Quality over quantity

We spend so much time attending class, taking seminars, doing online lessons, and listening to experts, but have you ever paused to create a true training plan for yourself and your dog? It seems like we are so busy going from lesson to lesson without first identifying the holes we have, and how best to fill them. Are we training something specific? Or just going to class and hoping our instructor can feed us all we need?

By now, you know I'm into goal-setting. I didn't invent the concept, of course, but I have long shared my opinion that handlers must take a more thoughtful approach when chasing goals. Want a MACH or an OTCH? Great!!! How are you going to get it? How can you improve your consistency and performance to maximize Qs and points?

That's where having a training plan for your dog - and yourself - comes into play. Weirdly, this reminds me of jumping from high school to college (stick with me). In high school, learning came easy, and I sailed through with good grades despite missing a ton of school for my riding. I got into a good college and sailed through the first semester, but then got creamed the next two semesters - I literally didn't know how to study. Similarly, I feel like some of us don't know how to create a training plan. We want to improve but don't know where to start. Or, we have big goals but don't know how to get there.

Why Less Can Be More in Dog Training

Long or repetitive training sessions might seem like the key to success, but for most dogs (and handlers), extended periods of practice can lead to burnout, frustration, and even regression. Dogs, like us, have limits in how much they can absorb at once. Instead of focusing on how much time you're spending, it's important to focus on quality.

Breaking your training into shorter, more focused sessions (hello, cheese-stick training) allows your dog to stay engaged and retain information better. You'll find that a 5-15-minute session filled with intent and purpose is often more productive than an hour of mindless repetition. Plus, these shorter bursts help keep training fun and stress-free for your dog. And let's face it—when training feels like a chore, both you and your dog lose interest.

It can also be helpful to track these short sessions to see progress over time. If you're using a planner, jot down the specific skill you worked on and any small wins or areas for improvement. Sometimes, seeing this progress in writing can be a huge motivator.

Setting Clear Goals for Each Session

One of the best ways to train smarter is by setting a clear goal for each session or class. This doesn't have to be an earth-shattering achievement—it could be as simple as improving your dog's response to a specific cue or refining a behavior they already know. What matters is that you have a purpose for every minute you spend training.

Before you start a session, ask yourself: What do I want to accomplish today? Having a focused objective keeps the session sharp and efficient. It also gives you a way to measure progress and adjust your training as needed. (Do this for classes, too.)

Logging your goals can also help. Writing them down in your planner before each session gives you something tangible to focus on—and it's always satisfying to cross them off when you achieve them!

The Importance of Flexibility

We all love a good routine, but being too rigid with your training schedule can actually hold you back. Dogs aren't machines—they have good days and bad days, just like we do. Staying flexible with your training plan allows you to adjust based on your dog's needs and energy levels. If your dog seems tired or disinterested, it's okay to cut the session short or pivot to something more engaging.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is step back and let your dog rest. Remember, progress happens over time, and pushing too hard too fast can lead to setbacks. Using your planner to make notes about how your dog responds to different training days can help you find the balance between productive and overdoing it.

Incorporating Play and Rest

Playtime and rest are as important as formal training. Training can sometimes feel intense, but dogs often learn through play as well. You might find that some of your dog's biggest breakthroughs happen during those "in-between" moments when they're relaxed and having fun.

Rest days are equally critical. Muscles—and brains—need time to recover and process what they've learned. Skipping rest days is like trying to drive a car on an empty tank; eventually, you'll stall out. Don't hesitate to log your rest days, too—they're just as much a part of the journey as the training days.

Training for the Long Run

At the end of the day, your dog's success in the ring or field comes down to consistent, focused effort over time. There's no shortcut to improvement, but that doesn't mean you have to grind yourself—or your dog—down in the process. Training smarter, not harder, ensures you both stay engaged, healthy, and motivated for the long haul.

Want more? This month in the Q-Membership, our theme is "Train smarter, not harder." Join now and create a training plan that gets results.