Training a dog is about far more than teaching commands. At its heart, good training is about communication, trust, and building a lifelong partnership. Whether you are raising a puppy, welcoming a new dog into your home, or working with a highly trained service or guide dog, the way you interact with your dog every day shapes their confidence, behavior, and happiness.
Our professional trainers work with dogs at every stage of development, and they emphasize one guiding principle above all others: dogs learn best in an environment built on positivity, consistency, and respect. Below are some of our favorite training tips—simple, practical guidance you can use right away to strengthen your relationship with your dog.
Training Tip #1: Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is the foundation of effective dog training. Rather than focusing on mistakes or unwanted behavior, this approach rewards behaviors you want to see more often. Dogs, like people, respond best when they feel successful, understood, and encouraged.
Before beginning any training routine, take time to get to know your dog as an individual. What motivates them? Is it food, toys, praise, physical affection, or a combination of these? Understanding what your dog loves allows you to tailor your training in a way that truly resonates with them.
One method we often use is clicker training. A clicker is a small device that makes a consistent clicking sound. When your dog performs the desired behavior, you immediately click and follow with a treat. Timing is critical—the click and reward should happen as quickly as possible, so your dog clearly understands which behavior earned the reward.
Over time, your dog begins to associate the click with success. Once the behavior is well established, it’s important to gradually remove the food reward. You don’t want your dog to perform only when treats are visible. Instead, replace treats with verbal praise, affection, and enthusiasm. A warm voice, a gentle touch, and a heartfelt “Good dog!” can be just as powerful.
If your dog understands Hebrew, you can even say *Kelev Tov*—which brings us to a beautiful linguistic detail. In Hebrew, the word for dog is *kelev*, which can be broken into *kol lev*, meaning “all heart.” It’s a fitting description. Dogs give their whole hearts to us, and positive reinforcement honors that bond.
Training Tip #2 – Correct Body Handling
Dogs are extremely sensitive to body language. The way you stand, move, and touch your dog communicates just as much as your words—sometimes more.
One common mistake people make is hovering over their dog. Standing directly above a dog, especially during training, can feel intimidating and create anxiety. Instead, position yourself beside your dog whenever possible. This side-by-side posture communicates partnership rather than dominance.
When petting your dog, aim for their inner side or chest rather than reaching over their head. Many dogs feel more secure with gentle, predictable touch that doesn’t invade their personal space.
Equally important is emotional awareness. Dogs are living beings, not machines. They have good days and bad days, moments of excitement and moments of fatigue. A dog who seems distracted or unresponsive may simply be overwhelmed or tired. Patience, empathy, and kindness go a long way toward building trust.
A strong relationship is built when your dog knows you are tuned in to their feelings and needs. Training should always feel safe, supportive, and encouraging.
Training Tip #3: Teaching Your Dog to Relieve on Command
House training and leash relieving routines are essential skills, especially for working dogs—but they’re valuable for every dog and owner.
If you’re toilet training a puppy, consistency is key. Each time your puppy relieves themselves—whether urinating or defecating—say a cue phrase like “busy-busy.” Use the same words every time. Over time, your puppy will associate that phrase with the act of relieving themselves.
This technique is especially helpful later in life, when you may need your dog to relieve themselves on command due to weather, travel, or time constraints.
Routine is just as important as verbal cues. Learn your dog’s natural cycle and take them out regularly based on their food and water intake. Bring your dog to the same relief area each time, say the cue phrase, and wait patiently. This predictability helps your dog feel secure and minimizes frustration for both of you.
When accidents happen—and they will—respond calmly. Training is a process, and consistency always wins over punishment.
Training Tip #4: Walking with Your Dog Is About More Than Exercise
Daily walks are one of the most powerful tools you have for strengthening your bond with your dog. While exercise is important, walking together also builds trust, reinforces training, and provides mental stimulation.
A walk should be a shared experience, not a rushed task. Pay attention to your dog and to your surroundings. Avoid distractions like scrolling on your phone or reading while walking. Dogs notice when we are present—and when we are not.
Keep an eye on what your dog tries to pick up from the ground. Scraps and debris can be dangerous, and guiding your dog away from them reinforces good leash manners.
Walking together is also a gift to yourself. It’s a chance to unplug, breathe fresh air, and appreciate the simple joy of being outdoors with a loyal companion. These quiet moments often become the most meaningful parts of dog ownership.
Training Tip #5: When Dogs Meet—Control the Situation
Dog introductions should always be handled thoughtfully and with care. Dogs are territorial by nature and rely heavily on scent and body language to assess new situations.
When introducing two dogs, keep both on leashes and remain calm and confident. Your energy matters—dogs can sense tension immediately.
If you are bringing a new dog into your home, it’s best to introduce the dogs in a neutral outdoor space first, such as a sidewalk or park. This reduces territorial behavior and allows both dogs to approach one another on equal footing.
Observe their body language closely. Look for relaxed posture, loose tails, and mutual curiosity. Only after you are confident that the dogs are comfortable with one another should you remove the leashes and allow play.
Taking the time to manage introductions properly can prevent stress, conflict, and misunderstandings—and sets the stage for a peaceful relationship.
Training Is a Journey, Not a Destination
At its best, training is not about control—it’s about connection. Every interaction with your dog is an opportunity to build trust, confidence, and mutual understanding. When training is rooted in kindness, consistency, and respect, dogs thrive.
Our professional trainers see this every day. Dogs respond not just to commands, but to love, patience, and the feeling that they are valued partners.
If you’d like to learn more about dog training or support the work that makes this life-changing partnership possible, we invite you to stay connected, follow our journey, and help us continue training extraordinary dogs who change lives—one heart at a time.