You've started training!

You’ve signed up for a training class or started working on skills at home, and it feels like you’re doing everything right—at least most of the time. But somewhere in the back of your mind, there’s a nagging thought:

“What if this doesn’t work?”

It’s a common worry. Maybe you’ve tried training before, but things didn’t stick. Or your dog seems great in the living room but falls apart outside. You might wonder if your dog just isn’t ‘good’ at training—or worse, if you’re doing something wrong.

Here’s the truth: every dog can learn, and most of the time, it’s not about what you’re doing wrong. It’s about how you approach the process. Training is less about finding the perfect method and more about consistency, recognizing small wins, and adapting as you go.

“Why Does My Dog Listen Sometimes but Not Always?”

One of the biggest false beliefs in training is that once your dog learns something, they should do it perfectly every time. But dogs don’t work that way.

Dogs learn in patterns. If they’ve practiced “sit” in the kitchen, that’s where they expect it to happen. Take them to the park, and suddenly “sit” feels different—even though it’s the same cue. This isn’t defiance or forgetfulness. It’s just how learning works.

To break that pattern, practice cues in different places. Reinforce what they know during walks, in the yard, or at a friend’s house. The more environments you train in, the more your dog understands that the cue applies everywhere—not just during class.

“What If I Don’t Have Time for Long Sessions?”

It’s easy to feel like training should be this long, structured activity. But in reality, short, frequent sessions are far more effective.

Five to ten minutes a few times a day is all it takes. Dogs stay focused, you avoid frustration, and stopping before your dog gets bored keeps training fun.

Next time you’re feeling pressed for time, remember this: you don’t need to carve out an hour to train. Ask for a quick sit before heading out for a walk. Practice recall for 30 seconds in the yard. Training happens in the in-between moments.

“My Dog Only Listens When I Have Treats”

Another common worry is the belief that if your dog won’t listen without food, you’ve done something wrong. But treats are a tool—not a crutch.

Think of it this way: would you keep showing up for work if the paychecks stopped coming?

Over time, you can fade treats and replace them with life rewards. Ask for a sit, and the reward can be stepping outside. Call your dog to you, and the reward is freedom to keep exploring. Rewards don’t have to disappear—they evolve.

“What If My Dog Isn’t Making Progress?”

Every dog learns at their own pace. If you feel stuck, adjust the training to meet your dog where they are.

Sometimes, progress slows because the environment is too distracting, or the reward isn’t motivating enough. Try breaking the behavior down into smaller steps. If “stay” for 10 seconds feels impossible, reward after just three. Slowly build from there.

There’s no shame in scaling things back to find success. Progress isn’t linear—it’s layered, and some days small steps are the biggest wins.

“Does Play Count as Training?”

Absolutely. Play is one of the best ways to reinforce training. Tug, fetch, or chasing games can double as impulse control exercises. Asking for a sit or down in the middle of play teaches your dog to transition between excitement and calm.

The more you weave training into play, the more natural it feels to your dog. Training doesn’t have to feel like work—it can be part of the fun.

“What If It Feels Like We’re Not Getting Anywhere?”

Some days feel like progress, and others feel like setbacks. This can make you question whether the training is working at all.

But here’s something to remember—small wins shape big changes. That extra second of eye contact, the recall that happened just once, or the calm walk around the block without pulling—those are all victories.

Training isn’t about perfection. It’s about stacking those small moments until one day, you realize your dog is responding without hesitation.

The little things become the big things—and they shape the dog you’re raising every day.