How to Prepare For Your Dog Training Session

Michael Baugh CDBC

Dog training on-the-fly can look too much like testing and not enough like teaching. Sure, there are some circumstances where a properly reinforced single-event training moment is acceptable, even preferred (example: randomly calling your dog to you for a click and treat). Most of the time, though, I recommend well-planned brief sessions for training with your dog, seven to ten minutes in duration, one to three times per day.

What Should You do Before Starting a Dog Training Session?

✅ Make sure you have all the props you’ll need nearby. (for example, your dog’s mat, or target stick)

✅ Have treats and your clicker if you are using one. (Carry your treat bag around for an hour before a session so your dog doesn’t automatically flip into “training mode.”)

✅ Create a low-stress, minimally distracting place to train.

✅ Imagine what a successful session will look like. Visualization works.

✅ Take a breath. Relax. I like to do a brief meditation before training. It helps me focus and pay attention.

Begin.

When we set ourselves and our dogs up for success, training is fun. It’s not always easy, but the challenges are easier to solve. Enjoy this moment. Keep in mind how your session connects to your larger dog training goals without getting lost in the future, or getting frustrated because you’re not there yet. Teach in the here and now. The days with your dog are passing, and this is all part of the joy you share with each other.

Michael Baugh teaches dog training in Houston TX. He specializes in aggressive dog training.

How Do I Get My Dog to Come When Called?

“Come!” It seems like such a simple request, but for many dog owners, it’s one of the hardest things to teach. You call your dog, and instead of running happily toward you, she stands frozen, bolts in the opposite direction, or flat-out ignores you. Frustrating, right?

But here’s the good news: teaching your dog to come when called isn’t about dominance or control—it’s about trust, consistency, and reinforcement.

Why Coming When Called Matters

A reliable recall can literally save your dog’s life. It’s also critical in aggressive dog training. If your dog tends to lunge, growl, or snap at others, being able to call her away quickly and reliably prevents dangerous situations and keeps everyone safe. A strong recall isn’t just a convenience; it’s peace of mind.

The Sacred Promise of Recall

Successful recall is built on one principle: when your dog hears the cue to come, something great always follows.

Think of it as a sacred promise. If you call your dog with “Come!” she can count on you to make it worthwhile every single time. That might mean a piece of chicken, cheese, or another irresistible treat. Praise and affection are wonderful too—but food is the fastest way to a reliable recall.

Here’s the process:

Pick your recall word. Keep it short and clear. “Come!” is my go-to.
Say “(Dog’s name), come!”
When she comes, immediately praise and treat. Every. Single. Time.
Start practicing at very short distances with no distractions.
Gradually increase both distance and distractions only when your dog is succeeding consistently.

I recommend 15–25 single-rep sessions per day. Short, fun, consistent training sessions help build the habit.

Why Punishment Fails

It can be tempting to punish your dog for ignoring you, but punishment destroys trust. If your dog learns that “Come” sometimes leads to scolding, leash pops, or confinement, she’ll avoid you. After all, who would run toward punishment?

Shock collars and other aversive tools may appear to work in the short term, but they come with serious risks:

Increased anxiety and fear around people and other dogs.
Higher likelihood of aggression.
Damaged relationship between you and your dog.

Positive reinforcement, on the other hand, teaches your dog that coming to you is always safe, rewarding, and fun.

Building a Dog Who Loves to Come

Think of recall training as building your dog’s favorite game. When you call, it should feel like an invitation to something wonderful. That way, whether she’s sniffing in the yard, chasing a squirrel, or facing a stressful encounter, she’ll trust that running back to you is always the best option.

With time, practice, and lots of reinforcement, you can turn “Why won’t my dog come when called?” into “Wow, my dog always comes when called.”

Does My Dog Have ADHD?

Michael Baugh CDBC

There are dog behaviors that people label ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). We could call these ADHD-like behaviors. However, there is no ADHD diagnosis for dogs as there is for humans.

Which dog behaviors do some people mislabel as ADHD?

Inattention and failure to respond to cues
Easily distracted (by other animals, sounds, scents, etc.)
Increased activity in response to stimuli (jumping, running, body-slamming)
Pulling, lunging, or weaving on walks

Investigators are studying canine ADHD. They’ve modeled their studies after ADHD studies of human children. So far, the research has been problematic.

Most studies rely on owner-reported behaviors, which are vague and unreliable.
The research yields some correlations, but still does not yield any information about causation.
Canine ADHD treatment lacks the testing human ADHD treatments have had.

While labeling patterns of behavior can help us communicate clearly and efficiently sometimes, this is not the case with ADHD in dogs. Unless there is a consensus among veterinarians, canine cognitions, and researchers over the criteria for diagnosis, we are operating in a Wild West environment of varying interpretations of behavior. What is ADHD in dogs? What is it not? We just don’t know.

There is hope, though. No matter what we call it, we can still influence and even change our dogs’ behavior.

How do we help dogs with ADHD-like behavior?

Look closely at individual behavior. Observe without judgement or interpretation.
Apply environmental controls to reduce triggering unwanted behavior.
Teach new behavior patterns to replace unwanted behavior using positive reinforcement training.
A licensed veterinarian may recommend medical intervention.

Some unruly behavior in dogs is mild and temporary. This is especially true in puppies and adolescent dogs. In adult dogs, inattention, quick changes in movement, and rough physical contact can be annoying and even dangerous.

Who can you call to help with ADHD-like behavior in dogs? (and who should you not?)

✅ A positive reinforcement Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (IAABC)

✅ A veterinary behaviorist

✅ A Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB)

🚫 A punishment-based trainer or balanced dog trainer who uses leash corrections, prong collars, or shock collars

Dogs are eager learners. They are always experimenting with new behavior. Their actions and their potential to learn outweigh any label or possible diagnosis. Behavior can change; it’s always changing. And we can influence our dogs’ behavior. We can help them change. All it takes is some know-how, some patience, and yes — some attention.

Michael Baugh teaches dog training in Sedona AZ and Houston TX. He specializes in Aggressive Dog Training.