Raise the Criteria, Lower Your Expectations in Dog Training

Jul 8, 2021 | Dog Training

We often find that clients do not understand why their dog struggles with certain behaviours. Most of the time, the human has set a certain expectation, but the dog has not been properly prepared to meet it.

When no clear criteria have been set, not enough training time has been put in, and the dog is expected to perform too much too soon, failure is usually the result.

So how do we break this down and move past it? The answer is simple: raise the criteria, but lower your expectations.

What Does “Raise the Criteria, Lower Your Expectations” Mean?

In dog training, criteria means the standard you are asking your dog to meet. Expectations are what you believe your dog should be able to do in a certain situation.

When we talk about dog training criteria, we are talking about the exact behaviour we want from the dog. For example, staying calm, listening to commands, accepting food, holding a position, or continuing to move forward.

Raising the criteria means being clear about what behaviour is required. Lowering your expectations means setting up the situation so your dog can actually be successful.

Example: Reactive Dog Training on Leash

Let’s use the example of a dog who is reactive to other dogs while on leash.

Most owners know what they want. They want their dog to walk politely past other dogs. However, many owners do not know what the training criteria should be, and their expectations are often too high too soon.

When working with a reactive dog, we can raise the criteria by asking the dog to:

• Stay calm
• Listen to commands
• Accept food
• Keep moving
• Stay connected to the handler

However, in order for the dog to meet those criteria, we may need to lower our expectations about distance.

 
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Distance Matters in Reactive Dog Training

If your dog loses their mind at 20 feet from another dog, cannot take food, cannot respond to commands, and cannot keep moving, then expecting success at 20 feet is unreasonable at that stage.

That does not mean your dog is bad. It means the setup is too difficult.

If your dog can stay mostly calm, accept food, listen, and keep moving at 40 feet, then that is where training should begin.

In that moment, you have raised the criteria but lowered your expectations. You are still asking for better behaviour, but you are setting the dog up at a distance where success is possible.

Progress Comes From Successful Repetition

As training improves, you can continue to raise the criteria. Over time, the dog may be able to stay calm, listen, accept food, and keep moving at a closer distance.

The key is to keep your expectations reasonable based on the amount of training your dog has actually done.

Good training is not about throwing your dog into a difficult situation and hoping they figure it out. It is about creating successful repetitions and slowly increasing the challenge.

Example: Teaching a Reliable Sit Command

Here is another simple example.

Let’s say you are working on your dog’s sit command. Your goal is for your dog to sit the first time you ask and hold the sit until released, even in public around distractions.

That is a great goal, but your dog may not be ready to do that in a busy environment yet.

Raise the Criteria

The criteria might be:

• Sit the first time I ask
• Hold the command until released
• Stay in position even with distractions
• Follow through when the leash is on

Lower the Expectations

If your dog struggles around people, you need to make the setup easier.

You may need to train farther away from the distraction, keep the leash on so you can follow through, and choose an environment where your dog can be successful.

You are not expecting perfection right away. But you are still maintaining clear criteria and helping your dog learn how to succeed.

Why Lowering Expectations Is Not the Same as Lowering Standards

Lowering your expectations does not mean allowing sloppy behaviour. It does not mean giving up on your goals.

It means understanding where your dog is in the training process and creating a setup that allows learning to happen.

You can still have high standards. You simply need to build toward those standards in a fair and realistic way.

How This Helps Your Dog Succeed

When you raise the criteria but lower your expectations, you make training clearer and less frustrating for both you and your dog.

Your dog learns what behaviour is expected, and you learn how to set up the environment so your dog has a better chance of making the right choice.

This approach can help with many training goals, including:

• Leash reactivity
• Loose leash walking
• Recall training
• Place command
• Sit and stay
• Impulse control
• Calm behaviour around distractions
• Better manners in public

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Need Help With Dog Training Criteria?

If you are struggling with your dog’s behaviour, take a step back and ask yourself two questions:

• What exactly do I need my dog to do or not do?
• How can I make the situation easier so my dog can be successful?

Our dog training programs can help you choose the right training path for your dog’s needs.

For dogs who need one-on-one support with reactivity, leash manners, impulse control, or behaviour concerns, our Private Training programs are often the best fit.

If your dog is ready to learn around other dogs and people in a structured environment, our Group Classes can help build focus and obedience around distractions.

For dogs who need more mental and physical outlets, activities like Agility, Scent Detection, or structured Day Camp may also be helpful options.

 
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If you are struggling with your dog’s behaviour, the best thing to do is take a step back.

