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A New Approach to Dog Training That Both Dogs and Owners Love

dog training to build a strong bond and better behavior.

Last Updated: July 2023

Last updated: July 2026

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Over the years, dog training techniques have begun to evolve in a very positive manner. Now it’s time to take that evolution one step further!

First, I think it's great that there are a lot more people making the transition from yank and crank training (an awful way to train a canine) to a more gentle dog training approach.

(See how I've trained over 88,000 dogs with gentle techniques here!)

So, with my clients, I always stress the importance of not forcing the dog to change, which often means making the switch from shock collars and screaming to a more natural and gentle dog training method that appeals to the dog's natural instincts.

And it’s so nice to see that people are catching on and are realizing that this new approach to dog training works.

So, if you’re following a familiar training method, great work!

If not, you may be wondering why I’m so passionate about sharing my approach to dog training with the world.

That’s an easy question to answer.

Here are a few reasons I believe people should begin taking a gentler approach to dog training…

1. My Dog Training Methods Are Enjoyable for Both Humans and Dogs

Dog enjoying his training

Training a dog shouldn’t feel like a chore! It should be an enjoyable experience that’s fun for both you and the dog you’re working with.

Think about it…would your dog rather be forced to comply or have a good time with his human whom they have a great bond with?

The answer is having a good time, of course!

That’s why my dog training methods are rooted in dog psychology. You see, when you approach training from a dog's point of view, you can create that bond quickly, and it makes the entire process a lot easier and much more fun!

Plus, the dog then wants to please you!

Put another way, tapping into a dog's brain allows you to communicate more effectively and make a connection super quick.

That’s right…you can actually learn to connect quickly with any dog! (not just your own)

And once you learn to do that, this new-found method of communication opens up the door for you to calmly and gently change a dog's behavior.

This means that things like shock collars, screaming, and smacking your dog are no longer necessary to stop unwanted behaviors.

On top of being able to remove these harsh disciplinary tools from your training routine, being able to communicate like a dog also takes the forcefulness out of training.

Eventually your dog will choose to listen to you and not simply obey to avoid a negative consequence!

2. Time Is on Your Side While Using My Dog Training Techniques

Training dog requires time

We live in a world where people expect immediate results and instant gratification.

Unfortunately, when training dogs, instant results aren’t always going to happen.

That is just a fact.

Changes in behavior takes time. Have you ever tried to stop eating cakes and sweet stuff or stop watching movies past your bedtime?

It’s the same for dogs. Bad habits can take a while to break!

And also, just like humans, no two dogs are alike. So, some may be ready to learn a new behavior whilst others need a little more time and assistance to catch on to something.

For example, it’s possible that with my techniques, you’ll be able to get Sparky to come every time you call him at the park within an hour. But getting Sparky to come every single time you call him when he is chasing another dog might not happen for a few days or even weeks.

Like anything in life worth achieving, you have to build up to it.

And once you understand that training does take time, it’s takes a lot of pressure off both you and the dog you are training. Phew!

Here’s the most beautiful thing ā€“ as long as you put the training in place and are consistent with it, it will work. How awesome is that?

So, if you’re a dog trainer, this means that the success of training a dog is just as much the dog owner's responsibility as it is your responsibility. This takes a huge load off your plate, don’t you agree?

I see it as a bit like raising kids…you can send your kids to school, but ultimately, it’s the parents who really need to be setting the bar at home.

And as long as you, as a pet owner, or a client of yours implements my training techniques, you will find success…even if it takes a few weeks, which is nothing over the lifetime of a dog.

3. My Dog Training Methods Allow You to Train for a Lifetime

Training with Doggy Dan is a lifetime guarantee

There are a lot of industries in which you much constantly relearn information or attend classes and seminars to keep up with the latest trends.

This requires a lot of work, energy, and effort on your part. Boring!

Thankfully, this isn’t true with my dog training methods.

Go through my Dog Trainer Academy program once, and you’ll have all the skills you need to successfully train dogs for a lifetime.

