Techniques to Improve Your Dog’s Training

Danielle R. Pellicci
Aug 21
4 min read

Training a dog can be a rewarding experience, but it often requires patience, consistency, and the right techniques. Whether you have a new puppy or an older dog with some behavioral challenges, improving your dog’s behavior is achievable with the right approach. This guide will walk you through proven methods that can help you build a stronger bond with your furry friend and create a well-behaved companion.

Understanding Dog Behavior for Effective Training

Before diving into training techniques, it’s important to understand why dogs behave the way they do. Dogs communicate primarily through body language. Recognizing these signals can help you respond appropriately and guide your dog toward better behavior.

Acting in kind (more body language and less verbal "noise" (AKA the human voice) can accelerate your dog's learning and you communication as a team.

Consistency is key in dog training. Use the same simple commands to effectively link behaviors to words, and make your reward system varied and exiting. Dogs learn best when they expect a good outcome based on behavior.

Eye-level view of a dog sitting attentively during training — Dog attentively sitting during training session

Practical Dog Behavior Techniques That Work

Here are some effective techniques to improve your dog’s behavior:

Variable schedule of Positive Reinforcement
Reward your dog with treats, praise, or playtime when they exhibit good behavior. This encourages them to repeat those actions. In our BlackFoot training program we teach what we like to call the "slot machine" method when it comes to food treat distribution, and utilize a lot of "reward event" behaviors to tap into a dog's natural prey and play drives.
Clear Commands
Use simple, consistent commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “here.” Avoid confusing your dog with multiple words for the same action or complex multi-word commands. In our BlackFoot training program we have a standard list of cues we like to teach but if your dog is enrolled in board and train and you would like us to use your chosen cues or language we can do that! CONSISTENCY is key!
Social isolation & Resource limiting.
If your dog has 24/7 access to unlimited toys, a dog door to the backyard, and constant food available, you are hurting your opportunity to train effectively. Use of a crate, rotating toys, and feeding on a set schedule will help your dog to learn the VALUE in these things. Therefore, you can then use Freedom, play, and food as rewards. In our BlackFoot training program we rotate dogs from their crates or kennels out during training sessions and supervised / interactive play times. This practice helps to build drive/ increasing the desire of the dog to stay motivated during training sessions.
Regular Exercise
A tired dog is a well-behaved dog. Daily walks, play sessions, and mental challenges reduce excess energy that can lead to destructive behavior. Our BlackFoot training program is not boot camp just for the brain, its also for the body! Dogs are given ample daily opportunity to play and when appropriate, interact with other dogs.
Indirect Socialization
Expose your dog to different people, animals, and environments. This reduces fear and and helps your dog become more adaptable. The KEY is to train and play with your dog AROUND other people, places, and animals often ... not WITH those things. In our BlackFoot training program we have a variety of opportunity on site for socialization and distraction training, in addition, we also offer optional off site field trips to further proof taught behaviors.
Be Fair with Punishment choices
Harsh punishments can damage your relationship and cause fear or aggression. Focus on rewarding good behavior and balance with removal of reward (negative punishment) as consequence. In our BlackFoot training program we primarily introduce physical pressure in terms of negative reinforcement where even young puppies can gently be taught to "turn off" leash pressure by keeping a lead slack or moving into taught positions.
Crate Training
Use a crate as a safe space for your dog. It can help with house training and provide a calm area when your dog feels overwhelmed. In our BlackFoot training program we provide a variety of safe, clean size appropriate housing options for dogs ranging in side from 10 lbs to 100 lbs.

Incorporating these techniques into your daily routine will gradually improve your dog’s behavior and strengthen your bond.

Close-up view of a dog showing alert body language

Review / Highlights: How to Use Consistency and Patience in Training

Consistency and patience are the cornerstones of successful dog training. Dogs thrive on routine and clear expectations.

Schedule: We recommend novice/puppies, and beginner/rescue dogs to have short dedicated training sessions three times daily. As time goes on, you can lessen the frequency of formal sessions but even as a dog matures, maintenance training sessions are still recommended twice weekly.
Use the Same Commands: Everyone in the household should use the same words and gestures for commands to avoid confusing the dog.
Be Patient: Some dogs learn quickly, while others take more time. Avoid frustration and keep training sessions short and positive.

By maintaining a calm and consistent approach, your dog will learn to trust you and respond better to training.

Incorporating Mental Stimulation and Enrichment

Physical exercise is important, but mental stimulation is equally vital for good behavior. Dogs need challenges that engage their minds to prevent boredom and destructive habits.

Puzzle Toys: Toys that hide treats or require problem-solving keep your dog busy and mentally sharp.
Training Games: Teach new tricks or practice obedience commands in fun ways.
Scent Work: Hide treats around the house or yard and encourage your dog to find them using their nose.
Interactive Play: Games like fetch or tug-of-war provide both physical and mental engagement.