Build A Foundation That Makes Everything On Stock Easier
Ground Work for Stock Dogs - Level 1
If your dog ignores you the second something exciting shows up, you don't have a stock problem yet — you have a foundation problem. This course builds the communication and impulse control that turns a dog who works against you into one who works with you. The commands are great for any dog, but our approach is tailored to what you need once you start on stock. No access to stock required.
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Teaching Basic Commands and Proofing Behaviors Before Working Stock
Ground Work Level 1 is where stock dog training begins at PSR Stockdogs and forms the foundation for all herding dog training that follows. This course focuses on building clear communication and a working relationship between you and your dog before more demanding work is added. Whether you are starting a young dog or resetting an older one, these lessons help your dog learn to stay connected to the handler, even when the environment becomes distracting or exciting.
Build It Off Stock First
We believe it is important to teach commands away from stock to the extent possible. This keeps your dog’s arousal level lower so they can focus and learn. The more solid your foundation is off stock, the quicker you will be able to apply these skills when you start working.
It’s All About Impulse Control
The more impulse control your dog has going into stock work, the more likely they are to make good choices when their brain gets excited. Once your dog gets on stock, there are plenty of opportunities to make the wrong choice – and they get rewarded for it before you can correct it.
Create the Right Habits
We always try to think about creating the behavior we want. If your dog practices the wrong behavior, it gets harder and harder to fix. These exercises set up your dog to succeed so you are building good habits from day one – not trying to undo bad ones later.
Tailored for Herding Breeds
This is not obedience training. We keep in mind how different breeds are physically built – what is natural for their body, what stop makes sense for each dog. We teach all the behaviors, but we also help you figure out what best suits your individual dog when you get to stock.
What You’ll Learn Across 6 Modules
Each module builds on the last, progressively adding distractions and complexity so your dog develops real-world reliability.
Modules 1–2: The Basics
Hand targeting, sit, down, recalls, loose leash walking, stop/wait, the “get it” command, and building stays with distance and duration.
Modules 3–4: Adding Distractions
Proofing stays with food, toys, and motion. Loose leash walking with distractions. Gate work and thresholds. Hide-and-seek recalls and high-distraction recall games, and introducing the pole.
Modules 5–6: Stock-Ready Skills
Higher-distraction leash work. Pole work around chairs and cones. Teaching the walk-up from multiple positions. Releasing pressure with the “get.” Adding directional commands.
25+
Video lessons with live demos
Lifetime
Access – use it with each new dog
Community
Access to our private student community
Why Foundation Work Changes Everything on Stock
When you tell your dog “That’ll do, come,” out on stock, the last thing in the world a high-drive dog wants to do is leave the sheep. The more solid your recall is off stock, the easier it will be on stock.
When you ask your dog to hold a stay while you walk toward the sheep, nothing is quite as motivating to break that stay as live, moving stock. If your dog breaks and gets to the stock, they just got rewarded for not staying – and once that happens, it gets harder and harder to get that hold at the start.
That is why we proof these behaviors so thoroughly. We are not just teaching commands – we are building the impulse control and the working relationship that will carry you through every challenge on stock.
Start Building Your Foundation
What Our Students Are Saying
I was having a really hard time with herding until I met Dawna and Megan. The ICE method soon had my out-of-control dogs working calmly and instinctually. Their camps are something I look forward to every year. They taught me how to be a real handler.
Kim W.
Things came together when I started working with Dawna and Megan. Two of my dogs have achieved multiple herding championships and are the first two dual champions in the breed. We continue to improve and I look forward to every lesson.
Michelle F.
Dawna and Megan have the unique ability to train the human as well as the dog. They honor your dog’s instincts and acknowledge your relationship with your dog. Seeing the joy in a dog working stock is priceless.
Brenda H.
What’s Included
Lifetime Access
Use this course with every dog you train. Come back to it whenever you start a new puppy or need to reset an older dog. Your enrollment never expires.
Video Feedback
Post your own training videos for feedback and ask questions directly on the lessons as you work through the course at your own pace.
Private Community
Access our private student community where you can connect with other handlers, share progress, and get support from Dawna and Megan along the way.
Get the Complete Foundation and Save
Ground Work Level 1 is one of three courses in The Essential Foundation for Your Stockdog bundle. Together with Building Connection and Ground Work Level 2, you get everything your dog needs from first focus games through leash pressure, impulse control, and calm first sessions around stock.
Buy all three individually: $387. Get the bundle: $330 — save $57.
View the Bundle & SaveBegin Your Dog’s Journey in Stock Dog Training
Join us today and start training with focused exercises that will build your dog’s understanding of the job. A solid foundation is the difference between a dog that works with you and one that follows their own agenda.
No prerequisites – no stock access required – start with any dog at any stage.
Build Better Habits