BREAK IT DOWN, BUILD IT BACK: SIMPLIFYING BEHAVIOURS FOR YOUR DOG
Training your dog can be one of the most rewarding parts of your relationship, but let’s be honest—it’s not always smooth sailing. If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated because your dog just isn’t “getting it,” it might not be your dog at all. The real issue? You’re probably asking too much, too soon.
Dogs, like us, learn best when things are clear, manageable, and achievable. If a behavior feels overwhelming to your dog, the solution is simple: break it down, bring it back, and simplify the behavior.
SIGNS YOU’RE ASKING TOO MUCH OF YOUR DOG
Your dog will often tell you when something is too challenging for them—they just might not “say” it in a way you recognize. Look out for these signs:
Frustration behaviors: Barking, whining, or pacing during training.
Avoidance: Your dog seems disengaged, looks away, or sniffs the ground instead of focusing.
Repetitive mistakes: Your dog keeps doing the wrong thing, even after multiple attempts.
Slow responses: Hesitation or reluctance to follow cues they already know.
Shut down: Your dog stops trying entirely and may just sit or lie down.
If you’re seeing any of these, it’s time to step back and reevaluate what you’re asking for. Chances are, the behavior needs to be simplified.
Training a dog is a bit like solving a puzzle—you can’t expect them to see the whole picture if the individual pieces don’t make sense first. If your dog is struggling with a behavior, it’s time to break it into smaller parts. When you simplify a behavior into its most basic steps, you can guide your dog toward success in a way they’ll actually understand.
SIGNS THAT YOU NEED TO BREAK IT DOWN
Sometimes, we unknowingly ask our dogs for too much at once. These are common signs that the behavior needs to be simplified further:
Your dog freezes: They’re unsure what you’re asking for and stop trying altogether.
They offer random behaviors: Your dog starts guessing what you want, like sitting, pawing, or barking.
No response to your cue: They just look at you blankly, confused.
They disengage: Your dog wanders off, sniffs the ground, or seems distracted.
When these happen, it’s not your dog’s fault—it just means the behavior needs to be broken into smaller, clearer steps.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Simplifying behaviors isn’t just about making training easier—it’s about setting your dog up for success and ensuring they stay motivated and engaged. When you break things down, you:
Build your dog’s confidence through consistent wins.
Strengthen your relationship by making training fun and rewarding.
Prevent frustration (for both you and your dog).
A CHEAT SHEET FOR SIMPLIFYING BEHAVIORS
Here’s a step-by-step approach you can apply to any behavior your dog is struggling with:
Pinpoint the Final Goal
What is the full behavior you want? Be clear and consistent.
Break It Into Mini-Steps
Think about the individual movements or actions that make up the behavior.
Reward Small Progress
Reinforce every tiny step toward the goal. Celebrate small wins!
Adjust the Environment
Reduce distractions and work in a quiet, familiar space to help your dog focus.
Simplify the Task
Make the behavior easier. For example:
Shorten the duration (“stay” for 2 seconds instead of 10).
Decrease distance (work closer to your dog).
Use a lure to guide their movement.
Build It Back Up
Once your dog succeeds consistently, gradually increase the difficulty by adding duration, distance, or distractions.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Remember, teaching your dog a new behavior is like solving a puzzle one piece at a time. If your dog seems stuck or frustrated, it’s not because they don’t want to learn—it’s because the picture isn’t clear enough yet. Simplify the behavior, break it down, and bring it back to basics.
Every small step forward builds confidence, strengthens your bond, and makes learning fun for your dog. So, the next time training feels like it’s hitting a wall, take a deep breath and ask yourself:
What’s the smallest step I can ask for right now?
Your dog will thank you for it.
