What is important to consider for a dog to feel less stressed during training?

Minimizing distractions is essential for a dog to feel less stressed during training because it creates an environment where the dog can focus solely on the training commands and exercises. Distractions can come from various sources, such as people, noises, other animals, or even moving objects. When a dog is distracted, it can become overwhelmed, anxious, or confused, which can hinder learning and make the training experience frustrating for both the handler and the dog.

A calm and controlled environment allows the dog to concentrate and build confidence in their understanding of commands and behaviors being taught. This leads to a more positive training experience and helps reinforce the bond between the handler and the dog, reducing stress and promoting effective learning outcomes.

Other options, while they may have their value in the training process, do not directly address the immediate impact on a dog's stress level in the way minimizing distractions does. For example, long training sessions can lead to fatigue and loss of focus, while consistency in commands is critical but assumes the absence of distractions to be effective. Positive reinforcement is vital for motivation but may not alleviate stress if the dog is overwhelmed by environmental factors.