Think about what you need your dog to do, lower your expectations to a level where your dog can succeed, and raise the criteria for the behaviour you are training.

Clear criteria, fair expectations, and consistent practice can make a major difference in your dog’s progress.

Contact us today if you need help creating a training plan that sets your dog up for success.

FAQ:

What does criteria mean in dog training?

Criteria means the specific standard or behaviour you are asking your dog to meet. For example, sitting when asked, staying calm, accepting food, holding place, or walking politely.

What does it mean to lower expectations in dog training?

Lowering expectations means making the training setup easier so your dog can be successful. This may mean increasing distance from distractions, choosing a calmer environment, or breaking the skill into smaller steps.

How can this help a reactive dog?

A reactive dog may not be able to stay calm too close to another dog. By increasing distance and setting clear criteria, you can help the dog stay calm, listen, accept food, and keep moving.

Is lowering expectations the same as allowing bad behaviour?

No. Lowering expectations does not mean lowering standards. It means setting up training in a fair way so your dog can learn successfully.

Can private training help with reactivity and behaviour problems?

Yes. Private training can help identify the right criteria, distance, structure, and training plan for your dog’s specific behaviour challenges.

Life Saving Dog Training Advice: Stop Door Bolting

Jul 19, 2016 | Dog Training

Teaching your dog not to run out the door could literally save their life.

Dogs do not automatically understand how dangerous it can be to bolt through the front door, run out a backyard gate, or push past someone entering the house. Unless you teach your dog what to do at doorways, there is a good chance they may try it at least once in their life.

For some dogs, door bolting becomes a repeated habit. That is why dog door bolting training is such an important life skill.

Life Saving Dog Training Advice

One of the most important safety skills you can teach your dog is how to stay calm and controlled around doors.

Whether it is the front door, back door, garage door, car door, or backyard gate, your dog should learn that an open doorway does not mean they are free to rush through it.

How to Train Your Dog Not to Run Out the Door

The goal is to teach your dog that waiting at the door becomes the default behaviour. Instead of charging forward when the door opens, your dog learns to pause, listen, and wait for permission.

This type of training should be practiced at every doorway, including the gate to the backyard. When the behaviour becomes consistent, your dog will be much less likely to run out, even when guests arrive or someone accidentally leaves the door open.

Why Doorway Manners Matter

Door bolting can be dangerous for many reasons. A dog who runs out the door may head toward the road, chase wildlife, approach another dog, or become lost.

Many dogs are not trying to be “bad” when they rush through a door. They are simply excited, curious, or used to getting what they want by pushing forward.

That is why training matters. Your dog needs to be taught what behaviour is expected before the door opens.

Make Waiting at the Door a Default Behaviour

When you practice consistently, your dog can learn that every doorway has the same rule: stop, wait, and look for guidance.

This makes daily life safer and easier. It also helps your dog build better impulse control, which can carry over into other areas of training.

A dog who can wait calmly at the door is also learning patience, focus, and respect for boundaries.

Practice at Every Door and Gate

Do not only practice at the front door. Dogs need to understand that the rule applies everywhere.

You can practice doorway manners at:

• The front door
• The back door
• The garage door
• The backyard gate
• The car door
• Crate doors

The more consistent you are, the clearer the rule becomes for your dog.

Training Help for Door Bolting and Impulse Control

If your dog struggles with rushing doors, ignoring commands, jumping on guests, or becoming overly excited, structured training can help.

Our dog training programs are designed to help dogs build better manners, impulse control, and everyday obedience.

For dogs who need one-on-one support with door bolting, leash manners, or behaviour concerns, our Private Training programs can help create a plan that fits your dog and your home.

If your dog would benefit from learning around other people and dogs, our Group Classes can also help improve focus and listening skills around distractions.

Teaching your dog not to run out the door is one of the most valuable safety skills you can build.

When doorway manners become a default behaviour, your dog learns to wait calmly instead of rushing outside. No matter who comes in the door, your dog is more likely to stay safe, controlled, and responsive.

If you need help teaching your dog safe doorway manners, contact us today to learn more about our training options.

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FAQ:

Why does my dog run out the door?

Dogs often run out the door because they are excited, curious, under-exercised, or have never been taught a clear doorway rule. Training helps teach your dog to pause and wait instead of rushing forward.

Can doorway training really save my dog’s life?

Yes. A dog who bolts out the door may run into traffic, get lost, chase animals, or approach unsafe situations. Teaching doorway manners can help prevent dangerous accidents.

