January brings that “fresh start” energy—and dogs benefit from it just as much as we do. If your pup has been pulling on the leash, ignoring “come,” or turning every doorbell into a full-body celebration, a simple training plan can make daily life smoother (and a lot more fun).

Even better, you don’t need marathon sessions or fancy gear. With a few minutes a day and the right approach, families in Richmond, TX—and nearby Harvest Green, Aliana, Mission Bend, Sugar Land, and Four Corners—can see meaningful progress before February even arrives.

1) Keep your goals small so you’ll actually stay consistent

Training works when it fits your real schedule. Instead of trying to fix everything at once, choose one priority that will make the biggest difference in your home—and build momentum from there.

• Pick 1 focus skill (leash walking, recall, “leave it,” or “settle”)
• Practice 10 minutes a day (two 5-minute sessions count)
• Use the same cue words everyone in the home can repeat
• Track tiny wins—because small wins stack fast

Also, set the environment up to help your dog succeed. For example, if your dog counter-surfs, reduce access while you teach a replacement behavior. Fewer temptations means fewer setbacks, and that keeps training moving forward.

2) Use positive reinforcement so training feels like a game, not a battle

Most dogs learn faster when training is clear, rewarding, and predictable. That’s why positive reinforcement—rewarding the behaviors you want repeated—is widely recommended in modern training. If you’d like a quick, science-based overview, the American Kennel Club (AKC) guide to positive reinforcement is a helpful place to start.

• Reward within 1–2 seconds of the correct behavior
• Use tiny, tasty treats for harder skills
• Mix in toys or praise if your dog loves those more
• End sessions early—before your dog gets bored

Meanwhile, it’s worth knowing what to avoid. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) position statement explains why harsh, punishment-based methods can increase fear or stress in some dogs—and why reward-based approaches are a safer, more humane standard for training and behavior modification.

3) Build a simple “10-minute routine” that fits busy households

If your calendar is packed, keep your plan repeatable. In fact, short daily practice is often more effective than one long session you can’t maintain. The key is consistency, not perfection.

• 2 minutes: easy cues your dog already knows (sit, touch, down)
• 5 minutes: your focus skill (recall, leash manners, etc.)
• 2 minutes: calm practice (settle on a bed or mat)
• 1 minute: a “bonus win” (something easy + a big reward)

Next, rotate where you practice. Once your dog succeeds in the living room, move to the hallway, then the backyard. Changing locations helps your dog understand the skill applies everywhere—not just in one spot.

4) Teach these four life skills first for an easier, safer day-to-day

If you only focus on a handful of skills this month, make it these. They create calmer routines at home and help you feel more confident when life gets busy.

Leash walking: Start in a low-distraction spot first, then build up to sidewalks and busier routes. Reward your dog for walking near you, and pause when pulling starts so your dog learns that pulling doesn’t move the walk forward.

Recall (“come” that actually works): Practice indoors and reward generously. Then level up to a fenced yard before trying it in distracting places. Also, avoid calling your dog for something unpleasant until recall is strong—otherwise “come” can start to feel like bad news.

Leave it: This is a lifesaver for dropped food, sidewalk mysteries, and anything questionable your dog finds in the yard. Teach it like a game: “leave it” → disengage → reward with something better.

Settle: Calm is a skill, too. Reward your dog for relaxing on a mat or bed, then gradually increase the time between rewards. Over time, “settle” becomes your go-to tool for guests, meal prep, and busy evenings.

5) Take skills into the real world without overwhelming your dog

Dogs don’t automatically “translate” skills from home to the outside world. Outdoors has squirrels, smells, and distractions—so it’s normal for your dog to look like they “forgot everything” at first. That’s not stubbornness; it’s difficulty level.

Try a simple progression of practice environments, and move up only when your dog is succeeding most of the time:

• Living room
• Backyard
• Front yard/driveway
• Quiet street
• Busier sidewalks or parks

Also, real-world manners matter for safety. Controlled greetings, leash management, and teaching kids how to interact appropriately all reduce risk. The AVMA dog bite prevention tips are a solid reminder that prevention is a family effort—not just a dog issue.

6) When training hits a wall, your dog’s health may be part of the story

If behavior changes suddenly—or progress feels impossible—it’s smart to rule out underlying issues like pain, ear infections, dental disease, itchy skin, or anxiety-related conditions. And if your dog is new to your home, the CDC’s guidance on dogs and staying healthy around pets also recommends a veterinary visit soon after adoption to help catch issues early.

That’s where your veterinary team can be a real partner. At Embrace Veterinary Care our team can help you sort out what’s normal, what’s concerning, and what next step makes sense. A Wellness & Prevention visit is a great place to start if you want to discuss training goals, daily routines, or any recent behavior shifts.

And when we need more answers, our in-house Diagnostics can help us look for medical contributors that may be making training harder than it needs to be. If you’re planning a visit and want tips to make it smoother for your dog, our Preparing for a Veterinary Visit resource can help you arrive feeling ready and confident.

Ready to get answers? Call Embrace Veterinary Care today at (281) 884-9911 or request an appointment online. We proudly serve pets and families in Richmond, Harvest Green, Aliana, Mission Bend, Sugar Land, and Four Corners—and we’d love to help make this month a turning point for you and your dog.