Tips for Training Between Sessions

When clients come to me for help, one of the most important things I emphasise is this:

What you do between our sessions matters the most.

It’s not about spending hours on end training your dog every day. Instead, it’s about weaving small, meaningful exercises into your daily life.

Let’s talk about how to make that work.

1. Fit Training Into Your Lifestyle

You don’t need to carve out big chunks of time to see progress. Training can happen in those little in-between moments:

• Two minutes while the kettle’s boiling.
• Five minutes before heading out the door.
• A quick session while you’re waiting for dinner to cook.

Think about moments in your day when you’re already interacting with your dog—like putting on their lead, preparing their meal, or coming home after being out. Each of these moments is an opportunity to reinforce behaviours like calmness, waiting, or focus.  These aren’t extra activities—they’re little tweaks to things you’re already doing.

By pairing training with routines, it becomes effortless and consistent. These bite-sized moments add up over time. By fitting training into your routine, it feels less like a chore and more like a natural part of your day.

2. Keep It Short and Sweet

When we work together, I often recommend five-minute bursts of training with breaks in between. For example:

• Five minutes of focused work.
• A quick pause to relax or play.
• Then back for another five minutes, if needed.

While keeping sessions short is vital, don’t forget to end on a high note. Wrap up each session with something your dog enjoys—like their favourite game or a treat—so they associate training with positive experiences. If things aren’t going well, take a break and come back later. Frustration (on either side) can undo progress, so it’s better to keep it brief and joyful than to push through a tough moment.

Even just five minutes a day can make a difference. Consistency is key, and shorter sessions are often more productive than long, drawn-out ones. Remember, dogs (and humans!) learn best in small, manageable doses.

3. Schedule It, If Needed

For some people, the best way to stay consistent is to assign specific times for training.

• Need to coordinate with a neighbour to avoid distractions? Plan ahead.
• Juggling a busy schedule? Add training sessions to your calendar and treat them like an important appointment.

If scheduling helps you stay on track, embrace it. Building a routine can be incredibly beneficial for both you and your dog.

Planning doesn’t just mean setting aside time—it’s also about preparing mentally and practically. Think about what you want to achieve in the session and what tools you’ll need. For example, if you’re working on recall, do you have their favourite treat or toy? Is the environment free of distractions, or are you ready to handle them if they arise?

Planning for success makes the session smoother and helps you stay focused on your goals.

4. Make It Fun

This might be the most important point of all. Training should feel enjoyable—not like a daunting task.

• Focus on games and exercises that both you and your dog love.
• Celebrate those little wins.
• Keep a positive mindset and remember that progress takes time.

Instead of thinking of training as “work,” treat it as a way to bond with your dog. Try incorporating some of their natural instincts into the session. For example, if your dog loves sniffing, use a scent trail or “find it” game as part of your training. Or, if they love to chase, incorporate movement into recall practice. When training aligns with their natural interests, it’s more engaging for them—and more fun for you too!

If you approach training with excitement and joy, it’ll feel less like “work” and more like quality time with your dog. A few minutes of playful learning can strengthen your bond and boost your dog’s skills.

At the end of the day, training doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. It’s about finding small, realistic ways to incorporate it into your life. Fit it in, keep it short, and most importantly—make it fun.
With these steps, you’ll be amazed at the progress you and your dog can make together.