How is this possible? Great question.

You can learn everything you need to know about training dogs in just a few months with my program because my training methods are based in dog psychology. They explain how to get inside your dog’s brain so he will choose to listen and calm down.

And here’s the awesome part ā€“ how a dog's brain works isn’t going to change anytime soon!.

For that reason, once you know how to effectively connect and communicate with a pup, you’ll be able to do it for a lifetime!

That said, it’s not a bad idea to take an additional dog training class every so often to brush up on your skills and ask questions. You can always learn something new.

But I promise, with this program, you’ll never feel the pressure of constantly having to attend a class or learn new skills.

4. My Approach to Dog Training Is 100% Transparent

Transparency is always the policy with Doggy Dan

When it comes to training a dog, it’s so important that both the dog owner and the dog trainer work together.

This seems like a logical thing, but you’d be surprised how many people are ok with shipping their dog off to a trainer's facility where the pups are trained behind closed doors.

It’s actually quite scary…especially for the dog that’s being handed off to a complete stranger.

Aside from the anxiety the dog may feel from being taken out of his home and put into the hands of strangers, this is a major problem for two reasons.

First of all, it's easy for people to become frustrated with a dog and feel forced into using training methods that are harsh and abusive behind closed doors to get fast results at any cost, regardless of how the dog feels or is treated.

Yelling, using bodily force, and shocking dogs with shock collars are just a few methods that are commonly used to force a dog to submit and obey. Not good.

If more pet owners saw it happening in front of their faces, there would be a lot of dog trainers suddenly going out of business.

Second, if training is done in private with a trainer (regardless of how kind and gentle the training techniques are), the owner is never going to learn how to properly work with their dog. Also, no good.

Because training a dog starts with educating the dog owner, shipping a dog off to be trained is very rarely the most effective way to train a dog.

I understand the importance of owner involvement, which is why I’m 100% transparent every time I work with a dog.

(In some very extreme cases, there is reason to work with a dog first away from their owners, but in the vast majority of cases, it’s not necessary)

This means I go to the home of pet owners instead of pet owners sending their dogs to me. This also helps to develop owner responsibility for his or her own dog rather than blaming the dog!

I ensure that the owner of the dog I’m working with is present for every consult I do so I can teach the dog owner how to interact with his or her pet.

And, I’ve never worked with a dog behind closed doors yet!

I believe it’s so important that pet owners know exactly what I am doing with their dog during the training process.

Over the last two years, my team and I have been putting together the most amazing training course that will show you a new approach to gentle dog training.

There really is no other program like it!

I won’t go into too much detail now, but just imagine that you could watch me at work as I implement these new training methods, ask me any questions, and be given the necessary help and advice to set up a successful dog training business from scratch.

Are you interested?

Awesome!

All you have to do is CLICK HERE to get the information you need…

…and then stand by as I’ll be in touch soon – with what it’s all about and how you can take YOUR next step.

If you're still at the point where you're just looking to put a solid training foundation in place for yourself, I encourage you to instead check out my program The Dog Calming Code here! Or, if you have a puppy my Puppy Coach training program is a great place to start!

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~Doggy Dan šŸ™‚

Gentle journey for your puppy.

Doggy Dan

Doggy Dan stands out through his “five golden rules” that focus on canine psychology rather than repetitive drills or force. Unlike traditional trainers, he teaches owners to become the “calm leader” their dogs need. Over the last two decades, his methods have helped transform over 125,000 dogs worldwide. As the founder of TheOnlineDogTrainer.com blog and podcast and creator of the Dog Calming Codeā„¢, he has become a trusted voice in dog psychology and training. His philosophy is simple: reactive dogs don’t need punishment or endless treats. They need a leader they can trust.

