Learning Theory

Learn how dogs learn and how to apply it to build a better bond!

Training Basics

Learn training basics such as marker cues and how they can help clarify communication with your pup!

Training Games

Learn training games to help create a confident canine in your home!

About the Course

This Life Skills class is designed for newly adopted, high-energy dogs who are learning how to focus and settle in their new home. Through a combination of foundation training skills and interactive games, dogs will learn appropriate ways to use their energy while building impulse control, confidence, and engagement with their handler. Participants will practice practical behaviors such as attention, basic cues, and calm transitions, alongside enrichment-based games that provide both mental and physical stimulation. The class emphasizes positive reinforcement and clear communication to help dogs succeed while strengthening the human-animal bond. This course is ideal for adopters looking to channel their dog’s energy in productive ways, improve focus around distractions, and create a balanced routine that supports long-term success at home.

Amber Todd, UW-AAB, FDM

Amber brings over 20 years of experience in dog training and behavior consulting. For a decade, she successfully owned and operated her own business, helping countless dogs and their families navigate behavioral challenges. Currently, she serves as the Behavior Supervisor at The Humane Society of Pikes Peak Region, where she focuses on building confidence in dogs, fostering positive human-animal relationships, and guiding adopters in effective, evidence-based training techniques. Amber is passionate about empowering pet owners to understand their dogs, strengthen their bond, and create a happy, well-adjusted home for every dog.

Course Curriculum

4 Chapters · 26 Lessons

  1. 1

    What is Life Skills?

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome to Life Skills

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      What to Expect

  2. 2

    How Dogs Learn

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      How Dogs Learn

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Mark-and-Reward Training

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Introducing Markers: Yes

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Introducing Markers: Click

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Introducing Markers: Find It

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Training Loops

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Training Loops in Action

  3. 3

    Training Activities

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Touch

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Teaching the Skill: Touch

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      In-n-Out

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Teaching the Skill: In-n-Out

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      1-2-3 Walk

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Teaching the Skill: 1-2-3 Walk

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Pet & Go

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Pet & Go in Action

  4. 4

    Healthy Play

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Search & Rescue

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Search & Rescue in Action: Part 1

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Search & Rescue in Action: Part 2

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Freeze Tag

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Freeze Tag in Action

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Tug: You Win, I Lose

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Tug: You Win, I Lose in Action

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Launch & Release

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Launch & Release in Action

Free enrollment!

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