Welcome to the AKC Virtual Home Manners & Foundations Course!

Welcome to the Virtual Home Manners & Foundations course!

We’re so glad you’re here. This course is designed to help you build real-life manners and a strong relationship with your dog using positive reinforcement-based training. Whether your dog is a brand-new puppy or an adult who needs a fresh start, you’re in the right place.

What to Expect

This course is 12 weeks long, and each week includes:

  • A short video (1–10 minutes)

  • Written instructions and teaching tips

  • Goals, troubleshooting advice, and practice ideas

  • A recap to help you stay on track

You’ll get new material each week, but feel free to go at your own pace. There is no “behind” here. Just progress at a speed that works for you and your dog.

Who This Course Is For

This course was made with you in mind if:

  • You’re new to dog training

  • You want a positive, kind approach

  • You would rather train at home or on your own

  • You care more about connection than perfection

What You'll Learn

By the end of this course, your dog will know:

  • Basic manners like Sit, Down, Stay, Come, and Place

  • How to walk politely on a leash

  • How to stay calm around food and doors

  • Fun tricks like Spin and Figure 8s

  • How to be calm in a crate or behind a gate

You’ll also learn how to:

  • Communicate clearly with your dog using a marker word or clicker

  • Reinforce behaviors with food, toys, or life rewards

  • Prevent common training mistakes with simple routines

  • Prepare to submit your AKC Virtual Home Manners title (optional!)

A Note on Positive Reinforcement

In this course, we use positive reinforcement-based training. That means rewarding the behaviors we want and avoiding punishment and correction. It works for every dog, and it strengthens your bond in the process.

Let’s get started!

Download AKC Home Manners Checklist