Three skills. One progression. A dog who’s engaged, driven, and a genuine partner.
The Three Pillars
This program builds three functional skills that matter in real life — not tricks, not games for their own sake. Each one builds on the last.
Phase 1: Structured Tug
The foundation for everything. Tug is where you build drive, focus, handler engagement, and the out command. Every skill that follows depends on what you build here.
Phase 2: Outdoor Fetch
Drive meets purpose. Take the engagement and rules from tug and channel them into a real exercise outlet — reliable retrieve, return, and out in the real world.
Phase 3: Loose Lead Walking
Communication on the move. All that engagement and handler focus transfers to the leash. Walks become a conversation, not a battle.
How This Works
One phase at a time. You advance when Melon’s ready, not when the calendar says so. Each stage has clear criteria — observable behaviors that tell you it’s time to move on.
Sessions are short. 5-10 minutes of focused work beats 30 minutes of aimless repetition. You’re building habits, not endurance.
Obedience is woven in. Sit to start the game. Down to earn the next rep. Out to end the round. She learns structure through play, not separate drill sessions.
Every session has an escape route. When things fall apart — and they will — you have a rescue protocol that gets you back on track and ends on a win.
Before You Start
- Program Overview — The full philosophy, progression map, what you need, and how sessions work
- Session Blueprint — How every session is structured, warm-up to cool-down
- Marker System — YES, GOOD, and Break — the language you and Melon share
- Session Rescue — What to do when it all goes sideways
Quick Reference
- What should I train today? Whatever phase you’re in. Check the hub page for your current stage.
- How do I know when to advance? Each stage lists specific “ready to move on” criteria. Hit them consistently, then advance.
- It fell apart mid-session. Go to Session Rescue. Find your scenario. Follow the protocol.
- I missed a few days. Drop back one stage from where you were. Rebuild for 2-3 sessions. Then resume.
The plan is built. Your job is to show up, keep it short, and end on a win.