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.

What Does Behavior Have To Do With My Dog’s Health?

Dogs don’t just express themselves through cute quirks. They are also communicating their physical and mental health. Our dogs’ behavior and health are deeply intertwined.

How Does My Dog’s Health Affect Behavior?

  • Pain, illness or injury often show up first as behavior changes. Pacing, panting, withdrawing, sleeping more, or suddenly acting aggressive are all signs. Dogs can’t tell us when their joints ache or their stomach hurts, so behavior is a key early warning sign.

  • Hormonal and metabolic shifts can modify energy levels, mood, reactivity.

  • Chronic stress, fear or anxiety has measurable physiological effects like higher cortisol, altered immune function. For example, dogs with fear/anxiety disorders are more likely to get skin disorders and other immune or hormonal issues. (Dreschel 2010)

Early intervention is key. Any sudden change in behavior, especially in an adult dog, should begin with a thorough veterinary assessment.

How Does My Dog’s Behavior Affect Health?

  • Persistent anxiety in dogs keeps stress systems activated. Over time, that is linked to poorer immune function, greater risk of infections, slower healing, and shortened lifespan. (Dreschel 2010)

  • Poor sleep or disrupted activity cycles and also increased disease risk, especially on older dogs. (Modino 2014)

  • Euthanasia related to canine behavior issues is one of the leading causes of death in young, otherwise healthy dogs.

The encouraging news is that behavior can change. In fact, change is the nature of behavior in dogs (and humans).

What Every Vet Should Know About Behavior Change.

In practice, vets should screen for behavioral signs just as they do for physical ones: ask owners about noises that scare the dog, separation behavior, aggression, changes in sleep or appetite. Early detection means interventions can start before behavior problems worsen. Baseline interventions include:

  • Positive reinforcement training (rewarding desired behavior) is supported by both behavior science and welfare research. It tends to produce more reliable, less stressful results than aversive or punishment-based methods. It improves trust between dog and human, reduces fear.

  • Classical conditioning (associating neutral or formerly negative stimuli with positive outcomes) helps reshape emotional responses—for example reducing fear of loud noises, strangers, or new environments.

  • Medical Treatment by a licensed veterinarian is part of many behavior change plans, even when there is not an underlying physical malady. This often the case with dogs who have significant anxiety, fear, or aggression.

Two Professions Working Together.

Qualified trainers and certified dog behavior consultants will flag behavior changes that require a veterinary visit. Medical intervention can go a long way in changing even the most troubling behavior issues. Similarly, excellent veterinarians will have behavior professional to whom they can refer for behavioral functional analysis and intervention.

Your dog’s behavior is one of the clearest windows into his health. Behavioral changes often precede obvious medical signs. At the same time, behavior itself can contribute to disease risk, reduced well‐being, and even shorter lifespan. For veterinarians (and for dog owners) addressing behavior proactively using evidence‐based methods like positive reinforcement operant and classical conditioning isn’t just about better manners. It’s about longer, healthier, happier lives.

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:

  1. Pick your recall word. Keep it short and clear. “Come!” is my go-to.

  2. Say “(Dog’s name), come!”

  3. When she comes, immediately praise and treat. Every. Single. Time.

  4. Start practicing at very short distances with no distractions.

  5. 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.”