How to Use Your Training Plan Template
Training shouldn't feel overwhelming. In fact, most dogs learn best when things are structured and predictable. Detailed session plans and thoughtful reflections help make each training session more effective, consistent, and goal-oriented. That's exactly why I created this template—a 2-page worksheet designed to help you plan, track, and reflect on each session.
In this guide, I'll walk you through each section of the plan and share ideas for what to write in each box. Regardless of your training goals, this plan will help you break things down into achievable steps.
Photo by Fabian Gieske on Unsplash
Page 1: Planning Your Session
Dog's Name, Date, Session Length & Primary Goal: Start with the basics! Keep track of the date to measure progress over time. Remember to keep sessions short and sweet, especially with puppies. Choose one clear focus for the session. This keeps things manageable for the human and understandable for the dog. For example: Do you want to work on loose leash walking? Teach a 5-second stay? Reduce jumping during greetings?
Training Objectives: The "why" behind your training. What do you want your dog to understand or achieve by the end of the session? Why is this important? For example: I want my dog to understand that looking at me is rewarding because I want to build focus around distractions.
Training Steps: Break your goal into simple steps. For example: When teaching 'Place' steps may include: 1. Dog looks at the mat 2. Dog walks towards the mat 3. Dog steps on the mat ...and so on!
Criteria for Success/Regression: Success criteria define how you'll know your dog met the goal. For example: dog stays on mat for 5 seconds. Regression markers, on the other hand, will tell you when to pause and lower the difficulty. For example: dog refuses to take treats or loses focus.
Environment Setup: Where will you practice? How many distractions will there be? Will there be potential triggers, and if so, how far away will they be? What kind of tools will you use? For example: Quiet living room, low distractions, 'place' mat on floor.
Handler Focus: Training is a team effort. This section helps you identify a skill you would like to work on. Options to consider are timing (how quickly you reward), leash handling (reducing tension), using a clicker (click = treat, every time), body language/voice tone (controlled movements, calm tone), or anything else you can think of that would benefit you to improve on.
Primary Reinforcers: The main reward you'll use in the session. Every dog will prefer something different, and they learn best when rewards truly matter to them. Common reinforcers include medium-value food (training treats or kibble), high-value food (chicken, cheese), play (tug, fetch, flirt pole), environmental rewards (sniffing, exploring), or anything else that motivates your dog (praise and physical touch are two more options).
Reinforcement Strategy: This determines how often you reward your dog. Strategies include continuous reinforcement (reward every correct behavior), high-rate reinforcement (high frequency of reinforcers to maintain engagement), variable reinforcement (reinforcing on a random schedule), or jackpot reinforcement (extra big rewards for extra efforts).
Management Strategies: Strategies you are using/going to use outside of the training session to help your dog succeed. For example: baby gates, blocking the window, increasing distance from triggers, switching to a front-clip or headcollar style harness, etc.
Notes: Use this space to record anything that doesn't fit in another box: a moment that surprised you, something you struggled with, a thought you want to revist next time, something your dog did consistently.
Page 2: Session Reflections
Photo by Camylla Battani on Unsplash
Adjustments for Next Session: What will you change next time? For example: practicing outside instead of inside, using higher-value treats, shorten/lengthen the session.
Future Goals/Next Steps: Did your dog meet the goal? If so, what would you like to work towards next? If the goal was not met, what cues/concepts would you like to revisit?
Observed Behaviors: Write only what you saw the dog do. For example: did he wander off? Did he jump for the treat? Did he look at you when asked to focus?
Observed Body Language: These are subtle clues that help you understand your dog's emotional state. For example: was his tail wagging, or tucked? Was his gaze soft? Were his ears forward, neutral, or pinned? Did he lick his lips, yawn, or pant? Was his body posture tense or relaxed?
Final Thoughts: Things to consider include: What felt easy? What was challenging? Based on your observation of behavior and body language, what emotions do you think your dog was feeling? Did you learn anything new about your dog? What are you proud of?
Remember: training is a marathon, not a sprint! Every step forward should be celebrated—and slowing down doesn't mean you won't reach your goals. I hope this training template helps your training sessions stay structured and intentional. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.