Companion Dogs · NICS-01
Introduction to Obedience (Foundation)
Professional 15-day foundation dog obedience training course from NICS. Learn reward-based training methods, canine learning theory and practical handling skills. Start your pet industry career.
- Foundation
- 15 days
- ₹14,999
- Onsite · Indore
About this course
Introduction to Obedience (Foundation) is a 15-day, hands-on professional training programme covering the fourteen foundation obedience behaviours taught across the NICS Companion Dogs pathway: Name Recall, Focus, Sit, Down, Come, Stay, Go to Bed, Go to Crate, Loose-Leash Walking, Muzzle Conditioning, Heel Walk, Game of Fetch, the Out command and the No command.
Learners build a working knowledge of canine learning theory — classical and operant conditioning, marker training, reinforcement selection and cue development — and apply it immediately to live dogs under supervision. Each behaviour is taught using the same professional sequence: theory, demonstration, guided practice, and repetition to a stable, low-distraction response.
The practical skills developed include correct leash and body handling, accurate marker timing, reward delivery, reading a dog's engagement and stress signals during a session, and structuring a short training session from start to finish. Learners are held to a professional standard of consistency and welfare throughout, not simply asked to produce a single correct repetition.
The responsibility carried at this level is that of a supervised trainer-in-training: learners handle dogs directly, make in-session decisions about reinforcement and pacing, and are assessed on their ability to execute — not merely describe — each behaviour. These skills are applied in private training sessions, group class settings, training centres and companion-dog handling roles across the pet industry.
As the first course in the Companion Dogs pathway, this programme has no formal prerequisite. It establishes the baseline of theory, mechanics and handling competence that Advanced Obedience then builds on through distance, duration, distraction and generalisation work.
Who this is for
- Aspiring professional dog trainers entering the pet industry with little or no prior formal training experience
- Companion dog handlers seeking a foundation in structured obedience work
- Dog handlers working in or entering private training, group classes or training-centre environments
- Pet-care professionals — groomers, pet sitters, boarding and facility staff — who need reliable obedience-handling skills for daily dog management
- People preparing to enter the pet industry professionally who require a recognised, structured introduction to canine obedience training before progressing to advanced or specialist study
What you will learn
Theory
- The principles of classical and operant conditioning as they apply to companion dog training
- Marker training: what a marker is, how it is conditioned, and why timing determines its effectiveness
- Reinforcement: how to select an appropriate reinforcer, and the difference between primary and secondary reinforcement
- Cue development: how a behaviour is paired with a cue until the cue alone reliably produces it
- The role of the environment in early learning, and why Foundation-level training is conducted in low-distraction settings
Practical
- Correct execution of all fourteen foundation obedience behaviours with a live dog
- Accurate marker timing and reward delivery
- Correct leash handling, body positioning and handler movement during training
- Structuring and running a short, focused training session
- Reading a dog's engagement, motivation and basic stress signals during training
Professional Application
- Explaining, in professional terms, why a given method is being used for a given behaviour
- Adjusting a session's pace and difficulty based on a dog's response
- Preparing a dog and handler for progression into Advanced Obedience
Safety & Welfare
- Safe handling and leash technique to prevent injury to dog or handler
- Recognising early signs of stress, frustration or over-arousal during training
- Appropriate session length and stopping criteria for a dog at Foundation level
Problem Solving
- Identifying why a dog is not responding to a cue at Foundation level
- Distinguishing between a motivation problem, a timing problem and an environment that is too difficult
- Adjusting technique in response to early signs of difficulty, rather than repeating a failing method
Curriculum highlights
- 1 Name Recall
- 2 Focus
- 3 Sit
- 4 Down
- 5 Come
- 6 Stay
- 7 Go to Bed
- 8 Go to Crate
- 9 Loose-Leash Walking (No Pulling)
- 10 Muzzle Conditioning
- 11 Heel Walk
- 12 Game of Fetch
- 13 Out Command
- 14 No Command
Day-by-day structure
Each day combines theory, demonstration, supervised practice and independent repetition, building one or two behaviours at a time and reviewing what came before.
