First Training Session Expectations
Your first training session is focused on assessment, education, and setting a clear foundation for you and your dog. This session is not about perfection—it’s about establishing direction and understanding how we will work together moving forward.
What the First Session Is (and Is Not)
The first session IS:
An evaluation of your dog’s temperament, drive, and current skills
A review of your handling style and communication
An introduction to structure, expectations, and training mechanics
The starting point for a clear, individualized training plan
The first session is NOT:
A test your dog needs to “pass”
A finished product session
A rushed or high-pressure training day
What We Will Focus On
During the first session, we commonly work on:
Engagement and responsiveness
Basic obedience foundations (as appropriate to the dog)
Handling mechanics and timing
Calm behavior in the training environment
Identifying strengths and areas that need development
For puppies and young dogs, this may include:
Environmental confidence
Early place work
Reward and marker conditioning
Low-pressure exposure work
For adolescent or adult dogs, this may include:
Obedience clarity
Arousal management
Evaluating readiness for birds or gunfire
Establishing consistency and structure
What We Are Evaluating
We look at the whole dog, not just commands:
Drive and motivation
Stress tolerance and recovery
Focus and cooperation
Response to structure and rewards
Handler–dog communication
This allows us to place your dog appropriately and progress responsibly.
Handler Expectations
Training is owner-handled and interactive.
You should expect to:
Handle your dog during the session
Receive coaching, feedback, and adjustments
Ask questions
Practice skills rather than watch passively
Mistakes are expected. Learning is part of the process.
What Progress Looks Like Early On
Early progress often looks like:
Increased clarity, not perfection
Better understanding of timing and expectations
Small but meaningful improvements
A clear plan for what to practice between sessions
Progress is incremental and earned, especially in hunting dogs.
Equipment & Preparation
Please review the What to Bring to Training page before your first session. If you are unsure about equipment, ask ahead of time—we are happy to guide you.
Dogs should arrive:
Properly exercised but not exhausted
Hungry enough to work for rewards
Ready to engage in a field environment
After the Session
You will leave with:
Clear homework and priorities
An understanding of what to work on (and what not to rush)
Next steps for progression
Training continues between sessions. Consistency at home and in the field matters.
A Final Note
Every dog progresses at their own pace. Our role is to guide development responsibly, not rush outcomes. Trust the process, stay engaged, and communicate openly—we are building a long-term hunting partnership, not just a trained dog.
Common First Training Session Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Your first training session sets the tone for everything that follows. Many early setbacks are not caused by the dog—but by understandable handler mistakes. Awareness goes a long way.
Below are the most common issues we see during first sessions and how to avoid them.
1. Expecting Immediate Results
Training is a process, not a single event.
What to remember:
The first session is about assessment and clarity
Progress early on often looks subtle
Foundations matter more than speed
Rushing a dog—especially a hunting dog—creates confusion and long-term issues.
2. Over-Handling or Talking Too Much
Excessive cues, chatter, or micromanaging often reduces clarity.
Common signs:
Repeating commands
Narrating every movement
Correcting before the dog understands
Clear, well-timed communication is far more effective than constant input.
3. Bringing an Overstimulated or Underprepared Dog
Dogs that arrive either exhausted or overly amped struggle to learn.
Aim for balance:
Light exercise beforehand is helpful
Avoid intense play right before training
Bring a dog ready to focus—not worn out
4. Using the Wrong Equipment
Inappropriate gear can interfere with learning and safety.
Avoid:
Retractable leashes
Ill-fitting collars or harnesses
Novel equipment your dog has never worn
If you’re unsure what to bring, ask ahead of time—we’re happy to guide you.
5. Trying to “Show” How Much Your Dog Knows
It’s common to want to demonstrate everything your dog can do.
Why this can backfire:
It can mask real gaps in understanding
It creates pressure during evaluation
It distracts from identifying what truly needs work
Honest assessment leads to better training plans.
6. Comparing Your Dog to Others
Every dog develops at a different pace.
Comparisons—whether to other dogs, littermates, or past dogs—often create unnecessary frustration. Training plans are built for your dog, not a timeline.
7. Correcting Too Early or Too Much
Corrections before understanding can shut a dog down or create avoidance.
Early sessions prioritize:
Clarity
Motivation
Proper exposure
Pressure is introduced thoughtfully and only when appropriate.
8. Expecting the Trainer to “Fix” the Dog
These are owner-handled programs.
Training success depends on:
Handler involvement
Willingness to learn and practice
Consistency between sessions
The goal is not dependency on the trainer—it’s a capable handler–dog team.
9. Ignoring the Homework
Progress happens between sessions.
Skipping homework or improvising drills often leads to:
Slower progress
Confusion for the dog
Frustration for the handler
Stick to the plan. Ask questions if something feels unclear.
10. Forgetting That Nerves Are Normal
Many handlers are nervous during the first session—and dogs feel that.
Take a breath. Mistakes are expected. Learning is part of the process.
Final Thought
First sessions are about direction, not perfection. When expectations are realistic and communication is clear, progress follows naturally.
Trust the process, stay engaged, and focus on building a strong foundation—you and your dog will be better for it.