Training your dog is a fantastic bonding experience that can also provide tangible benefits over the long term. If you are going to dedicate significant time to this endeavor, you should know that one thing stands above all else when it comes to successful training – consistency. Dogs are creatures of habit, and while they want to please their owner, they need handholding and an encouraging environment if they want to succeed. Consistency allows your pet to be comfortable with the dog training process and in the best frame of mind to learn the information you attempt to pass on to them.
Tips for Maintaining Consistency in Dog Training Sessions
So, how do you ensure you give your dog the best chance of success? Many dog owners are unaware that small changes in their training routine at home might be hindering their dog’s learning process. Here are some of the top tips we have for maintaining consistency across your sessions:
- Use the Same Commands: When you really think about it, it is extraordinary how much dogs can learn despite not understanding a word we are saying. Don’t make it more complicated for them by switching up commands or using alternative words for the same trick. When choosing a command, imagine yourself repeating this trick 2, 5, or 10 years later. You should opt for a simpler command if it feels uncomfortable, awkward, or too long to say easily. Luckily, many of the most common names for tricks you will find online or learn from a dog trainer are chosen because of their simplicity and ability to convey meaning in one short word or phrase.
- Keep Rewards The Same: While it is not mandatory to stick with one brand of treat forever, you shouldn’t introduce any more variables into the situation than are needed. Your dog may, unbeknownst to you, have a strong preference for one type of treatment over another, and they might create an association with their perceived performance and the kind of treat you give them. On a similar note, don’t forget to reward your pet with praise and attention when they perform a hard trick or follow a complex command. Without some sort of reward or positive reinforcement, your dog has very little incentive to continue to perform.
- Maintain A Schedule or Routine: Some commands are useful for everyday life, but other tricks are, admittedly, just something fun and interesting to enjoy with your dog. After you teach your pet a new interesting trick, remember to keep up the training to keep the information fresh in their mind. While some dogs with stellar memories might respond to a command they learned in the distant past, most dogs will need a refresher if you haven’t practiced with them recently. Pick specific parts of the day and week to go through all your dog’s previous training to ensure it doesn’t get lost to time.
You should also start dog training sessions at similar times when doing initial training. This will minimize any variables – like hunger, sleepiness, or excitement – and give your dog the best chance at nailing a new trick.
Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training is a professional dog training school in Bradenton, Florida that provides puppy training, obedience classes, and playcare for dogs in our local community. Contact us for more information on how to jumpstart your dog’s training today!
