THE JOURNAL

Quiet ideas on dogs,
training, and listening.

Free guides, tips, and behind-the-scenes lessons from our trainers.

Your dog's first week with buttons: what to expect

A week-by-week look at what normally happens — and what doesn't — when you first introduce a talking button.

Why 'outside' usually beats 'food' — and the four criteria we use for every first button.

A gentler entry point so nervous dogs build confidence instead of pressure.

From over-modelling to button placement, the small tweaks that unlock fast progress.

When to introduce 'want' and how to encourage your dog's first real combination.

Force-free isn't a buzzword — here's the science behind why it works better.