Feeding routines
Should I feed my dog before or after a training session
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Training a hungry dog before its main meal, using part of that meal or small treats as rewards, tends to work better than training right after a full dinner. Keep the session itself calm rather than high intensity if it does happen soon after eating.
Why hunger helps training
A dog that is a little hungry is usually more motivated by food rewards, which is why many trainers suggest holding back part of a meal, or training before the meal is given, rather than working with a dog that has just eaten and lost interest in treats.
Using meal time as training time
Measuring out the normal meal and hand feeding pieces of it during short training exercises is a simple way to combine feeding and training without adding extra calories, and it works well for basic obedience practice at home.
If training happens after a full meal
Keep post meal sessions to calm, low movement skills like stay or settle rather than anything involving running or jumping, particularly for large breeds where the usual exercise timing advice still applies.
Key takeaways
- A slightly hungry dog is generally more motivated for training.
- Using part of a meal as training rewards avoids extra calories.
- Sessions right after a full meal should stay low energy.
- Large breeds still benefit from calm activity in the hour after eating.