The First Week Home: Why Regression Happens and How to Manage It Calmly and Effectively

When a dog returns home after training, owners often expect to see perfect behavior right away. But the first week is rarely smooth — and this is normal. The environment has changed, the structure has changed, and the dog is re-learning how to apply their training in your world.

The first week is not about performance.It is about settling, bonding, and clarity.

Think of it like this:

The dog learned the language in training. Now they must learn how to use that language in your home.

Our job is to set them up for success — not test them.

Why Regression Happens

When the dog enters a familiar environment with familiar people, their old habits and emotional patterns re-activate.

This is not stubbornness. It is:

• Context memory

• Emotional muscle memory

• Learned routines resurfacing

The dog is asking: “Do the rules here still apply?”

Your job is to answer consistently: “Yes — and I’ll guide you.”

Mindset for Week One

Your mindset determines your outcome.

Be the Calm Constant

No frustration. No pressure to “prove” training worked. No comparing to the trainer.

Speak clearly. Move intentionally. Reward generously for good choices.

The dog is looking for leadership, not correction patterns.

Don’t Demand Perfection

We are not testing behaviors. We are rebuilding patterns in a new context.

Success is:

• Checking in with you

• Choosing calmness

• Responding to direction

• Settling into routine

Not performing obedience under high distraction.

Your Week One Structure

This is the backbone of stability.

Daily Schedule

Time	Activity	Structure Focus
Morning	Potty → Short Structured Walk → Place Time	Engagement → Calm start to day
Midday	Short Training Session (5–10 mins) → Chew or Rest	Mental work → Decompression
Afternoon	Structured Walk or Play (controlled, not chaotic)	Drive expression + recall to neutrality
Evening	Calm household presence (Place/Down)	Learning to coexist calmly
Before Bed	Potty → Quiet crate time	Ending day stable, not stimulated

Consistency is more important than duration.

House Rules to Reinforce Immediately

These create clarity and reduce regression.

Situation	Handler Expectation	Dog’s Job
Doorways / gates	Wait for release word	Look to handler before movement
Food time	Eye contact before bowl is released	Calmness earns access
Greeting people	Dog stays with handler first	Engagement precedes interaction
Furniture / personal space	Access is permission-based	Respect boundaries calmly

If the dog breaks structure → calmly reset → not emotional → not a debate.

How to Handle Mistakes (Because They Will Happen)

Step 1: Marker

Say “No” calmly — not loudly or sharply.

Step 2: Correction

Use the pre-planned, fair level appropriate for the behavior and context.

Step 3: Return to Neutral

No disappointment. No tone change. No emotional residue.

The moment is over.

This teaches resilience, not sensitivity.

Success in Week One Looks Like:

• Dog is more neutral, less reactive

• Dog checks in more frequently

• Dog settles faster in the home

• Walks become smoother and easier

• Handler feels more in control without being controlling

If it looks “uneventful” — you are doing it right. Calm is the goal.

Summary

• Regression is normal — it’s not failure.

• Your job is to guide, not test.

• Structure creates safety and clarity.

• Calm consistency builds trust and reliability.

• The first week is about bonding and expectation-setting, not performance.

A dog who feels safe and guided will naturally choose you — not because they must, but because they trust you.