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Life Skills Course Video


The McCann Method of Dog Training
will allow more freedom & improve the
bond with your 4-legged family member!

(for Dogs 4 months & older)

Enroll now and get...

  • WEEKLY STEP-BY-STEP VIDEO LESSONS

  • INSTRUCTOR SUPPORT 5 DAYS A WEEK

  • EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO SUPPORT GROUP & ONLINE COMMUNITY

  • LIVE Q&A EVENTS TO AID YOUR LEARNING

  • EXCLUSIVE TRAINING EXTRAS

  • Are you tired of not being able to take your dog off leash? Worried they will run away or not come back?

  • Are you tired of being pulled down the street? Does your shoulder ache?

  • Are you tired of your dog chasing other dogs or squirrels?

  • Do you wonder why some dogs seem to listen effortlessly while yours ignores your commands?

  • Are you sick of being embarrassed by your dog’s behaviour?


In this course, you will:

  • TEACH YOUR DOG TO COME WHEN CALLED

  • FIX YOUR DOG'S PULLING PROBLEM

  • TEACH YOUR DOG TO LISTEN QUICKLY & HAPPILY

  • TEACH YOUR DOG TO IGNORE DISTRACTIONS LIKE OTHER DOGS OR SQUIRRELS

  • GET SUPPORT BY THE MCCANN DOGS TEAM OF PROFESSIONAL TRAINERS


Real people. Real reviews. Over 100,000 dogs trained!

5 star rating

I love McCann's online courses

Melanie & Mayday

McCann's method, trainers and online courses are top notch! Their lessons are thorough and very effective. I was able to take my time to complete the life ...

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McCann's method, trainers and online courses are top notch! Their lessons are thorough and very effective. I was able to take my time to complete the life skills program over the summer when every weekend is busy with something . There's so much good information in the course videos that I watch them over and over always finding some new clever hint from Shannon. I really wish I lived close to you and could take all the classes in person!

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5 star rating

Thank you

Cristina Lem

Dear McCann team, I would like to say thank you for having this course available online. I started following your YouTube channel before I even took the d...

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Dear McCann team, I would like to say thank you for having this course available online. I started following your YouTube channel before I even took the decision to have a dog. When I finally got the dog, everything went so smooth, the crate training, potty training, response to name. Later I decided to go for this course and that was the best decision and investment I could make for my dog and myself. Now we are in week 6 of the training, my Golden Retriever is 5,5 months old and he is already such a good family member thanks to this course, all your videos, advises and encouragement. Still a long way ahead, but I’m really enjoying and looking forward to it. Thank you so much! Cristina and Goldie (Prague, Czech Republic)

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5 star rating

The best training I’ve been part of!

Michelle Hewitt & Leo

Immune compromised, full time wheelchair user, and we adopt a rescue pup from Texas in winter! I have previous training experience, but it’s not recent and n...

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Immune compromised, full time wheelchair user, and we adopt a rescue pup from Texas in winter! I have previous training experience, but it’s not recent and not since being in a wheelchair. This course has allowed Leo and I to become a formidable team! My husband is now able to join in. - another wheelchair user but with less experience in dog training - and we are well on our way to being a very happy family. I looked for other face to face training, but none offered the depth or the flexibility of this program. I’m just taking some extra steps to make sure I have the socialization pieces in place, because that is the only drawback I can see - and it’s easily remedied. Great team of instructors who demonstrate their enthusiasm for all of us on the program through the facebook group.

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5 star rating

You trained me

Stephanie Ford

I love this program so much, I do not want to graduate! Your trainers have trained me, which is what I needed, so I could train my dog. I have been able to ...

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I love this program so much, I do not want to graduate! Your trainers have trained me, which is what I needed, so I could train my dog. I have been able to train Murray to do things, such as roll over, so easily. I’ve never been able to train a dog to do that! Thank you Kayl, Steve, Shannon and the many others who have tirelessly answered Facebook questions and held Zoom calls with us. You are so personable and feel like family to us now. We wish you many blessings in the years ahead!

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5 star rating

Graduated!

Gina Holstead

What a fantastic program! We still have a ways to go with loose leash walking, but Gala comes on a dime, (every time!) understands and obeys "leave it", s...

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What a fantastic program! We still have a ways to go with loose leash walking, but Gala comes on a dime, (every time!) understands and obeys "leave it", sit stay or down stay for 10 minutes with distractions, and has almost perfect manners. It was a great learning experience for me. I've used the method to teach her to ring a bell when she needs to go outside- amoung other things. I know that if I go back and pay more attention to loose leash walking it will work. I have one super obedient dog....thanks to McCann. Highly recommend this course.

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5 star rating

Absolutely loved it!

Yamuna Menon

This program is absolutely worth every penny! This is the perfect course for basic skills and it is developed so well and so thoroughly. I literally cannot s...

