Many dog owners think the success of a training session hinges on what happens during the session itself… but in reality, the time before and after the lesson is just as important.

Dog training isn’t just about showing up and hoping your dog performs. It’s about how you set the stage, how you respond in the moment, and how you reinforce learning in the days that follow.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to get the most from your sessions by focusing on preparation, presence, and practice - with a special emphasis on decompression, one of the most overlooked yet essential pieces of the training puzzle.

Before the Session

Create the Right Headspace for You and Your Dog

Set Yourself Up for Learning, Not Pressure

A well-prepared training session starts hours beforehand - not when the leash clips on. Your mindset and your dog’s mental state play a big role in how much either of you absorb during the session.

Avoid overstimulation beforehand
Dogs that arrive overly aroused (e.g., after a frantic play session or straight from the dog park) are less able to focus. Calm, structured routines beforehand make a big difference.
Skip the full meal
Aim to leave a few hours between your dog’s meal and the training session, so they’re food-motivated and more focused on rewards. (Just avoid withholding food altogether if your dog is sensitive.)
Bring the right tools
High-value treats or their regular food, a long line (if needed), and ideally a pouch for easy access to rewards. A favourite toy is also helpful for play-based engagement.
Most importantly: plan time for decompression walks
A short, slow sniff walk before the session (15–30 minutes) allows your dog to regulate their nervous system. This “decompression” helps lower arousal and improves focus.
Want further reading? The concept is explored in depth by Sarah Stremming’s decompression model.

During the Session

Be Present, Flexible and Curious

Training is a two-way conversation. While your dog is learning new behaviours or habits, you’re learning too. One of the most valuable things you can do during a session is to stay engaged and curious.

Ask questions
Understanding the why behind the exercise helps you apply it with consistency later. Dog training isn’t just “do this” - it’s understanding the reasoning behind timing, reinforcement, and response.
Adjust your expectations
Some sessions will be full of wins. Others will feel like you’re taking one step forward, two steps back - especially if your dog is tired, hormonal, or recovering from a stressful event. That’s normal.
Use positive reinforcement wisely
Not all rewards are equal. Using the right reinforcer at the right moment is more powerful than simply repeating commands and handing over treats. Learn how to mark behaviours, when to reward, and when to reset.
Monitor your dog’s body language
Signs of stress or disengagement - lip licking, looking away, excessive sniffing - might signal your dog needs a break. Allowing for micro-breaks during sessions can help your dog re-engage, especially in more complex or public environments.

After the Session

Consolidate, Don't Cram!

The work isn’t over once the session ends. In fact, what happens between lessons is where the learning really sticks.

Keep sessions short and sweet at home
5–10 minutes of focused training a day is more valuable than one long, tiring session per week. Short, successful repetitions help build your dog’s confidence and engagement.
Focus on one or two key takeaways
Don’t try to replicate everything at once. Stick to the exercises or concepts that had the most success or clarity, and build on them gradually.
Allow decompression again post-training
Just like humans benefit from time to mentally “file” what they’ve learned, dogs benefit from downtime and decompression. A slow sniff walk after training, time to chill at home, or interactive toys can support their mental processing.
Track progress
Whether it's a voice memo, a notebook, or a video journal - tracking what went well (or didn’t) gives you something to build on. It’s especially helpful for spotting patterns over time, like triggers or training plateaus.

Want a trainer to take a look at videos of your at-home training? Clients training with us have this option! I love helping owners outside of sessions by taking a look and giving advice when needed.

Why Decompression Is Key

One of the most powerful tools in modern dog training is something that doesn’t look like training at all: the decompression walk.

A decompression walk is a long-line, low-pressure, slow-paced outdoor experience where your dog can sniff, explore, and move freely without structured demands. It engages the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” state), helping to reduce cortisol levels and improve resilience.

These walks benefit every dog by:

Enhancing focus before training
Supporting stress recovery after novel experiences
Improving sleep and digestion
Encouraging natural behaviours that boost confidence

And remember - dog training is a journey.

When you approach each session with intentional prep, active participation, and thoughtful follow-up, you not only get better results, but you build a more trusting and communicative relationship with your dog.

Success isn’t measured just by how quickly your dog “sits” or “stays” - it’s about how you both feel during the process.

Small changes in how you prepare and unwind around training can make a big impact.

Whether you work with a trainer or practice independently, giving space for decompression and reflection could be the missing link in your dog’s progress!

How to Get the Most from Your Dog Training Sessions (Before, During & After)