Want to make dog training more effective and enjoyable? Discover our simple tips for better training sessions, from choosing the right treats to keeping your dog motivated.
Whether you’re teaching your dog their first basic commands or working on more advanced tricks, training should be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you.
But sometimes, training sessions don’t quite go to plan. Your dog loses interest, gets distracted, or suddenly seems to have forgotten everything they’ve ever learned!
The good news? You don’t need hours of training every day to make progress. A few simple changes to how you train can make your sessions more productive, enjoyable and rewarding.
Here are our top tips for getting the most out of every training session.
🐾 1. Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun
One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking that longer training sessions mean better results.
Dogs, just like us, can lose concentration when they’ve been doing the same thing for too long. Instead of one long session, try several short training sessions throughout the day.
For example, 5–10 minutes of focused training can be more effective than trying to keep your dog engaged for half an hour.
Always try to finish your session while your dog is still enjoying it. Ending on a positive note helps your dog associate training with something fun.
Try this:
Choose 2–3 behaviours to practise and spend a few minutes on each. Once your dog starts losing interest, call it a day and come back to it later.
🦴 2. Find a Reward Your Dog Really Loves
One of the biggest secrets to successful training? Motivation!
For many dogs, food is a fantastic training reward. But not every treat is equally exciting to every dog.
Try different treats to discover what gets your dog's tail wagging. Soft, tasty treats can be particularly useful when you're teaching something new because they're quick for your dog to eat, meaning you can get straight back to training.
Our semi-moist dog treats are a great option for training because they're easy to break into smaller pieces, allowing you to reward your dog frequently without giving them a whole treat every time.
Remember, the reward doesn't always have to be food. For some dogs, praise, a favourite toy or a game of fetch can be just as motivating.
🐶 3. Start Somewhere Quiet
If your dog is still learning a new command, don't expect them to perform it perfectly in the middle of a busy park!
Start somewhere with minimal distractions, such as your home or garden. Once your dog understands what you're asking, gradually introduce more distractions.
For example:
Step 1: Practise “sit” in the house
Step 2: Practise in the garden
Step 3: Practise on a quiet walk
Step 4: Practise around other dogs and people
This gradually teaches your dog that the command applies wherever you are.
⭐ 4. Reward the Behaviour You Want
Timing is incredibly important when training.
When your dog does something correctly, reward them straight away so they can make the connection between the behaviour and the reward.
For example, if you're teaching your dog to sit, give them their treat as soon as their bottom touches the floor.
If you wait several seconds, your dog may not understand what they are being rewarded for.
Remember:
Good behaviour → marker/praise → reward
The quicker you can make that connection, the easier it is for your dog to understand what you're asking.
🧠 5. Make Your Dog Think
Training isn't just about teaching commands, it's also a brilliant way to give your dog some mental stimulation.
Once your dog understands the basics, introduce activities that encourage them to think and problem-solve.
You could try:
• Teaching new tricks
• Practising “find it” games
• Using treats for scent work
• Teaching your dog to target an object
• Introducing simple puzzle toys
• Practising different commands together
Even a few minutes of mental stimulation can be a great way to challenge your dog.
🔄 6. Mix Things Up
Doing exactly the same exercise repeatedly can quickly become boring.
Once your dog understands a command, mix it into different situations and combine it with other behaviours.
For example, instead of repeatedly asking for “sit”, try:
Sit → stay → release
Or:
Down → stay → come
This helps your dog learn to listen to you rather than simply responding automatically to one repeated command.
🏆 7. Don't Forget to Celebrate the Small Wins
Training isn't always a straight line.
Some days your dog might pick something up immediately. Other days, they might seem to have completely forgotten what you've been practising!
That's completely normal.
Celebrate small improvements and don't expect perfection. If your dog is struggling, make the exercise easier rather than continuing until they become frustrated.
Training should feel like a game, not a test.
🐕 8. Gradually Reduce the Treats
Treats are a brilliant way to teach new behaviours, but eventually you want your dog to respond to your cue without expecting a treat every single time.
Once your dog has really understood a behaviour, start rewarding them intermittently.
You can replace some food rewards with:
• Verbal praise
• A fuss or belly rub
• Their favourite toy
• A game
• Access to something they enjoy, such as going outside
This doesn't mean stop using treats altogether. Keeping them as an occasional reward can help keep training exciting.
❤️ 9. Keep Training Positive
Perhaps the most important tip of all: make training enjoyable.
Your dog should feel safe, encouraged and excited to learn. If either of you is becoming frustrated, take a break and try again later.
Every dog learns at their own pace, so try not to compare your dog to other dogs.
Progress is progress — whether that's mastering a new trick, holding a stay for a few extra seconds or simply paying attention when there are distractions around.
Choosing the Right Training Treats
The right treat can make a big difference to your training sessions.
For frequent rewards, look for treats that are:
Small: Easy to eat quickly so you can get back to training.
Tasty: The more exciting the reward, the more motivated your dog may be.
Easy to break: Larger treats can often be broken into smaller pieces, giving you more rewards from every treat.
Natural: Look for treats made with quality ingredients that you feel happy giving to your dog.
And remember that treats should be given as part of a balanced diet and shouldn't replace your dog's normal food.
❓ FAQs About Dog Training
How long should a dog training session be?
For most dogs, short sessions of around 5–10 minutes can work well, particularly when teaching something new. You can have several short sessions throughout the day rather than one long session.
What are the best treats for dog training?
The best training treats are ones your dog loves, are easy to eat quickly and can be given in small portions. Soft or semi-moist treats are particularly convenient for frequent rewards.
How often should I train my dog?
Consistency is more important than long sessions. Try incorporating a few minutes of training into your everyday routine, such as before meals, during walks or while you're playing together.
Can older dogs still learn new tricks?
Absolutely! Dogs can continue learning throughout their lives. Training can also provide valuable mental stimulation for older dogs, so don't think training is something that should stop once your dog reaches adulthood.
What should I do if my dog loses interest during training?
Take a break! Your dog may be tired, distracted or simply need something more interesting to motivate them. Keep sessions short, change the activity or try again later.
Should I give my dog a treat every time they get something right?
When your dog is first learning a behaviour, frequent rewards can help them understand what you're asking. Once they've mastered it, you can gradually reduce how often you give treats and use other rewards such as praise, toys and play.
🐾 Make Every Training Session Count
Dog training doesn't need to be complicated.
Keep sessions short, use rewards your dog loves, minimise distractions and — most importantly — make it fun. The more enjoyable training is, the more likely your dog will be to engage and want to learn.
And remember, every little win counts. Whether you're teaching your puppy their first “sit” or teaching your older dog an impressive new trick, training is a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between you and your four-legged friend.
Happy training! 🐶❤️