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This program is absolutely worth every penny! This is the perfect course for basic skills and it is developed so well and so thoroughly. I literally cannot say enough good things about this course. My dog is a happier and more well rounded dog and my relationship with him has also really improved as a result of this course. As someone who was skeptical to do an online course, I could not be happier with the training materials and level of support - thank you McCann!

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5 star rating

my 1st puppy at 57yrs. old

kim batdorff

i got lilly grace 8 weeks ago. 2 weeks before her arrival home i began watching your videos. Amazing i must say . Simple yet detailed enough that even i coul...

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i got lilly grace 8 weeks ago. 2 weeks before her arrival home i began watching your videos. Amazing i must say . Simple yet detailed enough that even i could follow it. I also enjoy The humor all of you give. But the thing that stands out with your training over others is you show to common challenges solutions . I think this help owners relax a little . thanks so much kim

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5 star rating

Introduction to Life Skills

Denise Heard

The content was good, well laid out and with good descriptions to clarify the training techniques.

The content was good, well laid out and with good descriptions to clarify the training techniques.

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5 star rating

Fantastic course

Dick Nix

Very well structured and well explained

Very well structured and well explained

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5 star rating

Nailed it

LuAnn Davis -Jindela

Very good at supporting video!

Very good at supporting video!

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5 star rating

It's true - the Life Skills Program really does turn your...

CATRIONA HELLICAR & ARCHIE

The Life Skills course has been simply fantastic - a real life saver! You do have to commit to do the work involved (and it IS a lot of work) but the support...

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The Life Skills course has been simply fantastic - a real life saver! You do have to commit to do the work involved (and it IS a lot of work) but the support and encouragement you get from all the trainers, live zoom lessons, the online course material, and the extensive resource library mean that at the end of the program, you will have not only a very well trained dog, but a really close and loving bond with your dog. I highly recommend the Life Skills Program.

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Course curriculum

    1. About the Program - Quick Links and Where to Start!

    2. About Support - How to Get Answers to your Questions!

    3. Rules & Tips for Submitting Video to Instructors for Feedback

    4. About the Live Q&A Coaching Calls

    5. Perks for Life Skills Students

    6. Tell us about your dog and goals!

    7. Meet Your Instructors!

    8. A Few Rules for Success!

    9. Important Details

    10. Training Glossary

    11. Training Equipment - Discount Code for 20% off

    12. Life Right Now

    13. Welcome Quiz

    14. BONUS: 3 Ways to Teach Your Dog ANY Behaviour

    15. BONUS: Full Maintenance Grooming from A to Z

    1. ***PLEASE READ:*** About the Core Videos Section

    2. Holding the Leash

    3. Holding the Leash Quiz

    4. Taking Food Gently

    5. Taking Food Gently Quiz

    6. Teaching the Lure

    7. Teaching the Lure Quiz

    8. The Pop Game

    9. The Pop Game Quiz

    10. Sit Placement

    11. Sit Placement Quiz

    1. ***PLEASE READ:*** About the Core Exercises

    2. Taking the Collar

    3. Taking the Collar Quiz

    4. Leave It

    5. Leave It Quiz

    6. Response to Name

    7. Response to Name Quiz

    8. Look at Me

    9. Look at Me Quiz

    10. Get In

    11. Get In Quiz

    12. Sit in Front

    13. Sit in Front Quiz

    1. ***PLEASE READ:*** About these skills

    2. Tug & Out

    3. Tug & Out Quiz

    4. Down Placement

    5. Down Placement Quiz

    6. Using a Gentle Leader

    7. Gentle Leader Quiz

    1. General Rules for your COME training!

    2. General Rules for your STAY training!

    3. General Rules for your HEEL training!

    4. Weekly Progress Tracker - Come!

    5. Weekly Progress Tracker - Heel!

    6. Weekly Progress Tracker - Stay!

    1. Teach Your Dog to Love Coming When Called!

    2. Recall Lesson 1 Quiz

    3. STAY! Teaching Position

    4. Stay Lesson 1 Quiz

    5. HEEL! Perfect Position and a Loose Leash

    6. Heel Lesson 1 Quiz

About this course

  • $397.00
  • 134 lessons

PLUS GET THESE BONUSES!

  • Exclusive Support Group

    In addition to your weekly video lessons.....

    Join Life Skills and you'll get to learn and grow with a group of dog owners all working through similar issues.

    Plus, you can connect with instructors 5 days a week!

  • Bonus Programs

    Full Grooming Program - Maintenance grooming from A to Z - trim nails, clean ears, brush and bath your dog with ease. (Value $197)

  • Bonus Program

    3 Ways to Teach Any Skill Program
    You'll love learning how your dog's think and learn. We'll show you exactly what you need to do to teach any behaviour or skill, from simple to spectacular!

Meet the McCann Dogs Team

You're about to embark on a journey - and our expert trainers are excited to help you every step of the way in the Life Skills Program.

