Homeschooling My Dog With Susan Garrett

As a dog care writer, I get to explore countless training methods, toys, and treats. When a new puppy named Finn, a bundle of boundless Australian Shepherd energy, joined my household, I knew we needed a solid foundation. I had heard Susan Garrett's name for years, synonymous with agility championships and positive reinforcement. Her "Home School the Dog" program kept popping up in conversations among serious trainers. So, I decided to enroll, not just as a reviewer, but as a real student with a real, nippy, distractible puppy. What followed was an enlightening, challenging, and ultimately rewarding journey into the mind of one of dog training's greats.

What Exactly Is Home School the Dog?

Home School the Dog is not a simple list of commands. It is a comprehensive curriculum built on the philosophy of shaping behaviors through games. Susan Garrett calls it a "dog training education," and that label is precise. The program is hosted on her DogsThat platform and is structured into modules that progress from foundational concepts to more complex skills. The core methodology revolves around making training so fun and rewarding for your dog that they offer you their focus and cooperation willingly.

The content delivery is a mix of written materials, detailed video demonstrations, and live Q&A sessions. A significant perk, highlighted by users on Reddit, is access to a private Facebook group moderated by Susan's team. Here, you can upload videos of your training sessions and receive personalized feedback from certified coaches, which many find invaluable for correcting their timing and technique.

The Investment: Time, Attention, and Money

Let's talk about the commitment. The program costs $297 for lifetime access. Compared to ongoing in person classes, this can be a great value. However, the financial cost is just one part. The real investment, as I and many others discovered, is time and cognitive energy.

A common thread in online reviews, especially from owners with ADHD or busy schedules, is the program's density. Each training "game" with your dog might only take 10 to 15 minutes a day. But the preparation is substantial. You easily spend 30 to 60 minutes watching Susan explain the theory, demonstrate the steps, and answer common questions. You need to take notes, plan your session, and then later, review your own video to see what you can improve. One Reddit user in the OpenDogTraining forum put it bluntly: "you need to spend HOURS watching videos, often more than once, taking notes/making plans, recording and reviewing your training sessions."

This isn't a drawback for everyone. For a learner like me who enjoys understanding the "why" behind the "what," it was fantastic. It transformed my daily interactions with Finn. But if you are looking for a five minute fix for leash pulling, this program will feel like a university course when you wanted a pamphlet.

The Strengths: Where the Program Truly Shines

When you lean into the process, Home School the Dog offers profound benefits.

Deep Bonding Through Play

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The games based approach turned training from a chore into the highlight of Finn's day. I'd grab my pouch filled with his favorite treats from our monthly dog best dog subscription boxes, and his entire body would wiggle with anticipation. We weren't just practicing "sit"; we were playing "Crate Games" and "It's Yer Choice," which built impulse control and focus in a joyful way. This daily dedicated playtime strengthened our connection more than anything else.

A Foundation for Any Goal

Whether you dream of agility trophies or just a polite family pet, the skills taught are universal. The program builds rock solid recall, engagement, and manners from the ground up. A reviewer on Podbay noted how well it blended with their local obedience class, giving them a "deeper understanding" of their relationship goals. It teaches you to train your dog for life, not just for a certificate.

Expert Feedback and Community

The private Facebook group is a game saver. When I struggled with Finn's distraction during a recall game, I uploaded a short clip. Within hours, a coach provided a thoughtful analysis and a small adjustment to my setup. This level of support is rare in self paced online courses and prevents you from practicing mistakes.

Quality of Instruction

Susan Garrett is a masterful teacher. Her videos are clear, her explanations are thorough, and her passion is evident. You are learning from a world champion who has dedicated her life to force free methods. There is no fluff or intimidation, just calm, clear instruction.

The Challenges: Is It the Right Fit for You?

This program is not a magic bullet, and it won't suit every lifestyle or learning style.

The Overwhelm Factor

The sheer volume of information is the most consistent critique. As one Reddit user shared, they found both Home School the Dog and Recallers "way too much" for them, despite adoring Susan's philosophy. If you have limited time or prefer direct, concise instruction, you may feel buried. It requires a high degree of self motivation and organization.

The Pace of Progress

This is a marathon, not a sprint. You will not see dramatic behavior changes in a week. The program emphasizes tiny, incremental steps to build reliability. For issues like severe reactivity, it is a foundational tool but may need to be supplemented with professional in person help.

A Note on the "Free" Course Structure

Some potential students might discover Home School the Dog through one of Susan's free webinars or challenges. A Reddit user in the Dogtraining forum expressed frustration that these free offerings sometimes felt like a "big advertisement" for her paid programs. It is wise to enter any free content with the understanding that it is a sample and a marketing tool, which is standard practice in online education. The paid program itself, however, is a complete, ad free curriculum.

Maximizing Your Success with the Program

If you decide to take the plunge, these tips from my experience will help you thrive.

Commit to the Admin Time

Schedule your "learning time" just as you schedule your "training time." Watch the videos with a notebook. Break the content into chunks. Accept that the front loaded work is part of the deal.

Use the Community

Don't be shy in the Facebook group. Lurk, learn, and then post. The feedback is a core part of the program's value.

Integrate Training into Life

The games are just the start. I began using the principles during our walks, at meal times (using his dog food delivery kibble as rewards), and when guests arrived. This holistic application is where the training truly becomes life skills.

Pair it with the Right Rewards

High value rewards are crucial. I experimented with different treats to find what motivated Finn most. The single ingredient chews and training bits I received in my best dog treats discovery box were perfect for our high distraction training sessions. Variety kept him guessing and eager.

Be Kind to Yourself

You will have bad sessions. Your dog will have off days. The program teaches problem solving. When something isn't working, review the material, ask the group, and simplify. The goal is progress, not perfection.

Final Thoughts

My experience with Home School the Dog was transformative, but it was also demanding. It reshaped how I see my relationship with Finn, moving from a commander to a collaborator. The structure, depth, and support are exceptional for the right person.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this program to detail oriented dog owners who are students of training at heart. If you love theory, enjoy a structured approach, and are committed to putting in the preparatory work, the $297 investment will pay dividends for the life of your dog. You will gain an education, not just a skill set.

However, if your life is exceptionally hectic, if you have significant attention challenges, or if you need immediate solutions to specific behavioral problems, this might not be your ideal starting point. You might feel frustrated by the pace and depth. In that case, a more focused in person trainer or a different online course with a simpler structure could be a better initial fit.

For Finn and me, it was the perfect launchpad. The patience, engagement, and joy it cultivated are now woven into our daily life. It provided more than training; it provided a shared language and a bond built on mutual respect and a whole lot of fun.