The Stages of Training: Why Progress Isn’t Linear (And That’s a Good Thing)

One of the biggest misconceptions in dog training is that it’s a straight line.

We often expect training to look like this:

• Identify the problem → train the dog → done.

But real, lasting behaviour change doesn’t work that way. It’s a process, not an event — and understanding the stages of that process makes everything clearer, calmer, and far less frustrating.

Here’s how training actually unfolds when it’s done well.

Stage 1: Assessment

Every good training journey starts with assessment — not assumptions.

Before we try to “fix” anything, we need to understand:

• What behaviours are we seeing?

• When do they show up?

• What’s driving them emotionally?

• What’s happening in the dog’s environment, routine, and body?

• Where is the dog’s nervous system sitting right now?

This is where we zoom out instead of reacting. Because behaviour is information — and assessment is how we learn to read it.

Skipping this step is one of the biggest reasons training stalls.

Stage 2: Creating the Plan

Once we understand why behaviour is happening, we can create a plan that actually fits the dog in front of us.

A good plan considers:

• the dogs history, health, life stage and current lifestyle and events

• the dog’s emotional state

• the dog’s learning history

• the environment they live in

• the human’s skills, capacity, and consistency

• what success realistically looks like right now

This isn’t about forcing outcomes — it’s about setting conditions for change.

Stage 3: Stress Relief, Recovery & Nervous System Reset

This stage is often overlooked — but it’s critical.

In many cases, before we can expect improvement, we need to:

• reduce pressure

• lower stress

• simplify the dog’s world

• create space for rest, recovery, and regulation

A dog that’s chronically stressed, overtired, or overstimulated can’t learn well — no matter how good the training is.

Sometimes progress looks like less doing, not more.

Stage 4: Improving Management, Habits & Handling

This is where the human side of training really comes into focus.

Here, we work on:

• better management choices

• clearer boundaries

• improved handling skills

• new habits and routines

• consistency and predictability

Often, behaviour starts to change not because the dog suddenly “gets it,” but because we get better at supporting them.

Stage 5: Behaviour Begins to Improve

This is the stage everyone is waiting for — and when it comes, it’s often subtle at first.

You might notice:

• slightly quicker recovery

• fewer big reactions

• better decision-making

• longer moments of calm

• more emotional flexibility

Progress here isn’t perfect or permanent yet — it’s emerging.

And that’s exactly what we want.

Stage 6: Re-Assessment

Here’s where many people get stuck — because they forget this step.

As the dog changes, the plan must change too.

We reassess:

• what’s improved

• what’s still challenging

• what no longer applies

• what needs adjusting

Training that doesn’t evolve eventually stops working.

Stage 7: Ongoing Adjustment & Growth

From here on, training becomes a loop rather than a ladder.

We:

• refine handling

• adjust expectations

• reassess regularly

• respond to new challenges

• support the dog as they grow

This is where training becomes maintenance, guidance, and relationship — not problem-solving.

And this loop continues throughout the dog’s life.

The Big Takeaway

Training isn’t about rushing to the “improvement” stage.

It’s about:

• assessing honestly

• planning thoughtfully

• reducing stress when needed

• building skills gradually

• reassessing regularly

When we respect the stages, progress becomes steadier, calmer, and far more sustainable.

Because real training isn’t about quick fixes —
it’s about helping dogs and humans grow together, one stage at a time.

If you’d like help applying this process to your own dog, I can support you in a few different ways.

Through Canine Caregivers, I offer online courses and webinars to build understanding, structure, and consistency at your pace.

If you’re based in Sydney, I also offer in-home training, socialisation and puppy classes, reactivity workshops, and can provide all recommended training equipment to support the work we’re doing.

I offer The Complete Care training program that covers every single base you will need as well as The Starter Program which allows you to tailor the training and support you need with flexibility.

👉 Join Canine Caregivers
📞 Or get in touch for 1:1 help in Sydney

— Ian
Bondi Behaviourist

“A healthy dog is a happy dog and a happy dog is great to live with”.