Be consistent!

Being consistent is very important in dog training and behavior modification. Being unpredictable will create a confused dog. Sometimes we let the dog jump up and sometimes we don't, is just a small example of a problem behavior we create.

What NOT to do:

• Be inconsistent all the time, but not always and don't do the same thing more then twice, only once in a while. Surprise your dog with different rules.
• Use more then one command for one behavior. Come, could also be "get here", "now", "this instant".
• Every human in the household should use a different word so the dog really learns better English, faster.
• Don't enforce rules when you are to tired and change them at your convenience.
• Every member of the household should have a different rule for the same behavior.

What you SHOULD do:

Consistency in dog training will always make a behaviour more reliable. Consistency means that your dog will be able to predict what is expected of them in certain situations. This can only happen through practice that is regular and purposeful.

Have a goal in mind that you are working towards. Within this process will be many small steps towards this larger goal. If you have a good idea of these little steps and the larger behavioural goal, your training will have consistency. 


Enjoying your training will also impact on consistency. The method of training you use should feel good for you. If you feel good training your dog, you will be more likely to practice. If you find that you are becoming frustrated with your training, stop and move on to something that is easy and enjoyable for your and your dog. Tricks are a great way to diffuse a stressful training session, you and your dog will have fun but in essence it is still training.