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The Importance of Consistency

Consistency in training and handling your dog is paramount, particularly when working with a young dog.


Many people frequently inquire about when they can cease formal "training." The straightforward answer is never. However, I understand that the essence of their question is about when they can relax their vigilance and expect their dog to perform tasks without constant prompting. The key lies in this: the day your dog no longer requires reminders to execute a task is a direct result of your unwavering consistency in training.


Being consistent fosters trust between you and your dog. If you frequently change your tone, commands, or responses, your dog may become confused and view you as unreliable. Trust is cultivated through consistent behaviour and clear communication.

Your daily interactions shape your dog’s behaviour. A well-trained dog is not the result of occasional training sessions; rather, it emerges from the consistent habits you establish every day.


How many of you have been inconsistent with your dog's routine when guests arrive? Perhaps you let things slide when close friends visit, or when strangers show up, you’re too embarrassed or tired to correct your dog's behaviour. By doing this, you're inadvertently teaching your dog to work around the rules and become selective in when they follow commands. This can lead to what’s almost a form of intelligent disobedience. The same principle applies when meeting people on the street—if you've asked your dog to sit, do you let them break the command just because you're mid-conversation? Or do you pause the conversation, correct your dog, and remain consistent in your expectations?


This principle also applies to the tools you use in training. It’s not uncommon for clients to begin with a slip collar or prong collar and then revert to a standard collar as their dog improves in leash walking. However, consider this analogy: as you become more confident as a driver, you wouldn’t forgo wearing a seatbelt, would you? The answer is no. Just as seatbelts are essential for safety, consistent training tools are vital for maintaining the behaviours you’ve instilled in your dog. Don’t wait for your dog to make repeated mistakes, such as pulling on the leash while using a standard collar, before resorting to the slip or prong collar to "correct" the behaviour. By then, it’s already too late. The key is to address the behaviour the moment it occurs. To prevent leash pulling altogether, ensure the slip or prong collar is always in use during walks where pulling is an issue. These tools should be proactively applied, not as a reaction after the behaviour has spiralled.


Remember that consistency isn’t just about training sessions or specific commands—it's about your daily interactions and habits. Every moment with your dog is an opportunity to reinforce the behaviour you desire. Stay patient, stay consistent, and the results will follow. By committing to this, you'll not only have a well-trained dog but also a relationship built on trust, respect and clear communication. Consistency is key, and the more you invest in it, the greater the bond and harmony you'll share with your dog.

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