Ever feel like life just keeps getting in the way?
You’ve got work, errands, unexpected plans, and before you know it, the day is over—and that training session you meant to do? Yeah, it didn’t happen. I get it. This week, I almost skipped writing this blog for the same reason. But it got me thinking: what do we do when distractions pile up, and we still want to make progress with our dogs?
Training Through Life’s Chaos
Dog training isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency. Some days, you’ll have time for a full session, but other days, you might only manage a quick “sit” before heading out the door. And that’s okay.
Instead of feeling guilty about what you didn’t do, focus on what you can do. Training doesn’t have to be a formal event. Every interaction with your dog is an opportunity to reinforce good behavior. Got 30 seconds before heading out? Ask for a “place” command while you grab your keys. Cooking dinner? Practice a “down” and reward calm behavior.
Dogs learn through repetition, and they don’t need hour-long lessons to improve. Even tiny moments of training add up over time.
What I Learned This Week:
- Short sessions are better than no sessions. Five focused minutes can be just as effective as a long training session.
- Daily life is full of training opportunities. Reinforce commands while going about your routine—no extra time needed.
- Progress isn’t always linear. Some days will feel like a win; others, not so much. That’s normal for both you and your dog.
A Quick Reminder
If you’ve been feeling off track, don’t stress. Training isn’t about doing it perfectly—it’s about doing it consistently. So take a deep breath, grab a treat, and work in a little training today—even if it’s just a “sit” before dinner.
Have you found creative ways to train when life gets hectic? Drop a comment and let me know—I’d love to hear your tricks!