Consistency and consistency in dog training
Consistency and consistency are important components of a competent dog training process. Moreover, without them, dog training is impossible. Why do we need consistency and consistency in dog training and how to create them?
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Why do we need consistency and consistency in dog training?
Dog training is a process that must be systematic and consistent. The need for consistency and consistency in dog training is associated with the psychological characteristics of these animals. Rules are very important for a dog. They don’t have shades of gray in their learning, only black and white, right and wrong. What was allowed once is always allowed. And what is forbidden must always be forbidden.
If there is no consistency and consistency in dog training, the pet constantly seems to be walking “through a minefield”, not knowing where to step and at what moment it will explode, whether you praise it or remain dissatisfied. As a result, the dog’s world turns into chaos, which causes distress (“bad” stress), the four-legged friend becomes irritable and demonstrates problematic behavior. And the acquired skills simply “crumble” before our eyes.
In these cases, the owners often attribute problems to the “bad character” of the dog, trying to call it to order, but they act, again, chaotically and inconsistently, as a result, the circle closes, and everything only gets worse.
To prevent this from happening, you need to clearly define what you want from the dog, and not turn off the intended course.
Develop a training system and train your dog from simple to complex, gradually increasing the requirements.
If one person is engaged with the dog, it is not so difficult to do, it is important to understand exactly how to achieve the result, and to show self-discipline. But things can get complicated if different people communicate with the dog, for example, several family members, each of whom puts forward his own requirements, which, moreover, can constantly change.
How to create consistency and consistency in dog training if several people communicate with the pet?
Trainer Johanna Teresi has developed a series of tips to create consistency and consistency in training a dog with multiple people:
- Extreme clarity of requirements. Imagine what you want from a dog, what actions are needed to teach it the desired behavior, and how other people who interact with a pet can help you.
- Set boundaries – for yourself and others. Say what you think is normal and what is completely unacceptable. For example, if you don’t allow your dog to jump on people, but others periodically reinforce this behavior, your efforts are doomed to failure.
- Be friendly and avoid blaming other people for your problems. Explain that it is very important for you to train your dog this or that, and you will be grateful if you will be helped or at least not nullified in your efforts.
- Don’t be upset if you get rejected. It is not in your power to control other people, but your desires deserve respect. Try to come to a compromise.
- Leave reminders for other people about how to treat your dog, including sticky notes in prominent places.
- Constant revision. Evaluate what works and what needs to be changed, and discuss this with other people who interact with the dog.
- If possible, record videos of classes with professionals, and review them.
- Do not discuss training issues if you are annoyed or angry.
- Don’t dwell on failures and learn to forgive yourself and others. It is important not to focus on mistakes, but to analyze them and draw conclusions in order to change the situation in the future.
- Hold joint meetings and discussions with all people who interact with the dog.