Speaking of training, I know not everyone can go to the range as often as they'd like, nor do they necessarily have have access to combat training facilities, but don't discount the value of dry-fire training. The skills necessary to change out magazines, clearing misfires, CQB, etc., can be augmented by dry-fire training. Rapid target acquisition can also be learned in this manner, as can proper handling of your weapons. Learn how to break your weapons down in the dark and reassemble them.
Case in point: One morning years ago, about 3:00 AM (I'm a night owl), I was home and heard a loud banging noise at the basement door. It scared the $hit out of me! I ran to my room, grabbed my shotgun, and in the heat of the moment I COMPLETELY FORGOT HOW TO LOAD IT. My adrenalin was so pumped, I could not remember how to load the freakin' shells into a Mossberg 500! Had it been a real break-and-enter situation, I and my family could very well be dead right now.
Had I practiced this SIMPLE drill of loading my weapon and trained even in the most basic way, such a freezeup could have been avoided. Just because you've loaded your weapon a few times at the range, don't think that you'll be cool headed enough to do it at home in an adrenalin-charged moment.
Practice defending your home, too. Imagine different scenarios, whether it be the goon squad showing up to take your guns, or a simple case of a home invader. Where would they most likely enter? Where would they least likely enter? Can you arm yourself quickly? Do you know the weak points in your home? The strong points? What areas of the house are most vulnerable? Do you have any stairwells? Now, PRACTICE dealing with these situations.
Be warned, though: Your wife may get annoyed.
