Bonding and foundational obedience
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.
Frequently asked questions
How long should puppy training sessions be?
Keep them short. One to three minutes is enough at first. The goal is clean repetitions and a pup that wants more.
When do I start recall?
Start immediately with name recognition and tiny distances in low distraction areas. Build success before you add distance or pressure.
Is crate training required for a future bird dog?
It is one of the best tools for emotional stability, travel, and recovery between sessions. Introduce it as a safe place, never as punishment.
Should I introduce birds in Step 1?
No. Step 1 is about trust, calm routines, and foundational habits. Bird work comes later, after the dog is stable and engaged with you.
What does the 90 day starter plan add beyond this topic?
It turns the foundation into a weekly schedule with exact repetitions, progression gates, and field sessions so you always know what to do next.
Keep building the foundation
Follow the topics in order and move forward only when the current step feels calm and repeatable.
View the full 90 day starter plan