Basic Course 2 – The Adolescent Phase

Stay connected with your dog, even when everything else is more interesting.

At home, your dog comes as soon as you call. Outside? There’s another dog to watch, an irresistible scent to follow or a leaf fluttering past. And suddenly it’s as if they’ve got bananas in their ears! Sound familiar? Adolescence is a great time to learn together. In Basic Course 2, you’ll try new exercises you can put to use straight away, both at home and out on walks.

Turn everyday challenges into chances to practise

Imagine calling your dog back and having them sit right beside you, ready for you to clip on the lead. Or being able to walk on calmly together when another dog passes. We’ll practise these moments step by step. You’ll learn new ways to guide your dog at home, make recall more fun, practise polite greetings without jumping up and work on short stretches at heel for times when you need your dog close by.

We’ll also take impulse control and self-control to the next level. Letting a moving object pass or leaving food on the ground can be much harder outdoors than at home. You’ll learn how to build up these challenges and help your dog when the distractions are still too much. We use a 5-metre lead so your dog has room to move and you can guide them when needed.

Personal guidance in real-life situations

We train at DogTalk and at our outdoor locations. You’ll see how a familiar exercise can feel different on a walking path or with other dogs nearby. Your trainer will help you find the right next step for your dog. We’ll also work on the things you’d like to improve together, so you leave each lesson knowing what to practise next.

Learn to recognise when play is really play

How can you tell if both dogs are having fun? What are the rules of dog play, and how do you spot when one dog has had enough? In the online masterclass How Dogs Play, we look at real examples so you can recognise when play is going well and know when and how to step in. You can watch the masterclass at your own pace.

In the DogTalk Academy, you’ll also find in-depth modules on adolescence, step-by-step exercise instructions and practical tips for home. During the online Q&A, we’ll go into more detail on the questions you send us in advance.

Ready to learn something new together and get more out of your walks? Choose your start date and join us for Basic Course 2.