Training your dog involves teaching her a wide spectrum of behaviors. Some behaviors you’ll expect her to do all the time, without being told; for example, not eliminating in the house. For others, you will give a specific command, like “sit.”
Since you are the trainer, the burden falls upon you to be absolutely clear and precise in defining and applying the words that you use. You are going to teach your dog useful commands, and you are going to observe her reactions and body language to understand what she is telling you.
Animal Training Glossary: Command. Also known as a cue, or signal. Tells the animal to perform a specific behavior.
Part of the training process is pairing the command with the desired behavior.
Consistency – it’s not about texture
Lack of consistency will sabotage your training. If you are inconsistent, you will not be successful. Plain and simple.
Let me give you a few examples:
Owner: “Sit, Jesse. Sit. Jesse, come on, sit, now! JESSE, SIT!”
Dog: “Which one of those did you mean? Do you want me to sit on the first command or the third? Does that fourth one count then? And why are you yelling at me?”
Repeating a command only confuses the dog.
Dog jumps on couch.
Owner: “Jesse, Down!”
Dog jumps up on visitors.
Owner: “Jesse, Down!”
Dog is just standing there.
Owner: “Jesse, Down!”
Dog: “Does that word mean get off the couch, don’t put my paws on people, or lie down?”
One command = One behavior.
Dog jumps up on couch.
Owner: “Come on over here and cuddle!”
Dog: “Cool, comfy couch time!”
Owner sitting on couch watching the big game.
Dog: “Cuddle time!” And jumps up.
Owner: “Jesse, Down!” And pushes Jesse away.
Consistency is hard! I know, believe me. I did this professionally for years, and I still catch myself saying “sit” a couple times in row. Then I start over. And that’s what you do. Catch yourself at it, start over, and practice. You’ll get there!
Consistency affects multiple aspects of training
Not just you, but every member of your family must train the same way. Make sure you discuss as a family so you all work together.
Decide what behaviors you want to train, such as Sit, Down, Come and Stay.
Decide what word you’re going to use as the command and stick to it. Avoid using the word when your dog is paying attention to you if you are not asking him for the behavior to reduce confusion. Do not use that word for any other behavior.
Decide ahead of time what behaviors you’ll allow, and what you won’t. If you’re okay with your bull mastiff jumping up and putting her paws on your shoulders to give you big, slobbery kisses, then cool! But don’t yell at her when she does it to you when you’re wearing a silk suit. She can’t tell the difference between raw silk and cotton. Same thing for furniture; it’s either okay, or it’s not.
Are you consistent in your training? Let me know in the comments.
Serena Dracis 