Dog training log: a printable template

What’s inside

• Your dog’s name and age, and the trainer or class with a phone number.
• “Goals and cues”: what you’re working on, and the exact cue words and hand signals your household uses.
• The session log: date, skill or cue, minutes, where and with which distractions, tries and successes, the reward and the next small step. It goes on over page 2.
• A short how-to at the end, in US Letter and A4, with fields you can fill in on screen.

How to use it

1. Write one to three goals, such as a reliable recall or a loose-leash walk, and the cue words you’ll use for each.
2. After every session, fill in a row while it’s fresh: what you practiced, for how many minutes and where.
3. Count tries and successes, for example 7 of 10. The numbers make progress visible on days it doesn’t feel like it.
4. Note the distractions: the same sit is a different task in the kitchen and at the park.
5. Write the reward that worked best and one small next step, then start the next session from there.

Rewards that work

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends reward-based methods for all dog training, including work on behavior problems. Treats, toys and other rewards mark the behavior you want, and techniques such as capturing, shaping and luring teach new ones. Methods built on force, pain or fear should not be used: AVSAB found no evidence that they work better, and they harm welfare and the bond with your dog.

Reward-based doesn’t mean anything goes. AVSAB stresses that dogs learn best with structure, routine and clear rules, taught without fear. The reward column helps you notice what your dog will work for. If a behavior worries you, talk to your vet first: AVSAB notes that vets check for medical causes behind behavior problems.