Day 1 — Co-regulation breathing

Today we're not training your dog. We're training you. Dogs read our breathing pattern before they read any cue, and a spiky breath teaches them that you're the unstable one in the room.

The 4-4-6 reset (60 seconds)

1. Sit in front of your dog at arm's length.
2. Inhale for 4 seconds through the nose.
3. Hold for 4 seconds.
4. Exhale for 6 seconds through pursed lips.
5. Repeat three rounds.

You'll often see your dog sigh, lie down, or soften their eyes on the second or third round. That's co-regulationco-regulation — and it's the foundation every later lesson leans on.

Treats during breathing

Keep treats out of sight for this one. The goal is calm as default, not calm because-food-is-coming. That said, when you move into the longer Day-2 sessions, a quiet hip pouch keeps you from fumbling:

If you want the full printable protocol

The Starter Kit has the breathing script + a pocket-size reminder card: