Training a dog isn’t just about teaching behaviors—it’s about building a relationship. The better you understand how your dog learns, the faster and more enjoyable the process will be. Whether you’re working with a brand-new puppy or an older dog, these five tips will set you up for success while making training fun for both of you.
1. Use the Right Reinforcer—What Does Your Dog Actually Love?
Picture this: You’re handed a plate of plain rice and told it’s your reward for running a marathon. Not exactly motivating, right? That’s how your dog feels when you use something they don’t truly love as a reinforcer.
I learned this lesson the hard way with my German Shepherd, Ellie. She would happily work for treats and seemed eager to train in almost any environment. But when it came to stationary behaviors—like stay and place—she struggled. I assumed she just needed more practice.
Then, at a seminar, an instructor used Ellie for a demo and grabbed a tug toy. I remember thinking, She won’t care about that—she needs food. Within seconds, Ellie came alive. She worked harder than I’d ever seen, eager to nail every behavior as long as it ended with a good game of tug. I had been using what I thought she should love, not what truly motivated her.
Takeaway: Pay attention to what actually excites your dog, not just what’s convenient or what you think should work. Some dogs love food, others prefer toys, praise, or even sniffing breaks. The better the reinforcer, the better the results.
2. Say “Yes” to Voluntary Good Decisions
Dogs don’t come into this world understanding what we want. They’re just trying to figure out what works. The key to faster dog training? Start catching and rewarding the good choices they make on their own.
If your dog sits instead of jumping? Say yes! and reinforce it. If they look at you instead of lunging at a squirrel? Mark it and reward. Training doesn’t have to wait for a formal session—your dog is learning all the time. Make the good stuff pay off.
3. Choose the Right Environment for Success
Think of training like learning to drive. You wouldn’t start in rush-hour traffic, right? Yet so many people expect their dogs to perform flawlessly in distracting environments before they’re ready.
Start in a low-distraction area, like your living room, and gradually work your way up. If your dog is struggling, it’s not because they’re stubborn—it’s because the environment is too hard for their current skill level. Adjust the challenge to set them up for success.
4. Training Takes Time—Trust the Process
If there were a magic fix for dog training, we’d all have perfectly behaved dogs overnight. The reality? True training takes time.
Dogs learn through repetition and reinforcement. Behaviors don’t stick after one or two successful tries—they need to be practiced in different environments and reinforced consistently. Progress will come, but only if you stay patient and consistent.
5. Turn Training Into a Game
Dogs love to play, so why not make training part of the fun? Whether it’s using a tug toy as a reinforcer (like Ellie taught me!) or turning recall practice into a chase game, adding energy and excitement keeps dogs engaged and eager to learn.
Think of it this way—if your dog sees training as a job, they’ll only do it when necessary. But if they see it as a game, they’ll look forward to every session.
Final Thoughts
The best dog trainers aren’t the ones who demand obedience—they’re the ones who understand how dogs learn and make training an enjoyable experience. By using the right reinforcer, rewarding voluntary good choices, setting up a distraction-appropriate environment, being patient, and making dog training fun, you’ll build a dog who wants to learn.
And remember—just like Ellie taught me—sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come when we stop assuming and start listening to what our dogs are telling us.
Ready to get started? Grab your dog’s favorite reward and try out these tips today! You can also check out some of our most popular classes here!