Consistency

In the blog about Leadership, I mentioned Consistency. An effective leader makes clear and sensible rules and doesn't change expectations every few weeks. Our dogs understand when there is a predictable and consistent response to their actions. They understand the choices they can make and will, in time, act accordingly.

Consistency matters most in the little things. Each time you ask the dog to sit, make sure it's in Perfect Position. If you sometimes want the dog to sit out front of you, create a different command so that the dog knows the difference. When you have set a boundary at a door way or a gate, always work that boundary. It can be a quick invitation across the line, but always put in a command. This reinforces the idea in the dog's head, so that eventually our idea (e.g. don't go out the gate without permission) becomes the dog's idea (e.g. I need to wait for permission to go out this gate).

When modifying behaviours, consistency is also important. One of my dogs works with kids. The dog has been taught that jumping up is not allowed. Some kids like the dog to jump up though, so we have a command of "paws up" which tells the dog they can jump up, but only then and not unsolicited.

If a dog is a bit mouthy, we need to teach them that teeth-on-human is wrong. If sometimes the dog is encouraged to play roughly and use their teeth, they will be confused when they are told off by nipping at the wrong person at the wrong time. A consistent "no teeth" rule is important. Rough play can be with a tug toy, but not a human or their clothes. This clarity and consistency makes the dog's life much easier.

Consistency is not just about corrections and resets when the dog makes a mistake. It is also important to give positive feedback and rewards for the behaviours we want to reinforce. In classes I will give dogs repeated praise and reward when they are on the right track. This fixes in their minds the exact things we want, and they will work towards the rewards over and over again.

Both dogs and humans like to have clear rules and boundaries. Consistency in commands and responses creates a safe structure to live by. Safety and consistency mean a calmer life for everyone.