Home Sweet Home: Helping Your New Dog Thrive from Day One

Guiding you and your new dog to a lifetime of happiness together.
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Before we get into the specifics of the course, let’s answer your first question:

Is this the right course for me?

Do you have a new puppy or rescue dog and…

Are worried about how to safely introduce your new dog to animals already at home

Are not sure how to socialize your new dog

Have concerns over keeping your children and new dog safe when together

Feeling unprepared for common challenges

Have anxiety about what exactly you're supposed to do

Are concerned about how to juggle your time, energy and attention with training

Feel overwhelmed with conflicting training advice

Then you have come to the right place. This course is your complete step-by-step course for welcoming your new dog or puppy with clarity, compassion, and the skills you need for a lifetime together.

If you are a rescue or shelter looking for group (5 or more) access to give to your adopters,
please contact me for group pricing!

By the end of this program, you will have:

N

Thorough guidance

about dog proofing your home

N

A clear understanding

of the importance of management

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A detailed plan

for introducing your your dog to other resident animals

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Body language literacy in knowing

how dogs learn and communicate and if that dog really wants a belly rub!

N

Creative ideas

to meet your dog’s species specific needs through enrichment

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Detailed instructions

on how to set up safe socialization experiences

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Insight about

fearful dogs and how to best help them

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Specifics about

decompression and integration into your home

N

Information about

keeping kids safe and educating them on appropriate dog interactions

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The necessary tools

to help start training core life-saving skills like coming when called and leave it

… and so, so much more!

Sign Up Today!

What’s Inside

The Course

Module 1: Introduction
  • Welcome
  • A little about me
  • What we will be covering
Module 2: Welcome Home!
  • What is really important 
  • Do No Harm
  • Lower Expectations
Module 3: Dog Proofing Your Home
  • Dog proofing list
  • Yes, even if you have a dog already
Module 4: What Is A Healthy Animal
  • Physical Health
  • Behavioral Health
  • Environmental Health
Module 5: Decompression and Integration Into Your Home
  • What is decompression?
  • Debunking the 3/3/3 Rule
  • Realistic expectations
Module 6: Introduction to Resident Animals
  • Don’t rush it!
  • Dog introductions
  • Introductions to other animals
Module 7: Dog Training Methods
  • The importance of using positive reinforcement only
  • What the research shows us
Module 8: How Dogs Learn
  • Consequences and associations
  • Myth busting: Alpha/Dominance
  • What is punishment?
  • What to do when a dog growls
Module 9: Dog Body Language & Communication
  • Learn how to “speak dog”
  • Understand how dogs communicate
  • Learn how to identify subtle signs of anxiety, worry or fear in your dog
  • Examples of uncomfortable and comfortable dogs
  • Video examples
  • Is your dog really “kissing” your child?
Module 10: Displacement and Appeasement Behaviors
  • What are displacement and appeasement behaviors
  • How are they different and similar?
  • Humping
  • Excitement, submissive and appeasement urination
  • Does that dog really want a belly rub?
Module 11: Dog-Dog Interactions and Play
  • Meta Signals
  • Role Reversals
  • Activity Changes
  • Consent Tests
  • Self Handicapping
Module 12: Socialization
  • What is socialization?
  • Unvaccinated puppies
  • Socialization checklist
  • Socialization outings
  • Flooding
Module 13: Fearful Dogs
  • How fear is acquired
  • How to care for a fearful dog
  • Single event learning
  • Hand feeding
  • Letting dogs sniff your hand
Module 14: Kids and Dogs: Separation and Supervision
  • What are the different types of supervision?
  • The importance of teaching kids how to appropriately interact with dogs
Module 15: The Importance of Enrichment
  • What is enrichment?
  • Why is enrichment important?
  • Ideas for implementing enrichment
  • Exercising with outside access
  • Video examples
Module 16: Training
  • What to train
  • Separation anxiety vs confinement anxiety
  • Life skills over obedience
  • Core Four Skills
  • House training
  • Puppy Biting
  • Cooperative Care
Module 17: Management
  • What is management?
  • Why is it important?
Module 18: Wrap Up and Additional Resources
  • Additional resources
  • Where to find me

Meet Your Course Instructor

Kate LaSala, CTC, CBCC-KA, PCBC-A, CSAT, FFCP-E

Kate LaSala, CTC, CBCC-KA, PCBC-A, CSAT, FFCP-E

Course Instructor

 

As a professional dog trainer and certified behavior consultant, I’ve helped thousands of dogs and their guardians build strong, confident relationships, especially dogs who are new to their homes. With over 8,200 hours of hands-on experience working with fearful, anxious, and challenging dogs, I understand the unique hurdles new dog owners face and have the tools to guide you toward a happy, well-adjusted companion.

I’ve been featured in media outlets like The New York Times, Washington Post, AP News, Newsweek, and Forbes, and I maintain close relationships with Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorists around the country to ensure dogs and their families get expert, evidence-based guidance.

As a former shelter trainer, I frequently collaborate with rescues and shelters to support adopted and foster dogs, and as a licensed Family Paws Parent Educator, I help families navigate the added challenges of welcoming a new dog into homes with babies or children.

I’m also a companion animal end-of-life doula and certified pet loss and grief companion, supporting families through every stage of their dog’s life including saying goodbye or difficult decisions like behavioral euthanasia.

Whether you’re bringing home a new puppy, a rescued adult, or just need guidance on training and settling your dog, I can help you create a confident, happy, and harmonious life together.

Sign Up Today!