| Day | Focus | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orientation & Learning Theory | NICS orientation; classical and operant conditioning; marker training mechanics; Name Recall introduced |
| 2 | Name Recall & Focus | Name Recall consolidated; Focus introduced, building duration of attention |
| 3 | Sit | Theory of luring and shaping; Sit taught and verbal cue layered in |
| 4 | Down | Down taught from the sit position; comfort and surface considerations |
| 5 | Review & Come (Part 1) | Sit and Down reviewed; Come introduced on a long line in an enclosed space |
| 6 | Come (Part 2) & Stay (Part 1) | Recall consolidated; Stay introduced at minimal duration and distance |
| 7 | Stay (Part 2) | Duration and distance increased incrementally; release cue drilled |
| 8 | Go to Bed | Station and targeting theory; bed behaviour built in stages |
| 9 | Go to Crate | Counter-conditioning theory; crate acceptance built with the door open |
| 10 | Loose-Leash Walking | Stop-and-reset method; leash and harness fit checked |
| 11 | Muzzle Conditioning | Counter-conditioning; muzzle introduced as a target, unfastened |
| 12 | Heel Walk | Precision positional work; short-burst heel practice |
| 13 | Game of Fetch & Out Command | Retrieve chain built; trade-based release protocol introduced |
| 14 | No Command & Full Programme Review | Interrupter cue conditioned; supervised practice across all fourteen behaviours |
| 15 | Final Assessment | Theory assessment; practical competency assessment across all fourteen Foundation behaviours |
Outcomes
- Explain the core principles of classical and operant conditioning as applied to companion dog training
- Condition and use a marker with accurate, consistent timing
- Teach and achieve a reliable cued response for all fourteen Foundation obedience behaviours: Name Recall, Focus, Sit, Down, Come, Stay, Go to Bed, Go to Crate, Loose-Leash Walking, Muzzle Conditioning, Heel Walk, Game of Fetch, Out and No
- Select an appropriate reinforcement strategy for a given dog and behaviour
- Demonstrate safe leash, equipment and handling technique
- Recognise early stress, fear and over-arousal signals during training and adjust the session accordingly
- Apply the OBSERVE–IDENTIFY–ASSESS–PLAN–IMPLEMENT–MEASURE–MODIFY–REASSESS problem-solving framework to a training difficulty
- Structure and deliver a short, focused training session with a clear objective
- Record basic training progress in a professional training log
- Identify when a dog's behaviour falls outside the scope of Foundation obedience training and requires referral
Frequently asked questions
Who can join this course?
This course is open to anyone entering the pet industry professionally, including aspiring dog trainers, companion dog handlers, pet-care professionals and pet business owners. No prior formal dog training experience is required.
Is previous experience with dogs required?
No previous professional training experience is required. This course begins from first principles and builds the foundation the rest of the NICS Companion Dogs pathway is based on.
How much practical training is included?
The course is heavily hands-on. Each of the 15 days combines a short block of theory with trainer demonstration, supervised practical handling and independent practice with live dogs.
What theory is taught?
Learners study canine learning theory, including classical and operant conditioning, marker training, reinforcement selection and cue development, and apply each concept directly to the behaviour being trained that day.
What training methods are used?
This course uses reward-based methods exclusively: luring, capturing, shaping, marker training and counter-conditioning. Positive punishment and physical correction methods are not taught in this course.
What equipment is required?
Learners work with a standard flat collar or harness, a secure long line, a properly fitted muzzle for conditioning exercises, and food and toy rewards. Equipment requirements are confirmed at enrolment.
How is the course assessed?
Assessment is competency-based, covering theory knowledge, live-dog practical execution of all fourteen foundation behaviours, and professional skills such as session planning and basic record keeping.
Do I need to bring my own dog?
Dogs for practical training are provided as part of the course. Learners wishing to bring a personal dog should confirm arrangements with NICS at enrolment.
Where can these skills be used professionally?
Graduates apply these skills in private training sessions, dog training centres, group classes, grooming salons, boarding and pet-care facilities, and other companion-dog handling roles across the pet industry.
