AKC Virtual Home Manners & Training Foundations
12-Week Virtual Course
TAUGHT BY? Lauren Tsao, MS, CDBC, CPDT-KA, CTDI
CLASS START DATE AND TIME? First Live Class: Friday, May 2nd, 2025 at 7pm-8pm central time
Live Zoom classes will run every Friday at 7pm central time for 12 weeks - except the week of July 4th. We will pick back up after the holiday. Graduation day/final live class will be July 25th, 2025.
LOCATION? Virtual over Zoom - anyone can attend anywhere in the world!
COST? $60 for DIY self-study (no live classes or instructor feedback, but you will get the Zoom class recordings.)
$100 for full student: post videos for instructor feedback and attend twelve 1-hour live Zoom group classes as scheduled. (There are no make-ups or refunds for missing the live classes, as you will have access to the class recordings.)
Both options come with an optional free AKC Virtual Home Manners Assessment (Puppy or Adult - your choice).
Self-study students are unlimited and can enroll after class has started.
Full students must be enrolled before May 1st, 2025 and full enrollment is limited to12 spots.
PRE-REQUISITES? Dogs must be at least 8 weeks or older. Owners must be 18+ years old. Because this class is virtual, reactive or timid dogs who are not owner-handling reactive or food aggressive towards their owner, are welcome to join us!
PLEASE NOTE: This class is for healthy dogs with no significant untreated injuries or conditions that could impact performing sits, downs, stays, up/downs, walking/running, etc. comfortably, illnesses, or healing from recent surgeries (including spay/neuter. Plan your live class attendance and practice around the vet-recommended healing period). Puppies and senior dogs may join us with modifications made to match their physical needs.
Contact us directly here if you aren’t sure if your dog is a good match for this virtual course.
Virtual Home Manners Course Modules & Taught Skills
Positive reinforcement based training basics and foundation skills for dog and owner
Nose touch
Sit on cue
Down on cue
Stay on cue
Simple tricks like spin, figure 8’s between owner’s legs, and 2 paws on/off
Place (also known as “Go to Mat/Platform”) and/or Go To Crate on cue
Building independence and calm when behind a barrier/in crate (We will not cover this to the level of separation anxiety treatment.)
Come when called (recall training) basics
Brief overview of house training for puppies (We will not cover dogs with potty training regression or adult dogs.)
Accepting petting and brushing from owner
Calm behavior when hearing a knock at the door or doorbell
Manners around food
Leashing up
Loose leash walking basics
Enrichment ideas
Heavy focus on building a strong relationship and bond with your dog throughout class
And more!
How Does This Virtual Thing Work?
How this virtual course works and what it comes with:
You will have access to all course content virtually. You will receive detailed pre-recorded example videos that demonstrate proper form for each exercise, and comprehensive instructional videos on how to train your dog in the skills. All videos have captions to make the course more accessible. Additionally, an audio option is available for all written content, so you can listen to your lessons each week instead of reading.
Learn at your own pace by following the class recordings or attend live Zoom group classes with your instructor.
At the end of the course, you and your dog can optionally be virtually assessed to determine if your dog has learned the skills well enough to achieve their AKC Virtual Home Manners title (Adult or Puppy version).
Required Items For Class:
Are you ready for class? Plan ahead and order your items in advance so you're well-prepared when class begins.
Our equipment list (below) outlines when each item is needed, so you can create a purchase plan that works for you.
Regular well-fitted collar or Balance Harness (Needed by module #1.)
Regular 5 to 6-foot leash - no retractable/bungee leashes allowed. (Needed by module #1.)
High-Value Treats (we recommend CloudStar Chewy Tricky Trainers or Sojo’s Simply Treats) (Needed by module #1.)
A grooming brush appropriate for your dog’s fur type.
Training platform or dog bed of some type that your dog can stand/lay on on safely and comfortably. (You can use Klimb or CATO brand or a dog bed.)
A long line (preferred 20ft in length, at least 15ft.)
Two of the same dog toy your dog will pick up or shows interest in. (Needed by module #4.)
Dog toys, like balls, disc, stuffed toys, etc.
A piece of scrap wood for simulating door knocks
Dog food bowl
Treat pouch
*Note: This class is taught using positive reinforcement-based methods. For safety, no prong/pinch collars, choke chains/slip leads, or e-collars (stim/shock) will be allowed in class or on the Virtual Home Manners assessment. Dogs should have either a regular collar or a well-fitted harness that does not restrict movement.
About Your Trainer:
Lauren Tsao has years of professional hands-on experience working with a variety of dog training cases from puppy training to dog aggression using positive reinforcement-based training methods to get results and foster desirable behavioral changes. Lauren has a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare, which she applies to her work with animals and their owners. Additionally, she’s a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), AKC Canine Good Citizenship Evaluator, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), AKC Fit Dog Instructor, and Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI). She was voted Mississippi’s #1 Positive Dog Trainer by SniffSpot in 2022 and 2023. Read more about her here.
