Back to Basics: The Simple Secrets to a Stronger Bond in the New Year

Whether you just brought home a new puppy for the holidays or you’ve been walking life’s path with your senior dog for years, there is something magical about hitting the "reset" button. We often get so caught up in the big goals, such as the perfect loose leash walk or a flawless recall, that we forget that the strongest bonds are actually built in the tiny, quiet moments of clarity and connection.

This month, we’re stripping away the noise and going back to the basics. Training and communicating with your dog work best when we have our basics down pat! That means cleaning up our communication, sharpen our timing, and find the joy in the simple wins again.

Secret No. 1: Precision is Kindness

Most "stubborn" behavior isn't actually stubbornness. It is usually a breakdown in communication or lack of motivation. Dogs appreciate good timing in order for them to know exactly what we are asking of them in any given situation.

That is where a marker word, like a "Yes!" or a clicker, comes in. It is like a camera flash. It takes a mental picture of the exact second your dog did something right. I also like to use the analogy of the ding sound on a game show, telling you that you guessed the correct answer.

If you are trying to train your dog to lie down on their bed when asked, cue them to do that behavior and the moment they fully lie down, mark "yes" or click, and then reward them. The "yes" is that ding to let them know that they are doing the desired thing.

After a little while, you'll notice that your dog fully knows that when they hear "yes", they have done something really good (and will want to do it again!)

When we are precise with our timing, we remove a lot of the guesswork for our dogs. Precision isn't about being a drill sergeant; it is about being a clear, kind communicator.

The better your timing, the better the training.

Secret No. 2: The Value of the Paycheck

There is a common myth that using food is "cheating" or that you should eventually phase it out entirely. But here is the truth: I still love to pay my dogs for great work!

To keep a behavior alive and our relationship strong, we have to be generous partners. If your dog really values food over play or praise, there is no shame in using that to your advantage. It is about matching the paycheck to the difficulty of the job.

My top 2 treats I currently use in my pouch for high-distraction environments are:

• Freeze dried beef liver or chicken. Here is one I have been using for years: https://amzn.to/4phdtSR

• Stinky, soft treats (the more stinky, the better!) This is one kind I really like: https://amzn.to/4aHz96S

• For some dogs that may benefit from it: you can also try a squeeze tube of dog-safe peanut butter or wet dog food to deliver food rewards. Like these: https://amzn.to/3YlGSjM

Think of it as a "thank you" that keeps them excited to work with you. We don't use food to bribe them into listening; we use it to celebrate the fact that they did listen and/or to help guide them when they are first learning a new skill.

Secret No. 3: The 2-Minute Connection

One of the biggest barriers to training is the idea that it has to be a formal, hour-long session. In reality, your dog is learning from you all the time because every single interaction counts.

Some of the best training happens in 2-minute bursts:

• Practicing a "Settle" while you brew your morning coffee.

• Working on a "Wait" at the door before a walk or before feeding meals.

• Practicing "Leave It" while you are folding laundry or putting away groceries.

Training shouldn't be a chore on your to-do list; it should be a series of little wins throughout your day.

Making it a Lifestyle

Think of these basics as the glue that holds everything else together. When you and your dog finally speak the same language, the frustration melts away and the fun returns. Training is not a chore you have to complete. It is the way you and your dog choose to navigate the world together.

In my opinion, dog training is really about building a strong bond and relationship with your dog. Therefore, I recommend viewing it as a lifestyle as opposed to a specific point in time to "get to." The moment you realize dog training is really just relationship-building, it's a game changer!

Ready to take your foundations to the next level? If you are feeling stuck or just want a professional eye to help sharpen your timing and communication, I am here to help. At From Dusk Till Dog, I offer personalized training services, in person and online, designed to fit your unique lifestyle. Let’s work together to build the relationship you and your dog deserve. Visit

Training Services | From Dusk Till Dog to learn more.