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Foundations of Dog Training: Mastering Microskills

This 3-week live workshop tackles the common frustrations of dog training by teaching you easy, positive reinforcement techniques that actually work.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by your dog's behavior, struggled to get them to listen, or felt unsure about the best way to train, this workshop is for you. Led by expert trainer Melissa Viera, you'll gain practical, effective skills to encourage good behavior while building a strong, trusting bond with your dog.

Created by Melissa Viera

Last Updated: 2026

Workshop Schedule:

WEEK 1:  INTRODUCTION TO DOG TRAINING - December 03, 2024 At 8:00 PM Eastern Time (5:00 PM PST)

WEEK 2:  ADVANCING TECHNIQUES - December 10, 2024 At 8:00 PM Eastern Time (5:00 PM PST)

WEEK 3:  PUTTING SKILLS INTO PRACTICE - December 17, 2024 At 8:00 PM Eastern Time (5:00 PM PST)

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This course includes:

  • 3 Weeks Live Session (90 minutes  once a week on-demand dog  training )
  • 3 lessons
  • Assignments
  • Access on mobile
  • Lifetime Access
  • Certificate of Completion

about

Foundations of Dog Training: Mastering Microskills, led by Melissa Viera, is your guide to learning the basics of positive reinforcement training. Over three weeks, you’ll work through essential training steps, like using food and toys as rewards and teaching key action cues.

Struggling with...

Getting your dog to listen consistently?
Feeling frustrated when bad habits, like jumping or pulling on the leash, just won’t stop?
Wanting to train but not knowing where to start or how to make it fun for both of you?

This workshop breaks down dog training into simple, actionable steps that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. From using treats and toys effectively to teaching basic cues, you’ll learn to communicate clearly with your dog and finally see the progress you’ve been hoping for.

What you'll learn

Week One: INTRODUCTION TO DOG TRAINING

  • Introduction to basic dog training and why it works.
  • How to use toys to support their good behavior.
  • HOMEWORK: Practice using three different action cues.
  • Simple ways to motivate your dog with rewards.
  • Clear methods to help your dog understand commands.

Week TWO: ADVANCING TECHNIQUES

  • Helping your dog focus and move while using the‘Follow’ and ‘Target’ technique.
  • Working on key behaviors like ‘‘Touch,’ ‘Step Up,’ and ‘Place.’
  • A fun activity to practice obedience and patience using the ‘The Bowl Game’.

WEEK THREE: PUTTING SKILLS INTO PRACTICE

  • Applying the skills you’ve learned in everyday situations.
  • Setting the foundationfor future skills and advanced training.

Who Should Attend

This workshop is perfect for dog owners who:

  • Are new to training and want a solid start with positive methods.
  • Need help with common behavior problems in a simple and positive way.
  • Want to strengthen their bond with their dog through structured training.
  • Plan to take more advanced training and want to make sure their dog has mastered the basics.

WHAT THEY SAY

LESSONS

Course Content

  • 4:30:00
  • 3 lessons

Welcome + Event Checklist

I: Welcome
II: Pre-Event Checklist

Workshop Agenda

  • Week One: Introduction to Dog Training
    • Discover the foundation of successful dog training with simple, actionable steps. This week is perfect if you’ve struggled with getting your dog to listen or follow through on commands. You’ll learn:
      • How to use motivation effectively: Understand what drives your dog—whether it’s treats, toys, or praise—and use it to encourage good behavior.
      • Reward-based training techniques: Create positive associations with actions, making training feel like a fun game for both you and your dog.
      • Clear communication strategies: Learn how to give commands in a way your dog understands, eliminating frustration for you both.
        Step-by-step "sit" command practice: Master one of the most essential skills using multiple cues to ensure your dog responds in different settings.
  • Week Two: Advancing Techniques
    • Take your training to the next level by building on the basics. This week introduces more challenging skills and techniques to improve your dog's focus, patience, and obedience. You’ll learn:
      • ‘Follow’ and ‘Target’ skills: Keep your dog engaged and attentive, even in distracting environments.
      • ‘The Bowl Game’ for obedience and patience: A fun and practical exercise that teaches impulse control and helps reduce overexcited behaviors.
      • Reinforcing advanced behaviors: Teach your dog essential skills like:
        • ‘Touch’ – Build trust and responsiveness through physical interaction.
          ‘Step Up’ – Prepare your dog for cooperative care, such as vet visits or grooming.
        • ‘Place’ – Train your dog to stay calm and relaxed in a designated area, perfect for mealtime or guests.
  • Week Three: Putting Skills into Practice
    • Turn training into second nature for both you and your dog by applying everything you’ve learned in real-life scenarios. This week helps you move beyond controlled settings, preparing you for advanced training and day-to-day success. You’ll focus on:
      • Real-world applications: Use your skills during walks, greetings, and other daily activities to make life with your dog more enjoyable.
      • Strengthening consistency: Ensure your dog reliably responds to commands, even when distractions are present.
      • Setting the stage for advanced training: Lay the groundwork for future goals like agility, cooperative care, or off-leash reliability.

Bonus Resources

I. $20 Off Discount for Summit Premium Pass

INSTRUCTOR

  • 5+ instructor rating

Melissa Viera

Dog Trainer & Training Demonstrator

Melissa Viera, founder of MJ's Pet Training Academy, LLC, has offered dog training and grooming since 2013. Known for her positive, skill-focused methods and unique Trickovation program, she helps dogs learn everything from manners to scent work through engaging sessions. An active voice in the pet industry, Melissa writes for "Groomer to Groomer Magazine," is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), an AKC evaluator, and a member of APDT.

REVIEWS

Student feedback

Great to listen to these speakers!! I Have been feeding my two boston terriers raw (prey model) for years so I am even more convinced now... nobody believes they are their age: 10 and 11! they are never ill and bouncy and lively. Great job you are doing promoting proper food.

Boston terrier de France and boston terrier en suisse romande facebook groups.

Diane Zoelly

I have enjoyed so many things from this 4 day summit that I cannot chose just one! It has been an outstanding panel of presenters with so much compassion & knowledge! I didn’t want it to end! Absolutely everyone who is a pet parent should take time to enjoy this valuable information as well as our conventional vets whom could respectfully gain an increase in knowledge to benefit their patients & families. So much needs to change to provide a better quality of life for our aging pets!
Amanda Gordon

Dr. Christian Vergara had a amazing presentation and I would love to hear more. I will definitely be visiting his website. (raw diet and gut-neuro & gut-endocrine connections have been my focus in caring for my dog) Thank you for presenting on PetSummit! Because of his presentation I will be subscribing to the premier pass.

Kasie Maxwell Grujcic presentation was also a highlight for me as I have a thriving 14 year old rescue dog (raw diet) and it was great to learn more on how to continue to support him.

I have been following Dr. Katie Woodley, Dr. Judy Morgan, Dr. Nick Thompson, and
Dr. Conor Brady for sometime and always enjoy listening and learning.

Very importantly, I appreciate all the other presenters and am grateful they are willing to share their knowledge.

For the animals-
I owe them everything
They owe me nothing
- Izzy

,

Izzy Mielikki

All of it totally mindblowing My doggie friends
Barbara barnes

I have loved the information in this summit. Thank you all for supporting the health of my fur babies.

Edwina Lamont

Pamela MARELIC
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