Join me, in collaboration with K9 Conservationists, as I raise my next working puppy, an English Springer Spaniel, from 8 weeks to 8 months old!
6 months of weekly video updates from our training sessions—documenting nearly every aspect of puppy raising.
Zoom chat recordings where we:
Discuss training methods & techniques
Brainstorm next steps in development
Troubleshoot inevitable bumps in the road
Have open, honest conversations about what it really takes to raise a detection dog
While the live calls have ended, you’ll still benefit from the full recordings—packed with real questions, detailed answers, and practical guidance for preparing your future working or sport puppy. Become better prepared for your next working puppy.
A community of dog owners and handlers who are dedicated to learning, growing, and improving for the benefit of their dogs (or future dogs)!
While our main focus will be conservation detection skills, these lessons apply to all detection disciplines and much more.
We’ll cover:
Auto-engagement anywhere
Drive vs. arousal
Cooperative toy play & reward procedures
Location-specific markers
Ignoring wildlife distractions
Indication behavior on targets
…plus food/toy searches, fitness foundations, shaping behaviors, socialization, and more!
Raising an incredible working partner takes intention and effort—but it’s also a whole lot of FUN!
Join us now and be part of the journey from the very first pawprints.
This course is packed with real-life foundations for raising a future detection dog. Together, we’ll cover:
Basic Skills & Engagement
Building focus through luring, food delivery, and toy preference
Hand targets, check-ins, and early reward strategies
Confidence & Resilience
Tug, retrieve, and trade games
“It’s Your Choice,” bravery games, and learning to problem-solve
Relaxing in the crate and navigating new environments
Shaping & Socialization
Clicker charging, position work (sit, down, stand)
Nose targets, cone work, and reward positions
Seeing the world without overreacting
Structure & Impulse Control
Baby stays, recalls, and platform work
Trade games, heel position, and learning to do nothing
Cooperative Care & Handling
Vet visits, muzzle training, and gentle restraint
Nail trims and body handling through positive experiences
Fitness & Body Awareness
Pivots, paw targets, and backing up
Obstacle courses, treadmill work, and pattern games
Living Skills
Multi-dog household strategies and potty training
Neutral responses to novelty and enrichment routines
Crate/kennel comfort and quiet behavior
Search & Detection Foundations
Building drive while managing arousal
Toy play, reward procedures, and location-specific markers
Food/toy searches, climbing, ignoring wildlife, and early indication work
Your future puppy will thank you!
