The Puppy Training Framework

Ian Shivers • August 15, 2025

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I understand why obedience is so attractive.

Building the Best Start for Life

When it comes to raising a happy, healthy, and well-behaved dog, early training isn’t just important—it’s essential. The habits, skills, and emotional resilience your puppy develops now will shape the rest of their life.

Here’s our step-by-step framework for setting your puppy (and you) up for success.

✔ ASSESS – Understanding You, Your Puppy, and Your Goals

Before we teach your puppy anything, we need to understand the full picture.


  • What’s your lifestyle like?


  • What are your goals for your dog?


  • What challenges are you facing now?


  • What breed is your pup and what are their needs?



  • What personality type has your pup got? Are they bold and resilient or are they shy and sensitive?


This first step ensures that we start with a clear understanding of your unique situation and your puppy’s personality.

✔ CREATE THE TAILORED PLAN – No Two Puppies Are the Same

Every puppy has their own needs, and every family has their own goals. We design a personalised training plan just for you.

Here’s what that plan includes:

1. Education for You

After assessing, we explain why the plan is designed the way it is, so you’re confident in the process. When you understand the reasoning, you’re far more likely to stay committed and see success.

2. Stress Relief & Recovery

A stressed puppy can’t learn effectively. Many unwanted behaviours come from emotional strain, not “naughtiness.”


We prioritise helping your puppy feel calm, safe, and regulated—because healthy emotions create better behaviour than obedience drills alone ever could.

✔ IMPLEMENT THE FIVE PILLARS – The Framework Within the Framework

✔ GROWTH & PROGRESSION – Taking Things to the Next Level

As stress decreases, resilience increases, and your communication improves, you’ll be ready to take on more challenging skills and experiences together.

✔ ONGOING ASSESSMENT, ADJUSTMENT & IMPROVEMENT – Progress Over Perfection

Life changes. Puppies grow. Setbacks happen. We continually review and adapt the plan so it always works for you and your dog.

Final Thoughts

Puppy training isn’t about drilling commands—it’s about building a strong relationship, creating emotional stability, setting them up to succeed and giving your dog the skills to thrive in our human world. This framework keeps you focused on what matters most, every step of the way.


If you want support in creating the life you want to live with your pup then reach out because we have a couple of options for you.

These five areas, when fulfilled, create the life you and your dog dream of.

  1. Communication & Handling Skills
    Learn how to communicate, train, and handle your puppy with confidence—building trust and mutual understanding.
  2. Enrichment
    Discover what your puppy finds truly satisfying and how to weave it into daily life, ensuring they are mentally and emotionally fulfilled.
  3. Exercise
    Provide the right type and amount for your puppy’s needs. Avoid over-exercise, compulsion, or addictive patterns—keeping mental and emotional health front and centre.
  4. Healthy Feeding Routines
    While we don’t give nutritional advice, we teach how to use mealtimes to create predictable patterns that support emotional regulation.
  5. Sleep & Rest
    Puppies need a minimum 16–18 hours of sleep daily (depending on the individual), with deep, restorative rest. Without it, they can’t be at their best—mentally, emotionally, or behaviourally.


I understand why obedience is so attractive.

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