4 Pawz Forward Foundation Training Program
Duration: 8 weeks | Age: Puppies 8+ weeks | Base Rate: 1,700
Every dog and family is different. Our Foundation Training Program is designed to build the core skills dogs need to succeed in everyday life while allowing the training plan to adapt to your dog’s personality, learning pace, and your household goals.
Using science-based, positive training methods, we focus on teaching dogs how to make good choices, stay engaged with their owners, and respond reliably to cues. At the same time, we coach pet parents so they feel confident continuing training long after the program ends.
Rather than following a rigid checklist, sessions are structured around the skills that will help your dog succeed most in daily life.
Program Overview
Initial Consultation & Training Plan
We begin with a private consultation to learn about your dog, your goals, and your daily routines.
During this session we will:
- Assess your dog’s current behavior and training level
- Identify challenges and priorities
- Create a training plan tailored to your dog and household
This allows the program to focus on what will make the biggest difference in your everyday life.
Flexible Weekly Sessions
Over the following weeks we work together to build foundational skills and apply them in real-life situations.
Sessions may take place:
- In your home
- In your neighborhood
- In public environments
- In other real-world training locations
Training progresses at a pace that allows both the dog and owner to fully understand each skill before moving forward.
Core Skills We Focus On
While every program is customized, most dogs will learn a set of foundation behaviors that make daily life easier.
These may include:
Attention & Engagement
- Name response
- Checking in with their handler
- Staying focused around distractions
Recall
- Coming when called
- Building motivation to return to their owner
Impulse Control
- Leave it
- Drop it
- Waiting and making calm choices
Calm Behavior
- Settling in the home
- Relaxing around activity or guests
Targeting
- Hand targeting
- Using targets to guide movement and focus
These skills help dogs build self-control, confidence, and reliability in everyday situations.
Real-Life Application
As your dog progresses, we begin practicing these skills in environments with more distractions.
This may include:
- Neighborhood walks
- Parks
- Pet-friendly stores
- Outdoor public spaces
- Everyday household situations
The goal is to ensure your dog can respond to cues and make good choices outside of structured training sessions.
Client Coaching: Teaching the Humans Too
Training works best when owners feel confident using the skills with their dog.
Throughout the program you will learn:
- How to clearly communicate with your dog
- How to reinforce good choices at the right time
- How to manage distractions and challenges
- How to incorporate training into daily routines
This coaching ensures your dog listens to you, not just the trainer.
After the Program
After completing the program, you will have access to our reinforcement sessions.
These sessions help strengthen and maintain the skills learned during training and are a great option for clients with busy schedules who want continued support and consistency.
Why It Matters
Strong foundation skills make life easier for both dogs and their families. By focusing on engagement, impulse control, and real-life practice, this program helps dogs learn how to make better choices and navigate the world with confidence.
With 4 Pawz Forward’s supportive, positive approach, you’ll gain the tools needed to guide your dog through everyday life — creating a calmer, more enjoyable partnership.