When it comes to our dogs, every day is an opportunity to train, whether we’re teaching a fun trick, working on cooperative care like nail trimming or brushing, practicing dog sports such as agility, or simply helping our dogs relax on their bed while we work. Even when we’re not actively training, our dogs are constantly learning.
It’s important to remember that while we’re always training, we shouldn’t train just anything at any time. We need to choose wisely what we work on. For example, if your dog has had a scary experience or a frightening moment, it’s crucial to give them time to recover. After a stressful event, their body releases cortisol—a stress hormone—and it can take time for those levels to go down.
In these situations, it’s best to focus on calming activities or enrichment games that allow your dog to relax and unwind. Things like sniffing games, lick mats, or quiet time in a cozy space can help soothe your dog and provide gentle stimulation without adding stress. So while we can always train something, it’s essential to make sure we’re training what’s best for the moment, not just anything.
Let’s be intentional with our training sessions, but also remember that dogs are always learning from us, even when we’re not actively working with them. Use this awareness to your advantage—praise them, reward with treats or affection, and create positive outcomes whenever possible. The more we reinforce good behavior, the more we’ll see it grow.
Whether you’re focusing on basic obedience like sit, stay, or come, or more advanced skills, consistency and patience are key. So no matter what day it is, or what you’re doing, remember that you’re always training. Let’s make it count in ways that strengthen our bond and bring out the best in our dogs!
Dog Training 