Basic Training Concepts

Strong behaviour starts with strong foundations. The basic training concepts covered in this section are the essential skills and routines that help your dog succeed in daily life. These are the building blocks that support more advanced learning and create a shared language between you and your dog.

Posts in this tag cover topics like name recognition, recall, mat work, leash skills, and handler focus. You’ll find guidance on how to introduce these behaviours step by step, using positive reinforcement and techniques grounded in learning science. We also highlight common pitfalls and ways to make sure your training is clear, effective, and humane.

Building a solid foundation isn’t just about obedience. It’s about creating consistency, trust, and structure so that your dog feels confident in their environment and understands what’s expected. Foundational skills can reduce stress, improve responsiveness, and help prevent future behaviour issues.

Whether you’re raising a puppy or working with an adult dog, revisiting basic training concepts can be an important part of making progress. Even experienced dogs benefit from refreshing these skills, especially when transitioning to new environments or routines.

At Belle & Bark, we believe that good training starts with meeting your dog where they are. The strategies and examples in this tag reflect our focus on clear communication, kindness, and respect. Explore the posts below to strengthen your foundation and help your dog succeed with confidence and clarity.

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What to teach your puppy: A guide for new dog parents

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but knowing where to start with training can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll cover the first three things every new dog parent should teach their puppy: name recognition, engagement, and handling exercises. These foundations will help set your pup up for success and make future training much easier. Read on to learn how to get started!

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