Just practicing on a dummy is good. Mastering the opener, using pet on obey , Rouse/Spur Enkindle usage. And getting very familiar with watching DoT timers. 100% DoT up time without applying them too soon. Then using AA where ever possible.

It sounds like your friend isn't using a good opener, or Rouse/Spur and maybe has their pet on Sic. Those are all simple things to change.