The Auto Check-In
Want your dog to focus — even around distractions?
The Auto Check-In (ACI) is a relationship-first skill that teaches your dog to offer attention voluntarily, without prompting.
Perfect for new puppies, distracted dogs, or reactive dogs, ACI is a favorite among trainers and guardians alike.
Fast to teach, easy to practice, and surprisingly powerful.
$9.99
Description
The Auto Check-In (ACI): Build Focus, Connection, and Calm
The Auto Check-In (ACI) teaches your dog to connect with you — on their own, in real life, without being told.
Getting started is simple: you need yourself, some treats, your dog, and a little patience (plus big praise when they get it right!). Whether you’re on the porch, watching TV, or standing in a busy environment, ACI turns ordinary moments into trust-building training.
No more nagging with “watch me!”
Instead, your dog offers attention because they understand its value — and that changes everything.
What You’ll Learn
- How to teach ACI from scratch — step by step
- How to reinforce it in daily life (not just in training mode)
- How to use it in distracting or high-energy environments
Why It Works
This isn’t just obedience — it’s a mindset shift.
The ACI skill is about helping your dog feel safe, connected, and confident. It becomes a shared language between you and your dog that builds trust, reduces stress, and opens the door to more advanced training success.
Who It’s For
- New puppy parents and first-time dog owners
- Rescue or reactive dog guardians looking to build calm
- Positive reinforcement trainers and instructors
- Anyone who wants a peaceful, connected relationship with their dog
Note: This course is hosted on our Thinkific learning platform. When you click to purchase, a new window will open where you’ll create a free Thinkific account to complete your order.
10 reviews for The Auto Check-In
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Samantha Walpole –
“Simple but not simplistic”. This exercise lays a necessary foundation for any dog owner who wants to improve their relationship with their dog. It will make a huge difference when moving on to other activities and lessons.
Debbie Elliott –
Shift from cued to offered behavior – Easy to see how powerful this technique is and how profoundly it can change start to change my relationship with my adolescent dog.
Joanne Chase –
This information was great! The training provided practical ways to help my pup in distracting situations. This was an excellent reminder to put these strategies back in to my daily walks. Thank you.
Jennifer Fritton –
Simple and valuable – The Auto-Check In is super simple and fun! How great that a technique so easy to train can prove such a valuable tool for engaging with your dog when you need it most.
James Tudor –
Informative and concise!
Easy to understand explanation of what an auto check in is and how to establish it. Before this video, I never knew you could or should train this behavior. Awesome!
Kendra Charts –
It really works!
My five dogs learned the auto check in in a matter of one training session. We are now using it with a variety of different distractions. It is also a way for me to clearly gauge if my dogs are with me or not. Once I know they are with me by offering the auto check in our connection is so much better.
Sandy Rodeck –
Excellent and just what I needed
Allison Smitherman –
Excellent breakdown of steps to develop successful ACI.
Nathalie BANTZ GASZCZAK –
Insightful as well as useful. Simple, but not simplistic.
Shlomit Harrosh –
An essential tool of any balanced dog-person relationship is the Auto Check-In. A simple yet powerful tool, it helps people understand their dogs better and navigate the world together. In this short, focused course, the technique is explained clearly and simply so that any person can quickly learn it and integrate it into their daily walks with their dog. The Auto Check-In is a must for owners with dogs who struggle in the environment, and highly recommended for all who wish to walk though life in connection with their dog.