Get off to a great start with your new dog or puppy!
Bringing home a new dog or puppy is one of the most joyful—and sometimes overwhelming—experiences you’ll ever have. Whether you’re a first-time dog guardian, a seasoned dog lover, or fostering a pup in need, this course is your go-to guide to help your dog settle in and start thriving in your home.
This FREE course is the introduction to the New Dog Badge, a step-by-step learning path designed to help you build a joyful, connected, and lasting relationship with your dog. Each course in the badge provides hands-on guidance, downloadable resources, and real-life tools to help you better understand your dog—and yourself as their caregiver and guardian.
This course provides an overview to understanding your dog's perspective and needs so you can make decisions that lead to a harmonious life together. Now you can make the most of your first weeks and months together, with clear guidance on which skills to focus on and where to turn to address common challenges.
This course will help you:
- Help your dog feel safe, understood, and happy in their new home.
- Understand normal dog behavior and needs
- Create safe, successful environments for both you and your new dog
- Understand which skills to prioritize in your first weeks together
- Build a trusting and confident relationship with your new dog
- Respond effectively and navigate challenges that might arise
Who should take this course?
This course is ideal for anyone welcoming a new puppy, adolescent or adult dog, or rescue dog into their home and wants to proactively plan and prepare for a successful life together. The Bringing Home a New Dog course is for anyone who wants more confidence during those exciting first steps of welcoming a dog into your home and to set a solid, positive foundation for your journey together.
More about this course
This course is grounded in the most current force-free, science-led methods that focus on empathy, understanding, and relationship-building. You'll feel supported every step of the way—whether your dog is fresh from the shelter, straight from a breeder, or just starting out with you in foster care.
In this course you'll find:
Reflective prompts to help you tune into your dog and your own goals
Science-based insights and practical tips from trusted trainers
Downloadable worksheets and planning tools
Realistic expectations for building your life together
You’ll learn how to make the early days and weeks together more comfortable. You’ll learn simple ways to deepen your relationship, settle in to life together, and create a predictable, supportive routine that leads to positive results.
This course helps you understand why your dog behaves the way they do—and how to respond with compassion and clarity. You’ll learn to support their needs and build real skills that make life better—for both of you.
“Bringing Home a New Dog” is the first step in the New Dog Badge—a carefully curated learning path that includes courses like:
The Positively Pillars – Explore your dog’s worldview and what it means for your relationship
The Harmony Model – Learn five key components of living well together
How to Speak Dog – Get fluent in body language and communication
Understanding Your Dog – Discover what your dog really needs to thrive
Potty Training – Create a successful plan that works with your dog’s instincts
Quick Fixes – Handle everyday challenges in a positive way
Attention – Build your dog’s ability to focus in any environment
