The Ultimate Guide to Dog Training: FAQs and Techniques
- Danielle R. Pellicci
- Dec 23, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Understanding the Basics of Dog Training FAQs
Dog training is about teaching your pet to respond to commands and behave appropriately in different situations. It requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Here are some common questions that beginners often ask:
What is the best age to start training a dog?
The ideal time to start training your dog is as early as 7 to 8 weeks old. Puppies are highly receptive to learning during this period, making it easier to establish good habits. However, adult dogs can also learn new commands and behaviors with the right approach.
How long should training sessions be?
Short and frequent sessions work best. Aim for 5 to 10 minutes per session, two to three times a day. This keeps your dog engaged without overwhelming them. Ending on a good note is more important than the time spent during each session.
What are the most important commands to teach first?
We don't believe there is a "most important" behavior to teach first. However, starting with basic position commands using treat lures and effectively linking those positions to verbal cues through many successful repetitions is a great way to get started. Some position cues and behaviors we like to start with include:
Sit
Down
Heel (swing finish)
Here (front position)
Place (using a simple platform)
Stand
These commands form the foundation for more advanced training and help keep your dog safe.
How do I handle bad behavior?
This is a loaded question because, during the different developmental, maturity, and education stages of a dog's life, the answers may vary. Redirect unwanted behavior and be consistent with your expectations. The specific "bad behavior" being exhibited will also affect the answer to this question.
When in doubt, the effective use of redirecting and rewarding good behavior is always a safe bet (positive reinforcement).
Effective Techniques in Dog Training FAQs
As mentioned earlier, different dogs at different life stages and with varying levels of previous education will respond to different training methods during their learning journey. Here are some effective techniques we use and practice as balanced trainers at BlackFoot:
Positive Reinforcement
Reward your dog immediately after they perform the desired behavior. This can be treats, verbal praise, or affection. Positive reinforcement encourages your dog to repeat good behavior.
Clicker Training
Using a clicker to mark the exact moment your dog performs a desired behavior helps them understand what you want them to repeat. Once the behavior is consistently performed, only then do we add the verbal cue (command or term) linked to the specific action. Always follow the click with a reward to reinforce the behavior.
Consistency and Routine
Dogs thrive on routine. Use the same commands and signals every time. Consistency helps your dog learn faster and reduces confusion. Be careful about accidentally rewarding unwanted behaviors and ensure that the whole family and all of your friends are on the same page!
Example: You don't want your dog to jump on you, so you only reward with pets and praise when all four paws are on the ground. However, if your spouse often hugs and plays with the dog when it jumps up, these mixed messages create a partially reinforced behavior. The jumping will actually become worse rather than better because it is rewarded some of the time; the dog will try more forcefully to get attention from jumping on anyone and everyone.
Indirect Socialization
This is a huge one for us at BlackFoot: expose your dog to different environments, people, and other animals early on but only near those things. Training in close proximity to distractions while having any and all rewards come from you rather than those environmental distractions teaches dogs from the time they are little puppies to ignore distractions and pay attention to you. Proper socialization can also prevent fear and aggression issues later.
Patience and Persistence
Training takes time. Celebrate small victories and don’t get discouraged by setbacks.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Training is not always smooth sailing. Here are some common challenges and solutions:
My dog won’t come when called
Use high-value treats as rewards.
Practice in a distraction-free environment to start.
Use a long leash to gently guide your dog.
Make coming to you fun and rewarding.
My dog pulls on the leash
Stop walking when your dog pulls and resume only when the leash is slack.
Reward your dog for walking beside you with treats and/or praise.
Go in the opposite direction of the dog if he is clearly not moving in sync with you. If he starts to fade left, make a sharp turn right! Your dog should feel surprised when he hits the end of the leash, and when he meets back up with you, reward and praise!
Our Favorite Training Tools
Selecting the right tools can make training easier and more effective. Here are some of our go-to essentials:
Treats: Use small, tasty treats that your dog loves.
Clickers: Helpful for precise training.
Training Guide: Consider picking up our softcover complete training guide here.
Additionally, many dog owners find value in boarding with training programs. These programs provide structured training while your dog stays in a safe environment. For more information, check out this dog training Q&A resource.
Review: Maintaining Training Success Long-Term
Training is an ongoing process. Here’s how to keep your dog well-behaved over time:
Practice Regularly: Reinforce commands daily.
Keep Training Fun: Use games and play to maintain interest.
Adapt to Changes: Adjust training as your dog ages or their environment changes.
Stay Patient: Remember that setbacks are normal.
Celebrate Progress: Reward your dog’s achievements to motivate continued good behavior.
Training your dog is a journey that strengthens your bond and improves your pet’s quality of life. With the right knowledge and approach, you can overcome challenges and enjoy a well-trained companion.
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