Why I Create Winter Dog Training Plans for Each of My Dogs
As the competition season winds down, I always find myself welcoming the change of pace. For some, the darker evenings and cooler mornings are a bit of a drag, but for me they bring the perfect opportunity to slow down, take stock, and look ahead, what are my winter dog training plans, and how can I make them work? Winter has always been the time where the real work gets done — the work that makes all the difference when we step back into the ring next spring.
Competitions are exciting, of course, and they give us wonderful memories, but they’re only ever snapshots. The truth is, the progress happens here, in the quieter months, when we can focus on fitness, skills, and foundations. That’s why I like to sit down at this point in the year and create clear winter dog training plans for each of my dogs — and for myself too.
Winter Dog Training Plans for Older Dogs: Izzy’s Focus
Izzy will be ten very soon, which still feels strange to say. She’s been my partner through so much, and this year she reminded me once again just how much she still has to give, with that incredible win at Dogs In Need.
Her winter work will be gentle but purposeful. We’ll be focusing on keeping her strong, building her core, and giving her body the support it needs. I’ll also be polishing up her weaves, helping her hit those entries with confidence and carry herself through independently.
Most of all, I want Izzy to feel capable, proud, and happy in her work, because agility is clearly still something she loves.
✨ Takeaway: For older dogs, winter is a wonderful time to focus on strength and independence without pressure. Simple conditioning and reinforcing familiar skills can help them feel confident and keep them enjoying their training.
Spudley’s Winter Dog Training Focus
Spudley has really grown this year. He’s still my go-big-or-go-home boy, throwing himself into life with all the enthusiasm in the world, but I’ve seen his confidence bloom in ways that make me so excited for the future.
This winter we’ll be working on independence — particularly in the weaves — and building his confidence to keep driving forward to the next obstacle without always needing me right there. If I can help him trust himself a little more, I know that natural joy and speed of his will carry him far.
✨ Takeaway: For younger or less experienced dogs, independence is key. Use the quieter months to let them practise moving ahead with confidence and committing to obstacles. It will pay off massively later on.
Lilly’s Winter Dog Training Goals
Lilly is my little firecracker. When we’re in sync, it feels like flying, but she doesn’t give me an inch of wiggle room. If I’m late with a cue, she’s already made her own plan before I’ve even drawn breath.
This winter is going to be about the weaves for her as well, building joy and confidence so that she powers through them while still listening to me. We’ll also be practising self-control around her beloved A-frame and dog walk. She adores them so much that sometimes her excitement gets the better of her.
With Lilly, it’s all about balance: helping her harness that enthusiasm while giving me the time to guide her properly.
✨ Takeaway: If you’ve got a high-drive or speedy dog, winter is the perfect time to practise clarity and timing. Work on giving cues earlier, and use games that balance their excitement with self-control.
Trixie’s Winter Dog Training Foundations
And then there’s Trixie, my baby. This year was all about soaking up the world — camping, competitions, the noise and bustle of big shows. She took it all in her stride, showing me she’s bold, adaptable, and more than ready to start the next step.
Once she hits her first birthday, we’ll begin sport puppy foundations properly… If you’re also working with younger dogs, my Puppy Sport classes offer that kind of confidence-building groundwork
Confidence and body awareness will be our main focus, but I’ll also be introducing her to the weaves. The hope is that by Easter, she’ll be ready for a little dip into some Grade 2 jumping classes.
She’s already full of spark and character, and I can’t wait to see what she grows into.
✨ Takeaway: Puppies don’t need to be rushed into sport, but winter is the perfect time to build confidence and foundations. Think of it as preparing the ground before planting — it makes everything grow stronger later on.
My Own Winter Fitness
It isn’t just the dogs who need a plan. If I want to do them justice out there on the course, I need to keep myself fit too. So this winter, I’ll be running 5k twice a week, a 10k once a week, and swimming twice a week. I’ll also be weaving in weight and resistance training two or three times to build strength.
Towards the end of October I’ll be starting back with canicross — running with the dogs in harness.It’s brilliant for building fitness and teamwork… And for reactive or sensitive dogs, canicross can also offer mental calm and confidence-building as shown in this insightful article from DogFit. Watch this space, as I’m seriously considering starting canicross classes a couple of times a week as well.
✨ Takeaway: Your fitness matters just as much as your dog’s. The sharper and stronger you feel, the easier it is for your dog to succeed.
Why Reflection Matters
The best thing about this season, for me, is the chance to reflect. Honest reflection isn’t always easy — sometimes it means facing up to mistakes or gaps in training — but it’s what moves us forward.
That’s why I find winter dog training plans so valuable. They give me a structure, a sense of direction, and a reminder that the work we do now is more important than any rosette or result. Competitions may be the showcase, but the daily training, the progress we make, and the bond we build together — that’s what really matters.
So as the nights grow longer and the mornings turn crisp, that’s where our energy will go: into building strength, sharpening skills, and enjoying the process of getting better, one small step at a time.
👉 What about you? Do you set winter training goals for your dogs?
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