PetSkill help

Training lessons for dogs and cats

Questions people ask

Why are most of the skills locked?

Everyone starts in Base Camp, a small group of basics that the rest of the app leans on, like the marker word, sit, and coming when called. When you've done all the Base Camp lessons and your pet answers the main ones on cue, you can open the treasure chest at the end of Base Camp, and every other group unlocks at once. From there you can go in whatever order you like. A few skills still wait for another one first because their lesson starts from it. Down, for example, comes after Sit.

How does a skill go up a level?

Finishing the lesson gets you to level 1. After that it's practice. You tap after each try to say whether your pet got it, and the app groups the tries into short sets, 5 for dogs and 3 for cats. After every set it tells you whether to make things a little harder, stay where you are, or go back a step. When a session goes well and your pet stayed relaxed, the skill moves up. It can only move up once a day, and that's deliberate: pets hold on to new skills better when there's a night's sleep between sessions.

My pet loses interest halfway through. What should I do?

Make the session shorter than you think you need, a couple of minutes is plenty at the start. Use tiny, soft treats your pet really likes, pick a quiet room, and train when they're a little hungry instead of right after a meal. If your pet walks away, let them go. Try again later and start one step easier.

Can I train more than one pet?

Yes. Tap your pet's name at the top of the screen and you'll see all of your pets. Pick one to switch to it, or add a new one from the same list. Each pet keeps its own skills and progress.

How do I change or turn off the daily reminder?

Open the Menu tab and scroll to Training settings. You can pick a new time there or switch the reminder off. If reminders never arrive, check that notifications are turned on for PetSkill in your iPhone's Settings.

What does "Buy me a beer" do?

It's a tip for my work and a way to say thank you. Everything in PetSkill is free for everyone, so a beer doesn't unlock anything extra. It does help me keep adding new lessons, though.

Where is my progress saved?

Only on your phone. There's no account, so nothing is stored anywhere else. That also means deleting the app deletes your progress with it.

How do I remove a pet or start over?

To remove one pet, open the Menu tab, tap the pencil next to that pet, and choose Remove. To wipe everything, use Reset all progress at the bottom of the Menu tab. Neither one can be undone, so be sure first.

Can PetSkill replace a vet or a trainer?

I wrote the lessons for everyday training at home, and they can't stand in for someone who can see your pet in person. If your pet seems scared or in pain, growls or snaps, or suddenly starts behaving differently, please talk to your vet first. They can also point you to a qualified behavior professional.