Dog training glossary
Management
Quick answer
Changing the environment to prevent an unwanted behavior from happening or being rewarded.
Written by the TailorPup team, updated September 2026. See our editorial approach.
What it means
Management doesn't train a new behavior, it removes the opportunity for an unwanted one while training happens elsewhere, or in situations where full reliability isn't realistic yet. A baby gate, a crate, or simply putting the trash can somewhere inaccessible are all management, and they're often more effective in the short term than expecting perfect obedience in a tempting situation.
A real example
Using a baby gate to keep a dog away from the kitchen counter is management; separately teaching "leave it" and rewarding calm behavior near food is training. Most households need both.
Common mistake
Treating management as a failure or a shortcut, when it's a normal, often necessary part of a realistic training plan, especially during the early stages.
Related terms
Know the term.
Now build the plan.
TailorPup turns concepts like this into a personalized 12-week plan for your dog's breed, age, and behavior.