How to Set Your Dog Up for Success Before You Start Training

When most people think about dog training, they picture the moment their pup sits on command, walks politely on leash, or finally stops jumping on guests. But what happens before training even starts is just as important—if not more. The foundation you lay at home can make or break your dog’s success.

Whether you’re working on basic obedience or tackling reactivity, setting your dog up for success starts with meeting their physical, emotional, and mental needs. Here’s how you can prepare your dog to learn—and actually enjoy—the process.

Training set-up can be as important as the actual training.

1. Make Sure Their Needs Are Met First

A tired, hungry, or overstimulated dog will struggle to focus. Before you begin training:

• Exercise: Give your dog a chance to burn off excess energy with a walk, play session, or sniffari.

• Bathroom Break: Make sure they’ve gone potty so they aren’t distracted.

• Food & Treats: Have high-value rewards ready, but avoid training right after a big meal.

Think of it this way: you wouldn’t do your best in a classroom if you were starving or had to use the bathroom—dogs are the same.

2. Choose the Right Environment

Start in a quiet, low-distraction setting like your living room or backyard. Training in busy parks or around other dogs is like learning algebra in the middle of a rock concert—it’s too much.

Once your dog has mastered skills in calm spaces, you can gradually add distractions.

3. Build Trust and Connection

Training isn’t just about commands; it’s about the bond between you and your dog. Before you start teaching, spend time connecting:

• Gentle play or tug games

• Petting and calm affection

• Practicing eye contact or name recognition

When your dog sees you as a safe, fun, and rewarding partner, learning comes naturally.

4. Use the Right Rewards

Not all dogs are motivated by the same things. Find what lights your dog up:

• Tasty treats (soft, smelly, bite-sized work best)

• Favorite toy or tug

• Praise and affection

Keep a variety on hand so training stays exciting.

5. Keep Sessions Short and Positive

Dogs learn best in short bursts. Aim for 3–5 minutes at a time, especially with puppies or easily distracted dogs. Always end on a success, even if it’s a simple sit or eye contact. That way, your dog leaves training feeling proud and eager for next time.

6. Get Yourself in the Right Mindset

Your energy matters. Dogs are incredibly sensitive to our emotions. Before training, take a breath, let go of frustration, and approach the session with patience and positivity. Training should feel like teamwork, not a battle.

Final Thoughts

Setting your dog up for success before training ensures that both of you enjoy the process and see results faster. When your dog’s needs are met, the environment is right, and your bond is strong, training becomes less of a chore and more of a shared journey built on trust, respect, and love.

Remember: training doesn’t just teach your dog skills—it deepens your relationship. And when that foundation is solid, anything is possible.

Contact me to learn more about how to see you and your dog up for training success. Call/text: 250-688-5392 or email: celestegoodhope@live.ca

dog trainer cranbrook

dog trainer cranbrook