Getting the Most Out of Your Inner Circle Membership

Being part of the Inner Circle isn’t just about watching more videos — it’s about learning how to think through training decisions alongside the work itself.

Here’s how to get the most value from your membership.

1. Watch with intention, not speed

The videos are shared as the work happens. Some sessions may look simple on the surface — that’s often where the most important decisions are being made.

Pay attention to:

• what Joel chooses not to do
• when he slows things down
• how he adjusts based on the puppy in front of him

2. Use the comments to ask real questions

As an Inner Circle member, you can comment directly on the videos.

This is your opportunity to ask:

• Why something was done a certain way
• What Joel was watching for in that moment
• How a concept might apply to your own dog

Specific questions lead to better answers. Don’t worry about asking the “right” thing — curiosity is enough.‍

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3. Follow the process over time‍

This membership is designed to be experienced month by month.

Try not to jump ahead looking for finished behaviors. The value is in seeing how early choices shape everything that comes later — including mistakes, corrections, and course changes.

Consistency over time is where the learning compounds.

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4. Bring your questions to the monthly recap
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Each month, Joel shares a recap of what happened, what changed, and why certain decisions were made.
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If you’ve been following along, this is where the bigger picture starts to click. Bring your questions — especially the ones that connect multiple sessions together.

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5. Apply ideas, not carbon copies
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The goal isn’t to copy sessions exactly. Every dog is different.
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Instead, focus on:

• principles
• timing
• decision-making
• reading the dog in front of you

That’s where long-term progress comes from.

Inner Circle works best when you treat it like a conversation, not a content library.
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Engage with the process, ask questions when something doesn’t make sense, and give yourself time to absorb what you’re seeing.
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We’re glad you’re here.
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— Joel & the CDS Team