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Free Dog Detox Summit (May 18–22)

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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

I have learned so much by listening to as many of the talks from day 1. But while listening to Dr. P.J. Broadfoot which was another excellent talk, I cannot get onto her website from her talk or just putting in Dr.PJB.com ........help..... I have sent the Pet summits information to all my pet friends.
Sonja Saavedra

Sensory integration disorders was my favourite lecture so far - so reassuring to know that thinking my dog is on the autism spectrum is validated. I could relate all symptoms she has to the speaker's case study. Also important learning my anxiety about my dogs anxiety is confirming for my dog that she is right to be anxious - I must break this cycle

All of my vet colleagues - and have forwarded invites

Carolyn Joy Lewis

Really appreciated the longevity changes discussed as well as in depth information on how the micro biome affects the entire body and assuages disease and imbalance as it empowers the body to heal. Every Allopathic veterinarian and Vet technician as well as all pet parents who are their companion animals strongest advocate. 🥰
Suzanne OBrien

As a canine remedial therapist and owner of senior dogs I need this information to navigate their senior years which have been impacted by previous diets and lifestyles. Also to point my clients in the right direction. This information is not readily available from our local vets. Great to hear products being recommended too, by people who really know what they are talking about. My vet would never recommend many of these so now I can have confidence in purchasing treatments for diarrohea and probiotics etc. Thankyou so, so much. All dog owners who want a longer lived, happier dog. Anyone working with dog behaviour also really needs to understand this stuff.
Robyn Larson-Shelton

Really have enjoyed day 1 with some excellent speakers and love the format , also thank you for asking some very engaging questions !

It was recommended by our behavioural folks here in calgary Alberta Canada and as a volunteer and fostering dogs it’s a great resource, it should be a must for all volunteers at the shelters ! Great info , great format , great speakers

Craig Jones
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