Name, recall, crate, calm around people and other dogs. No birds and no pressure. You are building trust and a dog that likes working with you.
Step 1 of 6
Between 8 and 16 weeks the pup builds patterns that shape confidence and learning under pressure.
Step 1 builds trust, predictable routines, name recognition, early recall, crate comfort and calm behavior.
Avoid birds and pressure here. Emotional stability and engagement with the handler come first.
Quick answers for this step and how it fits the 90 day starter plan.
Keep them short. One to three minutes is enough at first. The goal is clean repetitions and a pup that wants more.
Start immediately with name recognition and tiny distances in low distraction areas. Build success before you add distance or pressure.
It is one of the best tools for emotional stability, travel, and recovery between sessions. Introduce it as a safe place, never as punishment.
No. Step 1 is about trust, calm routines, and foundational habits. Bird work comes later, after the dog is stable and engaged with you.
It turns the foundation into a weekly schedule with exact repetitions, progression gates, and field sessions so you always know what to do next.