TEAM Pup - SD Foundations Overview

Inside the Crazy2Calm Service Dog Foundations Kickoff: What You Need to Know

Last week, Crazy2Calm Coach Penny hosted an informal kickoff meeting for the Service Dog Foundations and Puppy Training Class and it was packed with helpful information for both new and returning members.

Whether you're just starting out with a service dog in training or looking to deepen your understanding of foundational skills, here's a full breakdown of what went down and what to expect moving forward.

👋 A Warm Welcome for Handlers & Dogs Alike

The session began with casual introductions, allowing participants and their pups to get to know one another. Coach Penny explained the structure of the class and emphasized that this is a supportive space for both puppies, adolescents, and even older dogs who are still mastering their skills.

📚 Patreon as the Training Hub

All course materials will be hosted on Patreon, where members can access videos, homework, and extra resources. Penny walked participants through how to use the Patreon page, breaking down:

• Membership tiers

• Collections, like Positively Puppy 6 and Service Dog Foundations

• What to expect weekly, including full-length training videos, short clips, and weekly homework

🐶 What You'll Learn in the Service Dog Class

Each week, the class will focus on a specific skill set designed to build upon the last. Topics include:

• Target training (hand, paw, chin)

• Basic obedience

• Leash manners

• Recall games

• Positions and mat training

New puppy owners will also get access to bonus content, and everything is available via the appropriate Patreon membership level.

💡 Membership Options for Every Level

Penny laid out the flexible Patreon tiers so participants can choose what works best for them:

• Free Tier – Access to basic training tips

• $4/month – Service Dog Foundations – Includes the Foundations Collection

• $10/month – TEAM Puppy Membership – Includes six puppy collections and the full Foundations curriculum

• $15/month – All-Access – Unlocks everything

And yes — while the class is geared toward service dog handlers, the skills are also valuable for therapy dogs, sport dogs, or anyone looking to go beyond basic obedience.

💬 Communication & Community Support

This is a workshop-style class, meaning it's interactive and community-driven. Penny emphasized several communication options:

• Private Patreon community forums

• Public Facebook group

• Email support for questions

• Video submissions for personalized feedback

• Zoom calls with live reviews

You can choose the method that best suits your comfort level — from private feedback to collaborative learning.

🎯 Adapting Training to Your Dog

Coach Penny dove into how training should be fun, adaptable, and centered around your dog’s unique needs. Participants explored key concepts like:

• Different types of targets (hand, paw, chin)

• Progressive skill-building

• Making adjustments based on energy level, environment, and distractions

Returning members Tammy and Christy praised the format, highlighting how the individualized feedback and real-time support helped them succeed.

🤝 Collaborative Coaching & Real-World Training

An important aspect of the class is its collaborative nature. Participants shared real-life training experiences, like:

• Teaching dogs to tuck under chairs

• Managing personal anxiety while training service dogs

• Preparing for international travel (e.g., Spain’s strict service dog rules)

These stories showcased the class's supportive environment where handlers and canine coaches learn from each other.

Even if you're traveling or can't attend live sessions, you can still watch replays and submit homework — flexibility is a core feature.

🐕 Training Tools, Techniques & Challenges

The group shared helpful tips, including:

• Using buckets instead of cones for easier targeting

• How to deal with barking dogs and other distractions

• Warm-up routines to improve focus

• Managing adolescent behavior and regressing skills

Members like Nicki and Kristi showcased videos of their dogs working through distractions and learning new skills like chin rests and under-table positioning.

🎥 Recording & Sharing Training Videos

Finally, the group shared their favorite tools for filming training sessions. From smartphones to iPads to tripods, Penny emphasized that clarity matters more than perfection — as long as you can see the dog’s body language and your handling techniques.

Popular sharing platforms included:

• Google Photos

• Dropbox

• Proton Drive

Need help figuring out your setup? Penny is there to assist!

✅ Final Reminders

Everyone was encouraged to:

• Dive into the Patreon materials

• Reach out if they need tech support

• Participate in the forums or Zooms based on their preference

This class isn't just about training dogs — it’s about building a confident, connected team of handler and canine.

Ready to Join the Pack?

Whether you're here for foundational skills or advancing into specialized service dog tasks, Crazy2Calm’s Service Dog Foundations Class offers a flexible, supportive, and practical approach to training.

if you want to join in these TEAM Puppy/SD Foundations Workgroups please upgrade to one of the paid memberships listed above.