8 Responses

  1. The video was great. It may me realize a few steps I should be taking. I went through the dog calming code and was consistently doing it. However , at bed time I do call him up to join me. Figuring since I’m asking and he’s not assuming. However, if I didn’t ask him to join me, I wonder if he would still come up???? My guess is yes. Hmmm. I may need to start creating him at night? He does bark on walks so maybe there is a correlation

    1. Yes get him off the bed as it’s sending mixed messages. Also, he’ll be invading your space when you’re asleep. Pats and cuddles are on your terms

  2. Absolutely wonderful read! Although it is just a preview of your work I must admit that you know your stuff.

    I wish more dog owners realized that the only way you can train and teach your dog is through positive action full of patience and love.

    1. Hi Mary, thanks, I must admit that the more I spend time with the dogs the more I start to see just how much they can sense and tell about us, our intentions, if we are frustrated or patient and full of love. Learning to win the hearts and minds of dogs sure is an interesting journey! All the best Dan

    1. Hi Margaret, I’m sure if you put in place the simple foundation I explain at http://theonlinedogtrainer.com you will be able to stop the jumping. Its one of the easiest issues to stop. The training part to stopping jumping is usually as simple as putting the dog in timeout when they jump. If this does not work on its own then the chances are you don’t have a solid enough foundation. Best, Dan

  3. Hi Dan, the video was very good! I would like to know what to do when both dogs try to dominate and neither is backing down? Thank you. Love your training methods! Terri

    1. Hi Terri, in this situation you need to calmly separate them and keep them apart until they have relaxed. Often walking them together will help them calm down…it gets them on the same team and removes a lot of excess energy. The main thing to deal with the cause of the issue is to ensure that they know that the humans are the pack leaders in the home. When you get this bit right things calm right down. Two dogs fighting in the home is not an issue that you are going to solve with food rewards in my opinion. Its not a training issue as much as a hierarchy issue and a leadership issue. So by taking that top spot (and any other humans taking all the top spots you push the dogs down the pecking order and there is far less to fight about!) Have you ever noticed that nobody ever argues about who came 14th and 15th in a running race? Its only who came first that people really argue about! Hope that helps… Becoming the pack leader is the foundation of my training method and is all covered off inside http://theonlinedogtrainer.com Regards Doggy Dan

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Two months ago I adopted a 7 year old Morkie, a very nervous but loving little fellow. I tried several different training techniques and even purchased a program that was lengthy and very time consuming before I discovered Doggy Dan. I've been using his program for two weeks and am astounded by the change in my Dexter. He is calmer, more obedient and friendlier to others than I imagined possible. Dan's training is concise. It differs from others I found, Dan trains you to become the leader of your pack through a dog's perspective. I like that the training is specific yet compassionate. This is a program that works if you are consistent. Thanks Doggy Dan!
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Kathy Fore
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Susie in the UK. I am only 10 days in but took in a 9 yr old emergency rescue from Romania who had been in kennels for 6 years and then had 3 failed foster placements in the UK. Luca is a big powerful mixed breed with huge stress and anxiety and very reactive, he bounded into my home and took over - aggressive with my 2 others, and visitors and pulling and pushing on walks. I thought I couldn't handle him but saw an advert for Doggy Dan on line and signed up - we've had a wonderful turnaround and he is finally decompressing, being polite with my dogs and responds excellently to the time-out if reactive with guests. Walks are much better and all 5 rules are in place. I believe he will continue to improve but only if I remain 100% consistent with him for the rest of his life. He is 9 years old and deserves a happy old age being loved and looked after with no further upsets in his life so fingers and toes are crossed for him
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SoBS Truro
15 September 2026
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I started. The course 3/4 weeks ago. As Dan says you have to work on things if you get stuck. I have a Staffordshire x cane corso who is now six months old. She is very intelligent but sometimes she just doesn’t listen. Doing the five codes I’m finding it’s going pretty well except trying to get her calm so I am persevering with it again with my own space. I have a trainer call shortly which I will ask for advice on this. It’s great also that you can ask anything you’re not sure of on line. It’s so great to have someone there to help. I’m looking forward to having a relaxed girl instead of hyper most of the time as she gets so excited about almost everything. I would truly recommend doggy Dan and just wished I would have come across him much earlier. Thanks again for everything so far.
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Hazel Coad
12 September 2026
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I ā¤ļø my dog. Such a good girl! 5 Golden rules, really work.
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Victoria van Sommeren
9 September 2026
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This program is amazing!. We have a VERY reactive rescue dog that has bitten his previous owner and as well, myself 3x and my husband 4 x's. He had never been around people or other animals, and had never been walked on a leash. (in fact never run off-leash either, just tied to the front steps). We began with traditional treat-based training with a professional, but the progress was frustrating. A reactive dog does not want treats; it wants comfort. With the 5 Golden Rules and and some of the other training we have received with our subscription, in just 3 weeks, we can let him off leash at the dog park, he has not growled at any stranger, and he has not attacked any other animals. He is still a work in progress, but we see progress!!!! He has become a cuddly, sweet dog and for a greyhound, he even has recall! This program is amazing to say the least. We were at our wits end, but now we have hope.
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susan kent
8 September 2026
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Okay, he says it’s not magic, but the results and the peace in so little time with so little effort sure feels like magic! My 11 month old pup was a 60lb highly reactive, very loud disaster waiting to happen. Now we are both calm, the house is quiet and I don’t live in absolute fear of his reactivity towards others. There’s always still work/training to do of course, but wow are we in a much better place to get on with that!
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Theresia Travers
8 September 2026
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Just started with the 5 rules. It's only been a week and a half and I'm noticing less stress, and a reduction in reactivity. We still have a way to go. But finally something I can work with. I went for the online course.
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Fiona Bower
31 August 2026
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I watched the free Webinar and joined at the end. I am up to No.3 atm and I’m actually feeling hopeful 🤞🏼
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Jackie Grimmer
29 August 2026
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The program is great. I started to see the changes in my cocker spaniel from day one.
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Joy Winnington
18 August 2026
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My Lab mix puppy and I are on Day 3 , but, I do feel a stronger connection. She appears calmer overall / looking forward to consistently following these five rules. Doggy Dan is clear, concise, comprehensive and compassionate . Very pleased with his program. Diane
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Diane Patterson
16 August 2026
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We have an 8 month old Goldendoodle who has fear issues outside the home and gets easily overwhelmed going into panic/flee mode if several triggers coincide (people, loud dog barking and noises like motorcycles/construction). So pleased to find Doggy Dan and seeing positive changes after just two weeks. Feeding time is calm after using the gesture eating and "thank you" when he barks works a treat. I realized I'm babying my dog too much and trying to be his best pal instead of a leader so I'm working hard on that. We've changed to the no pull harness and love that. Doggy Dans video clips really help bring the philosophy together and I love his attitude. He is calm, clear, firm but so kind and loving with dogs and very down to earth and relatable. I've got great help too from the AI coach and the daily emails and videos help keep us on track and feeling positive. We've still got a mountain to climb with our pup but I finally feel hopeful and supported. We'd tried trainers, behavior specialists and all sorts before finding Doggy Dan and this is by far our best investment. Can't recommend you trying this highly enough. Photo of our boy.
