Olivia Befus cried as the crowd roared. Beside her, Zeke wagged his tail. America’s vote had sent the Midland, Michigan, team into the “America’s Got Talent” semifinals a result Befus had not expected amid a talented quarterfinal field.
That emotional turn was brief, but the preparation behind it was anything but. Befus said contestants spent a full week on set getting ready for the live performance and working through its details. Zeke settled comfortably into backstage life, where he met other contestants, received attention and posed for photographs.
Advancing also meant starting fresh. Befus and her dogs began developing new tricks for a semifinal routine planned to be completely different from the three routines they had already performed on the show. “The timing with the music is super important for this routine to be able to get the number of tricks that we’re gonna fit into it,” Befus said.
Her process offers a useful lesson for anyone training at home: Don’t begin with a list of flashy tricks and expect your dog to fit it. Befus starts by choosing a theme and song. Then she considers where each dog belongs and which skills best display that individual dog’s personality.
Build the routine around your dog
You do not need a stage or a packed routine to borrow that approach. Your goal could be a short sequence in the living room, such as touching your hand, moving to a mat and lying down. What matters is making each piece clear before asking your dog to combine the behaviors.
- Choose skills your dog can comfortably perform. Begin with behaviors your dog already understands or can learn gradually. Keep your expectations realistic for your dog’s physical and mental abilities.
- Pick a reward your dog values. Food, toys or praise can reinforce the behavior you want repeated. In a more distracting setting, your dog may need a reward that is more motivating than the one you use at home.
- Reward promptly. Fast, consistent feedback helps your dog connect the reward with the behavior that earned it. Delayed rewards may make that connection less clear.
- Practice one transition at a time. Instead of running the entire sequence repeatedly, work on moving smoothly from the first behavior to the second. Add another piece only when both you and your dog are ready.
- Stop while training is still going well. Short, frequent sessions tend to work better than occasional marathon practices. If either of you becomes frustrated, take a break and return later.
These choices match the AKC’s reward-based training guidance, which emphasizes clear communication, realistic expectations, positive reinforcement and attention to canine body language. The organization also advises teaching dogs what to do rather than relying on repeated correction.
Music adds another layer because the handler must manage cues, movement and timing while continuing to watch the dog. At home, try practicing without music first. Once the behaviors are reliable, add a quiet song and work through only a small portion. The music should organize your handling, not pressure your dog into rushing.
Consistency also matters away from formal lessons. The AKC’s guidance on practicing between training classes recommends brief, engaging sessions folded into normal routines. Walks and mealtimes can become opportunities to practice focus and other useful skills, while small spaces can still accommodate foundational work such as engagement and position changes.
The same individual approach can matter well beyond performance training. At the Houlton Humane Society, a structured training partnership for shelter dogs uses obedience, socialization and transition work to help prepare dogs and adopters. During an introductory session, one dog responded to tiny treats, while another was more interested in a ball. That difference is a practical reminder to discover what motivates the dog in front of you rather than assuming one reward fits every learner.
Enjoyment is part of the plan
Befus treats enjoyment as a requirement, not a bonus. “I always say that if the dog’s not having fun, then I’m doing something completely wrong,” she said. You can apply that standard by watching your dog’s body language and behavior throughout practice. Notice when your dog is engaged, ready to play or becoming overwhelmed. If the session stops feeling productive, simplify the task, improve the reward or finish for the day. A polished sequence is never more important than your dog’s willingness to participate.
Back in Midland, parents told Befus that children who watched her perform had started training their own animals and sometimes stuffed animals. That may be the most meaningful result of the team’s run: a tightly timed act inspiring others to begin with patience, individuality and fun. Has this worked for your dog? Share your story in the comments.
By Michael Reyes — 6 years as a CPDT-KA certified dog trainer and behavior coach; runs a small obedience school for family dogs.