What is the next course in this pathway?
Graduates progress to Advanced Obedience, a 30-day course that builds on every behaviour taught here through distance, duration, distraction, proofing and generalisation work.
What professional pathway does this course support?
This course is the entry point of the NICS Companion Dogs pathway, leading to Advanced Obedience, and onward into the Canine Behaviour, Dog Tricks & Enrichment, and Companion Dog Handler course lines.
Does completing this course guarantee employment or a training business?
No. This course provides structured professional training in foundation obedience skills. It does not guarantee employment, income or business outcomes, which depend on the individual's further study, experience and effort.
How much does Introduction to Obedience (Foundation) cost?
The course fee for Introduction to Obedience (Foundation) is ₹14,999.
How long does Introduction to Obedience (Foundation) take to complete?
Introduction to Obedience (Foundation) runs for 15 Days.
What level is Introduction to Obedience (Foundation)?
Introduction to Obedience (Foundation) is a Foundation-level course, teaching the topic from first principles with no prior NICS coursework required.
Which NICS pathway does Introduction to Obedience (Foundation) belong to?
Introduction to Obedience (Foundation) sits within the Companion Dogs pathway at the National Institute of Canine Studies.
Is Introduction to Obedience (Foundation) conducted online or in person?
Introduction to Obedience (Foundation) is delivered onsite through hands-on, in-person training at NICS.
What topics are covered in Introduction to Obedience (Foundation)?
Introduction to Obedience (Foundation) covers: Name Recall, Focus, Sit, Down, Come, Stay, Go to Bed, Go to Crate, and 6 more topics.
What will I be able to do after completing Introduction to Obedience (Foundation)?
By the end of this course, students will be able to: Explain the core principles of classical and operant conditioning as applied to companion dog training Condition and use a marker with accurate, consistent timing Teach and achieve a reliable cued response for all fourteen Foundation obedience behaviours: Name Recall, Focus, Sit, Down, Come, Stay, Go to Bed, Go to Crate, Loose-Leash Walking, Muzzle Conditioning, Heel Walk, Game of Fetch, Out and No Select an appropriate reinforcement strategy for a given dog and behaviour Demonstrate safe leash, equipment and handling technique Recognise early stress, fear and over-arousal signals during training and adjust the session accordingly Apply the OBSERVE–IDENTIFY–ASSESS–PLAN–IMPLEMENT–MEASURE–MODIFY–REASSESS problem-solving framework to a training difficulty Structure and deliver a short, focused training session with a clear objective Record basic training progress in a professional training log Identify when a dog's behaviour falls outside the scope of Foundation obedience training and requires referral
Who is Introduction to Obedience (Foundation) designed for?
Aspiring professional dog trainers entering the pet industry with little or no prior formal training experience Companion dog handlers seeking a foundation in structured obedience work Dog handlers working in or entering private training, group classes or training-centre environments Pet-care professionals — groomers, pet sitters, boarding and facility staff — who need reliable obedience-handling skills for daily dog management People preparing to enter the pet industry professionally who require a recognised, structured introduction to canine obedience training before progressing to advanced or specialist study No prior training experience is required.
Do I need to complete another course before Introduction to Obedience (Foundation)?
No formal prerequisite is required — Introduction to Obedience (Foundation) is an entry point into the Companion Dogs pathway.
What can I study after completing Introduction to Obedience (Foundation)?
Graduates of Introduction to Obedience (Foundation) can progress to Advanced Obedience to continue building their skills in the Companion Dogs pathway.
What is the NICS course code for Introduction to Obedience (Foundation)?
Introduction to Obedience (Foundation) is listed under NICS course code NICS-01.
How do I enrol in Introduction to Obedience (Foundation)?
You can enrol in Introduction to Obedience (Foundation) by selecting it in the NICS course catalogue and sending your enquiry via WhatsApp, or by using the enquiry button on this page.
Ready to enrol in Introduction to Obedience (Foundation)?
Enquire now, or add this course to a learning package. Package discounts of 5–20% are calculated automatically in the catalogue.