We'll use your dog's own instincts to create a wonderful, eager learner and help you create a 4-legged family member who's easy to live with. 

We can't wait for you see the MAGIC that comes along with clear in training!



25 years ago, I brought home my first puppy, Quincey...and I thought it was going to be magic.

If TV had taught me anything, it was that puppies were fun bundles of energy that would make me laugh with playful antics and then fall asleep in my arms.

Well…. TV and reality were two totally different worlds.

I wanted sweet and I got a land shark. I wanted her to play with me and she thought everything else was better. I wanted obedient and I got a dog who stole my things and played keep-away, who wouldn’t come when she was called and who thought stay meant run as fast as you can in the other direction….

In hindsight, it was to be expected with a youngster. My puppy was normal, I just didn’t know how to fix any of the behaviours I didn’t like... until I found McCanns! The McCann Method taught me how to understand Quincey’s needs and how to use her own instincts to create skills that we BOTH enjoyed. Within a few weeks, Quincey was coming when called and no longer trying to dislocate my shoulder on walks!

Hi, my name is Shannon and I'm thrilled to be your Instructor for Life Skills. I've been with McCann Professional Dog Trainers since 1999, and I can't wait to help you and your "Quincey"!

Stop scrolling and think about this:

  • Good dogs who are well trained are a JOY to spend time with

  • Good dogs who come when they are called get to enjoy off-leash freedom

  • Good dogs are much more likely to be included in family activities.

McCann Dogs in the Media

animal planet

Additional questions?
See below or Contact us today!

  • What's included?

    *Access to more than 40 video lessons

    *Access to Life Skills Extras - this section includes supplemental articles and videos

    *Access to previously recorded LIVE Group Coaching Calls.

    *Support from the McCann Dogs team. We'll be interacting with you daily to answer your questions!

    *Live Q&A Group Coaching calls

  • How long do I get access?

    There are 8 weeks of lessons in the program. You get full access to all content and support for 4 months. Most people finish with lots of time to spare, but if you have a busy life and require more time, you can continue monthly access for $29.95/month.

  • Will I get to interact with Instructors?

    This is what is truly special about our programs!

    You get access to trainers all week long to ask questions. You can email or post in the exclusive Support Group.

    In addition to the video lessons, you'll get to attend Live Q&A Group Coaching Calls where we talk about important topics like manners, barking and capturing good behaviour. If you can't make it live, watch the recording anytime in the Extras section. Take advantage of all of the previously recorded live lessons which are available for your learning!

    With all of this, plus DAILY Q&A, you'll NEVER feel alone!

  • Who is this course for?

    Life Skills is for anyone who wants a well-trained, well-behaved 4-legged family member. Please note that we cannot help with aggression in our Life Skills program. If you're not sure if it's the right program for you, please contact us at [email protected] and we'll be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

  • Will this course work for my dog?

    The benefit of Life Skills is the collective decades of experience of the trainers behind it. If you run into a problem, chances are we’ve seen it and solved it before. Purchasing Life Skills gives you access to an amazing program that will take you step-by-step through the process of training the skills we all need in order to have a well behaved and safe 4-legged family member.

    Since dogs are not robots, when they do something different or unexpected, you’ll be able to use your support options to call on our experience and troubleshoot the less common problems.

    Please note that we do not help with aggression in our online classes. If you have questions about whether the program will help with your dog, please email us at [email protected]

  • Can I enroll anytime? Can I enroll from anywhere in the world?

    Yes! Our doors are always open. Start anytime and you’ll get full access to all content and support for as long as you're a member. We have students from ALL over the world!

  • What if I decide it’s not the right course for me?

    No problem! Let us know within 48 hours in order to get a full refund. We're THAT confident that implementing what you learn in the course will work.

  • What if my dog is older? What if I have more than 1 dog?

    No problem! All dogs need training and the adage we’ve all heard about old dogs not being able to learn new tricks is simply not true. Older dogs, be they new to your home or just in need of a refresher in training LOVE to think and learn. Mental stimulation is very rewarding for dogs, regardless of their age.

    Have a second dog? No problem! You can enrol a second dog from the same household for a discounted rate. Please contact us directly at [email protected] to explore this option.

    Please note that we cannot address aggression issues in our Online Programs. If you're not sure if Life Skills is the right program for you, please contact us directly at [email protected]

  • Will I get as much out of this as I would if I went to a class?

    We get this question a lot and truly, it’s very dependent on your personality. If you are the type of person who can’t get through tasks without having someone stand over you to dictate, you should get to a class! If you like to work through things at your own pace; if you like to watch instruction more than once; if there are multiple members of your family that would like to participate in training; and if you can keep working through the material without someone ‘cracking the whip’, join us in McCann Dogs Home School! Because of all of the support options and the discussion in the exclusive Facebook Group, Life Skills has the potential to give you much, much more than a once a week class. A well-trained dog is just the tip of the iceberg!