Trainer Tip Friday: From Games to Goals — Making Dog Training Stick (Without Losing the Fun) 🎯🐾

(check out previous articles here)

Last week, we talked about gamifying dog training—adding fun, games, and surprise rewards to keep your pup engaged. 🎉

This week… well, I looked at my notes and realized, uh oh… acronyms, goals, planning—what happened to all the fun? 😅

But here’s the truth: training is all about balance. Yes, you want it playful and lighthearted. But if you really want results—whether it’s passing the Canine Good Citizen test, creating calmer greetings, or breaking a frustrating habit—consistency and structure matter, too.

Step 1: Set a Goal 🎯

Think of your dog’s training like a fitness journey (I’ll admit my cycling brain is showing here). 🚴
You don’t ride once and expect Tour de France legs. Same with your pup—you need a clear goal to work toward.

That goal could be:

• Helping your dog earn their Canine Good Citizen certification 🏅

• Teaching them to sit politely when guests arrive

• Creating calmer leash walks past other dogs

• Or breaking one frustrating habit

Whatever the target, having a clear destination makes the journey smoother.

Step 2: Make It SMART 🗓️

SMART = Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.
Sounds serious, I know—but it works. Instead of “be better,” try:

• “My dog will walk calmly past another dog on leash four out of five times by the end of the month.”

• “My dog will wait at the door until released before going outside.”

Those are trackable, realistic, and worth celebrating when you get there.

Step 3: Set Yourself Up for Success ✅

Consistency is easier when you remove excuses. Prep the night before:

• Treat pouch ready 🍖

• Poop bags on hand 💩

• Water packed 💧

• Leash by the door 🦴

When training time comes, you’re ready to roll.

Step 4: Build It Into Your Day ⏰

Training doesn’t have to be an extra chore—it fits right into daily life. Aim for 15–20 minutes total a day, broken into little chunks:

• A quick session during a walk 🚶‍♂️🐕

• Asking for a “wait” before meals or walking through a door 🍽️🚪

• Running the relaxation protocol during family downtime (like while watching TV) 🛋️📺

These small moments add up fast. They keep training consistent, reinforce good habits, and blend seamlessly with your everyday routine.

Step 5: Hire a Trainer/Coach 🤝

Sure, you can train on your own—I’ve done that before with other endeavors like cycling, and later realized there were far more effective ways to reach my goals. Just like cycling or fitness, having a coach helps you stay accountable, avoid bad habits, and progress faster.

There’s a ton of information out there, but not all of it points you in the right direction. Having the proper guidance means you won’t accidentally go down the wrong path—and ultimately, you’ll reach your goals sooner and safer.

This part may sound a little self-serving, but it’s not about saying you have to work with Zoom Room. The important thing is to find a place that inspires you to train—somewhere you and your dog enjoy going, where you can have fun, celebrate wins, and keep building from there.

Final Thought 🌟

Don’t worry—I’m not trying to turn dog training into homework. The fun is still there! But lasting results come when fun is paired with consistency. Think of it as a long game: more joy, more progress, and a stronger bond with your dog.

At Zoom Room, we’ll help you find that balance: the fun and the follow-through.

Ready for the Next Level? 🏅

If your goal is to earn the Canine Good Citizen certification, we can help you prepare and even test right here at Zoom Room Colorado Springs. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate your progress, showcase your dog’s good manners, and take your teamwork to the next level.

📅 Check our schedule here and let’s get you started on your training journey! 🐾