Should I practice doorway manners at every door?

Yes. Practice at the front door, back door, backyard gate, garage door, car door, and crate door. Consistency helps your dog understand that the same rule applies everywhere.

What should my dog do when the door opens?

Your dog should learn to pause, stay calm, and wait for permission before moving through the doorway. This should become the default behaviour over time.

Can private training help stop door bolting?

Yes. Private training can help teach safe doorway manners, impulse control, leash skills, and better listening around distractions.

Dog Training Tip #4 You Get Out What You Put In

Jul 6, 2016 | Dog Training

You only get out of training what you put into it.

If you want your dog to do something, you have to teach them first, and then you have to practice it. Dog training does not happen by accident. It takes time, effort, patience, and consistency.

This is why dog training consistency is so important. Hard work will pay off, but your dog needs clear direction and regular practice in order to understand what you expect.

Dog Training Tip #4: You Get Out What You Put In

Many dog owners want better behaviour, better listening, and better manners. However, those results require training outside of the actual lesson or class.

A trainer can show you what to do, guide the process, and help create a plan. But the real progress happens when you continue practicing at home, on walks, around distractions, and in everyday life.

Your Dog Needs to Be Taught First

Dogs do not automatically know what we want from them.

If you want your dog to walk nicely, stay calm at the door, come when called, stop jumping, hold place, or behave around guests, those behaviours need to be taught clearly.

Once your dog understands the behaviour, you then need to practice it often enough that it becomes reliable.

Practice Is What Builds Reliable Behaviour

Training is not something you do once and then forget about. Dogs need repetition and consistency in order to build strong habits.

If you only practice during a training session but never use those skills in real life, your dog may struggle to understand that the same rules apply everywhere.

Daily practice helps your dog learn that training is part of normal life, not just something that happens once in a while.

Consistency Matters More Than Perfection

You do not need to be perfect to make progress. However, you do need to be consistent.

Short, regular practice sessions are often more effective than one long session once in a while. Even a few minutes each day can make a difference when you are clear and consistent.

Practice during simple daily moments, such as:

• Before opening the door
• Before feeding meals
• During walks
• When guests arrive
• Before play starts
• When asking your dog to settle on place

Training Should Become Part of Everyday Life

The best training results happen when training becomes part of your dog’s daily routine.

You can practice obedience, manners, impulse control, and calm behaviour throughout the day. This helps your dog understand that good behaviour is expected everywhere, not just during formal training time.

If your dog needs more structure, our dog training programs can help you find the right option.

Need Help Staying Consistent With Training?

If you are struggling with your dog’s behaviour, consistency can feel overwhelming at first. That is where training support can help.

Our Private Training programs are a great fit for dogs who need one-on-one support with behaviour, manners, leash walking, impulse control, or home structure.

If your dog would benefit from learning around other dogs and people, our Group Classes can help build focus and obedience in a structured environment.

For active dogs who need extra outlets, Agility and Scent Detection can provide fun ways to use their body and brain.

For dogs who need structured activity during the day, our Day Camp may also be a helpful option.

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If you want your dog to do something, you have to teach them and then practice it.

Training takes effort, but the payoff is worth it. With consistency, patience, and clear communication, your dog can learn better habits and become easier to live with.

You only get out of training what you put into it, so keep practicing. Hard work will pay off.

Contact us today if you would like help building a training plan for your dog.

FAQ:

Why is consistency important in dog training?

Consistency helps your dog understand what is expected. When the rules are clear and practiced regularly, your dog is more likely to repeat the right behaviour.

How often should I practice dog training?

Short daily practice sessions are ideal. Even a few minutes each day can help your dog build better habits when you are clear and consistent.

Why does my dog listen in training but not at home?

Your dog may need more practice in real-life situations. Dogs need to learn that the same rules apply at home, outside, around guests, and around distractions.

Can group classes help with training consistency?

Yes. Group classes can help you practice obedience and focus around distractions while building better communication with your dog.

What should I do if I am struggling with my dog’s behaviour?

If you are struggling, private training can help identify what your dog needs and give you a clear plan to follow at home.

Dog Training Tip: Use Food Like a Paycheque for Training

Jun 17, 2016 | Dog Training

Dogs are bred to work, but many pet dogs live unfulfilled lives because they are never given a real job.

We often do everything for our dogs without asking them to earn anything. Just like people who are handed everything, dogs who are not given structure or purpose can become pushy, entitled, demanding, or poorly behaved.

