Training and modifying the behaviour of our beloved dogs is no easy feat, it can at times feel like success is so far out of reach particularly if they are anxious or reactive dogs. The whole process can be frustrating and time-consuming, but the results when they come and they will come are so worth it. Consistency really is key to success when it comes to teaching our canine friends, and changing our behaviour for that matter too and that's why it's so important to stay on top of it! Small but consistent progress can make for massive results - it is all about the compound effect.
Having a consistent approach to training and behaviour modification is the best way to ensure your pup understands what you're trying to teach them. Dogs thrive on routine, and they need to know what to expect when it comes to their behaviour and training and when you are trying to change it - say swapping out a less than desirable behaviour for a new one takes time to break a habit and create a new one - does that sound familiar to your own way of life? What bad habits do you have that have been hard to change? By being consistent in your approach, you're giving your dog the opportunity to learn and understand what is expected of them.
Practice makes permanent by building new neural pathways yours dog changes the previous default behaviour to a new one. Nowhere has this been more obvious to me than in learning to shuffle dance - the frustration when I can’t get the step has made me think very differently about some aspects of things I struggle to train. Keep going, break it even further down, make it slower, keep trying in short bursts and slowly that running man that was so hard starts to make sense and it is the same for our doggies.
When you're consistent in your training and behaviour modifications, you're also giving your dog the chance to trust you. Dogs are incredibly loyal creatures, and they need to trust that you have their best interests at heart. They need to know that when you ask them to do something, it will be the same every time. That way, they can be confident in their behaviour and know that you're going to be consistent in your expectations. When they return after a protracted recall …. Don’t tell them off - still reward them for returning otherwise you risk confusion, instead break that recall down into shorter distances and increase the value of the return.
Consistency is also important for safety. If your dog is learning something new, you want to make sure they're doing it correctly and that it's safe for them. Having a consistent approach to teaching them will help them understand the boundaries and rules, and keep them safe - off lead being a prime example of this. You want your dog to return to you, you want your dog to view you are the most interesting thing on their walk so that you can keep them in your sight and keep them safe. If your dog knows that returning to you gets a telling off, or no interaction as you are too busy on your phone then why would they bother. Reward their check -ins, reward their paws on the floor and getting down off the counter from counter surfing, reward their proximity to you when loose lead walking etc.
Overall, consistency is the absolute key when it comes to dog training and behaviour modifications an whilst it may appear that you seem to be go round in circles, the break through always happens when you least expect it - keep sessions short but consistent - 5 mins a day is better than 1 hour a week.. It's the best way to ensure your dog is learning what you're teaching them and that they understand the expectations. and you can ensure that you are developing a trusting relationship and working towards those training goals.
With anxious or reactive dogs being consistent will help with their confidence and help you make steady progress to build resilience and get over the hurdles that they have this forms the basis of my Calm Your Dog For Fireworks Night Challenge - learn more see link in bio or
https://www.thehealthfuldoctor.com/store/webinars/item/wpw-challenge/
With small steps your can climb what seems like a mountain.