10/20/2025
What Really Happens in a Dog Training Session?
Have you ever wondered what goes into your dog’s personalized training plan? Or why there’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer to questions like “How do I stop my dog from barking?” or “How do I make my dog less reactive toward strangers?”
That’s because every dog, and every family, is unique. Their environment, history, emotions, and daily life all shape behaviour. A good trainer doesn’t just teach commands; they build a plan that fits your dog and your lifestyle.
Step 1: The History & Lifestyle Assessment
We start with a look into your dog’s story: where they came from, their early experiences, current routine, exercise, enrichment, and any recent changes in the home.
At the same time, I learn about your schedule and goals so the plan we create is realistic, effective, and sustainable for your everyday life.
Step 2: Understanding Emotional Drivers
We look beneath the surface. Every behaviour has a cause and a function: boredom, fear, anxiety, stress, frustration, confusion, or unmet species/ breed needs.
I’ll also ask about your dog’s health and do a brief observation to note anything that might warrant a vet check (like uneven gait, itching, or obsessive behaviours). I’m not a vet, but health and behaviour often overlap.
Step 3: Skill & Communication Development
This is what most people think of as “training.” I’ll assess what your dog already knows and how you’re communicating with them. Then, I help you both build new skills to improve relationships and that align with your goals.
When You Leave a Session
You’ll walk away with three key takeaways:
1. Lifestyle & Management Adjustments: sustainable changes to your routines, enrichment, and setup to set your dog up for success.
2. Emotional Insight & Support Plan: Strategies that address why your dog is behaving a certain way, for more lasting, meaningful progress (and referrals to medical professionals if needed).
3. Skill-Building Roadmap: a clear, actionable plan outlining what to practice and how to measure improvement
