Set Age-Appropriate Expectations

Use this when a session feels hard, your dog seems distracted, or progress feels uneven.

Key Ideas

  1. 1Check your dog’s age and stage before judging the session.
  2. 2Keep expectations realistic for puppies, adolescents, and distracted dogs.
  3. 3Make the task shorter or easier if your dog is struggling.
  4. 4If needed, take a break from formal training for a few days.
  5. 5Ask for one simple, well-known behavior.
  6. 6Reward your dog and end on a positive note.
  7. 7Reflect on how to adjust the setup next time.

Adjust the setup before frustration takes over.

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