Class News: Want to Have a Well-Behaved Dog?

Want to have a well-behaved dog? Start with the skills you're most likely to overlook.

Basic dog training skills, such as sit, down, and stay, are essential—but the way we train them carries even greater significance. If you want long-term success, the most important skills to master are the microskills.

Microskills help you communicate effectively with your dog. Let’s face it: your dog can graduate from class, but behavior problems can still arise at different life stages. That’s because dogs are constantly changing—and adapting to the changes we present. When you understand the skills that make up training, you can stay ahead of the problems that come up.

For example, instead of just luring your dog with a treat, you’ll learn about hand positions, the speed of your lure, and how to turn a lure into a cue.

You’ll discover that treats aren’t for every part of training—and you’ll learn when to use treats, toys, and praise most effectively.

Microskills also show you that play is training. Play and exercise become part of your training and communication routine, teaching your dog when to bring a toy to you, tug, let go, and take a toy only on cue.

Ready to learn these skills—and more?

The key to microskills is that they’re tailored to your dog and your specific goals. The skills that align with your goals are the ones we’ll focus on.

I’m excited to share that the Manners Program at MJ’s Pet Training Academy now features multiple levels with new elements—including a focus on microskills.

Starting Monday, 7/21/25, new skills and games will be added to the class curriculum.

If you’ve attended the Foundations class in the past, you’ve already been using many of these skills—but now, we’re going even deeper into the ones that matter most to you.

We’re currently accepting new students into this class.

When: Mondays at 6:00 PM
Package: Six classes for $165

Before you sign up, I have one request: Please bring a notebook or create a document on your phone to track your skills. We’re creating a custom plan for your dog—together.

This class is ideal for new students, and graduates are always welcome to return and refresh their skills.

See you Monday!
– MJ