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Jackie Ward
13 August 2026
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Absolutely amazing transformation in just a few days. Just need to stick to the 5 Golden rules 🙂
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Martine Adkin
13 July 2026
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I couldn’t believe my dog’s problem resolved completely within a week! Easy but not easy if you are inconsistent with the 5 rules. I highly recommend this method! Somethings don’t seem important or relevant but they are!
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Dawn McCordic
13 July 2026
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I just started my training about 2 weeks ago, and I do mean MY training. My 2 girls are really responding to my changes in how I am relating to them better. Thank you Doggy Dan, I really needed this win, 2 reactive dogs and we have made progress with the 5 golden rules and we have not with anything else. Crystal Gayle the Red Heeler and Sadie the Border Collie.
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Betty Nicholl
11 July 2026
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For three years, I tried every treat-based method and expensive course to stop my large, powerful male dog from pulling on the leash, barking, and stressing out when his energy got too high on our walks. (So while he is a farm dog who enjoys total freedom off-leash on our farm most of the day, on-leash in the city, he totally lost it). He was practically hanging from the leash, two feet in the air (almost strangling himself), always demanding to walk in front and make all the decisions. Absolutely nothing worked—until I found Doggy Dan! 🏆 After just a couple of weeks implementing The 5 Golden Rules, the transformation is absolutely mind-blowing!!! By focusing on connection and calm leadership rather than rigid commands, my dog has FINALLY reconnected with his natural calmness (that has actually always been there inside him) ā¤ļøā¤ļø When we walk through town now, I look down at my dog walking in a perfect "heel." The leash hangs completely loose, and that loose leash really says it all 👍👍👍 He does not pull, bark, or growl AT ALL when other dogs bark at him!😱 Yes, he looks at them and is interested, but he remains completely calm. We pass shouting people, groups of kids on scooters, and dogs barking aggressively behind gates—he is interested, but he remains entirely unfazed. Just yesterday, we stopped in front of a fence with chickens walking in a garden, and he just stood there watching curiously, staying completely still. And as we walked across a large, grassy schoolyard, we suddenly crossed paths with two rabbits—when I told him to, he immediately sat down. Of course, he was highly interested, but he sat completely, utterly still! I constantly find myself thinking: This can NOT be my dog, LOL! 🐇🐓 Dan refers to himself as a dog trainer, but in my humble opinion he is a dog philosopher. The course is incredibly generous, filled with hundreds of real-life videos from every situation imaginable, offering a massive toolkit for an amazing price. I am so excited to continue this course, so happy about the progress, and so looking forward to the future with this beloved dog of mine. I HIGHLY recommend it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Ingrid-Tove Astrup
8 July 2026
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I've only been working the program for a week and already are seeing some great improvements with an overexcitable, energetic, barking at everything, and fun Maltipoo. I'm focusing on the 5 golden rules and watching the training videos. Thanks Doggy Dan!
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Rebecca Cheney
4 July 2026
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In a matter of days my 5 year old Frenchie is calmer and seems happier, albeit not happy that I'm ignoring him but it works! I live alone so he thinks he should be boss and protect me from every visitor but he didn't even bark at the window cleaner yesterday, just followed him around each window. My life might be my own soon, thank you!
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Shauna
2 July 2026
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The Golden rules i now understand are NOT called GOLDEN RULES FOR NO REASON! WOW , JUST WOW, I WAS DOING ALL 5 WRONG !
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Tim Waldner
2 July 2026
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We have adopted a Poodle and he us very high energy, anxious and insecure. I joined the online program after I watched the free online webinar about the 5 Golden Rules. While watching the webinar all 3 of my dogs ran off barking... I calmly called out "thank you" and they all came back to me.. from that moment I was hooked. I love the fact that we use minimal sound in this technique as I can become anxious and unsure in my tone. I have seen results with the new Poodle and I am exited about our future. Thanks Doggy Dan, you are a gem 👌🐾🐾🐾
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Jane Uprichard
22 June 2026
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The training has been amazing. I've been training dogs in unprofessional situations since the mid 1970's. I've never heard of this philosophy! We have a 4-year-old Great Dane mix who is leash aggressive and hyper-reactive to any noises. This training has been incredible. In a week we've seen dramatic differences in his anxiety - just based on the 5 Golden Rules (we haven't even gotten to the Reactive Dog training yet). My only complaint is the persistent emails to sign up for the Canine Coaching Club - which is a monthly subscription. That's been a lot and it started immediately. Other than that, I highly recommend this training system.
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Kristi Nay
15 June 2026
FREE webinar:

How to Solve Dog Reactivity WITHOUT Food Bribes, Tricks, or Force

dog training to stop unwanted jumping and barking

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