You probably don't need me to tell you consistency is key to successful dog training, just as it's key to achieving most things. However, I know it's often easier said than done, so here are some tips to help you along the way...
When you are consistent with your cues, your dog will learn what you expect of them more quickly and easily. Here are some tips for staying consistent in dog training:
Use the same cues every time. This means using the same words, hand signals, and body language for each command. For example, if you want your dog to sit, always say "sit" in the same way. As a side note: try changing your tone to an 'ask' rather than 'tell' as this will ease some of the pressure and your dog will probably do it much quicker!
Be consistent with your timing. Reward your dog as soon as they do the behaviour you ask for. This will help them to associate the cue with the reward.
Don't give up. It takes time and patience to train a dog. Don't get discouraged if your dog doesn't get it right away. Just keep practicing and being consistent. Remember to seek professional help if you are struggling.
Here are some other things you can do to stay consistent in dog training:
Train in short sessions. 5-10 minutes at a time is plenty for most dogs. Waiting for the kettle to boil? Crack the treats out and get training! Waiting for the bath to run, or dinner to finish cooking? Get your treats out!
Make it fun. If your dog is having fun, they are more likely to be engaged and learn... this is why I often frame training as games!
Reward your dog often. Use high-value rewards, such as treats or praise, to keep your dog motivated. As a general rule of thumb, the moister and meatier the treats, the higher value they'll be!
Be patient. It takes time and patience to train a dog. Don't get discouraged if your dog doesn't get it right away.
If you are consistent with your training, your dog will learn what you expect of them and become a well-behaved member of your family. Whilst it can often feel like an uphill battle, training little and often will get you there
Here are some additional tips:
Get everyone in the family on the same page. Make sure everyone in the household uses the same cues and commands for your dog. This will help to avoid confusion and make training more effective. If that's not possible, someone is going to need to take the lead and train the dog up to a good standard before other members of the house get involved.
Be prepared to adjust your training methods as needed. Every dog is different, so what works for one dog may not work for another. Be willing to experiment and find what works best for your dog. This is where professional help can save you a lot of time and stress!
Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling with dog training, there are many resources available to help you. You can book a free call with me at cannycaninesuk.com/getstarted
I hope these tips help you to stay consistent in your dog training. With patience and consistency, you can train your dog to be a well-behaved member of your family...
If you need more help, book your free call here: cannycaninesuk.com/getstarted