.

Proofing 0

Tested against real distraction, distance, and duration.

No skills sit at this stage for Pre-School yet.

Maintenance 0

Kept sharp from earlier grades so the foundation holds.

No skills sit at this stage for Pre-School yet.

Where This Level Sits

The Curriculum Ascent

Each grade teaches more behaviors and pushes the ones underneath a stage deeper. The result is a dog who knows more, and knows it at mastery depth.

• Teaching
• Reinforcing
• Proofing
• Maintenance

Every level adds new behaviors on top and pushes everything underneath a stage deeper.

Counts reflect each level's stage mix, including skills refreshed back into Teaching.

1. 14

   14 Pre-School: 14 behaviors in Teaching at this level.
   Pre-School 184 pts
2. 29

   14 Kindergarten: 14 behaviors in Reinforcing.

   15 Kindergarten: 15 behaviors in Teaching at this level.
   Kindergarten 235 pts
3. 44

   14 Elementary: 14 behaviors in Proofing.

   15 Elementary: 15 behaviors in Reinforcing.

   15 Elementary: 15 behaviors in Teaching at this level.
   Elementary 309 pts
4. 59

   14 Middle-School: 14 behaviors in Maintenance.

   15 Middle-School: 15 behaviors in Proofing.

   15 Middle-School: 15 behaviors in Reinforcing.

   15 Middle-School: 15 behaviors in Teaching at this level.
   Middle-School 393 pts
5. 71

   29 High-School: 29 behaviors in Maintenance.

   15 High-School: 15 behaviors in Proofing.

   15 High-School: 15 behaviors in Reinforcing.

   12 High-School: 12 behaviors in Teaching at this level.
   High-School 453 pts
6. 84

   44 College: 44 behaviors in Maintenance.

   15 College: 15 behaviors in Proofing.

   12 College: 12 behaviors in Reinforcing.

   13 College: 13 behaviors in Teaching at this level.
   College 507 pts
7. 99

   59 Masters: 59 behaviors in Maintenance.

   12 Masters: 12 behaviors in Proofing.

   13 Masters: 13 behaviors in Reinforcing.

   15 Masters: 15 behaviors in Teaching at this level.
   Masters 553 pts
8. 115

   71 Dogtorate: 71 behaviors in Maintenance.

   13 Dogtorate: 13 behaviors in Proofing.

   15 Dogtorate: 15 behaviors in Reinforcing.

   16 Dogtorate: 16 behaviors in Teaching at this level.
   Dogtorate 620 pts

PD360 Pet Progress

Every Pre-School Skill Is Tracked in PD360

Every behavior your dog knows is scored on a 1 to 5 scale (1 Unknown, 2 Teaching, 3 Reinforcing, 4 Proofing, 5 Maintenance), so you can see exactly where your dog stands and watch the score climb as behaviors move up. The same record follows your dog across Group Classes, DaySchool and DayCamp, private lessons, and boarding. One profile, one progress story, one team.

• 300+ Tracked variables per dog
• 8 Grade levels & curriculum tracks
• 120+ Behaviors across the journey
• Years Of continuous progress data

• ★

  Behavior-Level Detail

  Every command, manner, and trick moves through Teaching → Reinforcing → Proofing → Maintenance.

• 🎯

  Programs Stay in Sync

  Progress in Group Class flows into DaySchool, Camps, and private lessons. Trainers see the same record.

• 📊

  Honest Recommendations

  Your dog moves up when the data says they're ready, not when a calendar says so.

• ✔

  Years of Continuity

  From Pre-School through Dogtorate, the full history travels with your dog.

Book Your PD360 Assessment

The Full Curriculum

Explore the Full Curriculum

See the entire Pet Parenting Class curriculum: eight cumulative grade levels from foundational manners to athletic mastery, plus the Rally and Agility specialty classes.

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Pre-School

Puppy & Adult

Manners, socialization, proper play, and confidence-building for puppies and reactive adults.

14 New Behaviors

14 Cumulative

Foundational Difficulty

Explore curriculum →

Kindergarten

All Ages

Heel, place, stay, and free, the behavioral foundations that anchor everything that comes next.

15 New Behaviors

29 Cumulative

Foundational Difficulty

Explore curriculum →

Elementary

All Ages

Reset, Done, Leave It, Off, advanced commands and impulse control for daily life.

16 New Behaviors

44 Cumulative

Foundational Difficulty

Explore curriculum →

Middle-School

All Ages

Out, Flip to Heel, off-leash work, grooming and object desensitization.

15 New Behaviors

59 Cumulative

Intermediate Difficulty

Explore curriculum →

High-School

All Ages

Retrieve, pacing, pivots, and advanced tricks, practical skills with emotional bonding.

12 New Behaviors

71 Cumulative

Intermediate Difficulty

Explore curriculum →

College

All Ages

Send Out, Middle, distance commands, and intricate tricks, high-level obedience and problem-solving.

13 New Behaviors

84 Cumulative

Advanced Difficulty

Explore curriculum →

Masters

All Ages

Figure 8, Orbit, Freestyle Bridging, and household tasks like Put Toys Away.

15 New Behaviors

99 Cumulative

Expert Difficulty

Explore curriculum →

Dogtorate

All Ages

Frisbee, Leg Weaves, Cross Paws, and athletic challenges, the highest level of training.

16 New Behaviors

115 Cumulative

Expert Difficulty

Explore curriculum →

R Specialty

Rally

All Ages

Refine leash handling, commands, and partnership through the dynamic dog sport of Rally.

Specialty Difficulty

Explore curriculum →

A Specialty

Agility

All Ages

Guide your dog through jumps, weaves, tunnels, and more, fun, fitness, and partnership.

Specialty Difficulty

Explore curriculum →

Ready to Start Pre-School?

Open enrollment means you can join this week. Pick a class on the calendar or schedule a call and we'll help you confirm the right starting level.

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