🐾 Fear-Free Training

Build trust. Celebrate progress.

What It’s All About:

This simple training method helps you bond with your dog using kindness, patience, and fun. No force. No fear. Just treats, praise, and high fives.

“High Five”

Step-by-Step: Teach Your Dog to High Five with No Fear Training:

  1. Start with a Sit: Begin with your dog in a sitting position to help them focus.

  2. Lure the Paw: Hold a treat in your closed fist and let them sniff it. Many dogs will naturally paw at your hand—when they do, say “Yes!” or click, then reward.

  3. Repeat & Reward: Every time your dog touches your hand with their paw, mark the behavior and give a treat.

  4. Add the Cue: After a few reps, say “High five!” right before they offer the paw. Gradually open your hand into a flat palm.

  5. Keep It Light: Short sessions (5–10 minutes) are best. End with success and lots of praise.

“Sit”

Step-by-Step: Teach Your Dog to Sit with No Fear Training:

  1. Grab a Treat They Love: Use something soft and smelly—think tiny bits of cheese or chicken.

  2. Lure the Sit: Hold the treat close to your dog’s nose, then slowly move it up and slightly back over their head. As they follow it with their nose, their bottom will naturally lower to the ground.

  3. Mark the Moment: As soon as their rear touches the floor, say “Yes!” or click (if you’re using a clicker), and give the treat.

  4. Repeat & Reinforce: Practice a few times in short sessions. Once they’re getting the hang of it, start saying “Sit” just before you move the treat.

  5. Keep It Positive: Never push their back end down—it can be confusing or scary. Let them figure it out with encouragement and rewards.

💡 Helpful Tips

  • Practice in a quiet space with few distractions.

  • If your dog seems unsure, pause and let them reset.

  • Celebrate small wins—it’s all about building confidence!

Why Fear-Free?

Training should feel like a game, not a test. We teach through encouragement, not correction. That’s how trust grows—and paws fly.