One simple way to give your dog a job is to use food for dog training. Instead of giving your dog their meal for free in a bowl, you can use that food like a paycheque.

Use Food Like a Paycheque for Dog Training

Your dog does not need extra treats to benefit from food training. You can use their regular meal to reward good choices, build obedience, and create more structure throughout the day.

Your dog will still receive the same amount of food. The difference is that they now have the opportunity to work for it, think, focus, and earn their paycheque.

For many dogs, this small change can make a big difference in behaviour.

Why Dogs Benefit From Working for Their Meals

Dogs need more than food, water, and affection. They also need purpose, structure, and mental stimulation.

When you ask your dog to work for their food, you are giving them something productive to do. This can help reduce boredom, improve focus, and create better daily habits.

Using meals for training can also help dogs become more engaged with their owners because food becomes part of a structured routine instead of something that simply appears in a bowl.

Ways to Use Food for Training

There are many simple ways to use your dog’s food as a training tool.

You can use food for:

• Basic obedience
• Loose leash walking
• Recall practice
• Impulse control
• The place command
• Rewarding calm behaviour
• Focus around distractions
• Food toys, such as a Kong Wobbler
• Enrichment games, such as scattering kibble in the grass

These options allow your dog to use both their body and their brain.

Try the “Feeding the Chickens” Method

One easy way to make mealtime more enriching is the “Feeding the Chickens” method.

This simply means scattering your dog’s kibble through the grass and allowing them to search for it. This turns a basic meal into a sniffing and problem-solving activity.

For many dogs, using their nose is mentally tiring in a healthy way. It gives them a job and can help them feel more fulfilled.

Use Food for the Place Command

Food can also be very helpful when teaching the place command.

The place command teaches your dog to go to a specific spot, such as a dog bed or mat, and remain there calmly. You can use pieces of your dog’s meal to reward them for going to place, staying there, and relaxing.

This is a great way to build calmness, structure, and better manners inside the home.

Use Food During Walks

Your dog’s meal can also be used during walks to reward attention, polite leash behaviour, and good choices around distractions.

Instead of your dog pulling, scanning the environment, or ignoring you, food can help create more engagement and better communication.

If your dog struggles with leash manners, focus, or overexcitement outside, structured training can help. Our Private Training programs are a good option for dogs who need one-on-one support.

Get Rid of the Food Bowl for One Week

If you want to see how powerful this can be, try removing the food bowl for one full week.

Instead of feeding meals from the bowl, have your dog earn their food through training, walking, place work, food toys, or enrichment games.

By giving your dog purpose, you may find that they become happier, more focused, and better behaved.

Training Should Give Your Dog Purpose

Using food as a paycheque is not about withholding food or making life difficult for your dog. It is about giving your dog a productive job and making mealtime more meaningful.

When your dog has structure and purpose, they are often easier to live with and more willing to work with you.

If you would like help learning how to use food, structure, and obedience in your dog’s daily routine, explore our dog training programs.

For dogs who enjoy learning around other dogs and people, our Group Classes can help build focus and obedience in a structured setting.

If your dog needs more mental or physical outlets, activities like Agility, Scent Detection, or structured Day Camp may also be helpful options.

Book a Consultation

Watch: Using Food for Training

The video below shows an example of using food as part of training and structure.

Food can be a powerful training tool when it is used correctly.

Instead of using food as a bribe, use it like a paycheque. Ask your dog to work, think, focus, and earn their meals through good choices and useful behaviours.

Try it for at least one full week. Get rid of the food bowl and have your dog earn their paycheque. You may be surprised by how much your dog’s behaviour improves.

Contact us today if you would like help using food, structure, and training to improve your dog’s behaviour.

FAQ:

Should I use food for dog training?

Yes. Food can be a very useful training tool when it is used correctly. It can help reward good choices, build obedience, and give your dog a productive job.

What does it mean to use food like a paycheque?

Using food like a paycheque means your dog earns their regular meal through training, obedience, walks, place work, or enrichment instead of receiving it for free in a bowl.

Is using food for training the same as bribing my dog?

No. A bribe is shown before the dog listens. A reward or paycheque is given after the dog makes a good choice. The goal is to reinforce behaviour, not make your dog dependent on seeing food first.

Can I use my dog’s regular kibble for training?

Yes. Your dog’s regular kibble can be used for training, food toys, place work, leash walking, and enrichment games.

How long should I try removing the food bowl?

Try using your dog’s meals for training and enrichment for at least one full week. This gives you time to see how your dog responds to having a daily job.