There are hundreds of helpful tips on how to make progress in dog training. However, there is only one POWERFUL rule on how to make dog training successful: sending a clear message to your dog.
In this blog, we’re talking about the dog training benefits of delivering a clear expectation to your dog, and how sticking to it can massively impact dog training!
Read on to learn more.
Key Takeaways
Consistency in routine, messaging, and activities can significantly predict whether your training will fail or will succeed.
Seemingly harmless habits like letting your dog sleep on your bed, or making the dog take the lead are actually harming your training.
Professional dog training services — whether done in person or with an online dog training program — can change the direction of your training.

DOG CALMING CODE™️: THE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR RAISING CALMER, WELL-BEHAVED DOGS
Table of Contents
The Story of Chief: How to Make Dog Training Successful With Rules and Boundaries
What Makes Dog Training Successful: Stick To Your Word, Stick To Consistency
How to Make Dog Training Successful: 5 Ways to Remain Consistent in Your Training
6 Seemingly Harmless Factors That Make Dog Training Fail and What To Do Instead
How to Make Dog Training Successful: Questions to Ask When Dog Training Doesn’t Seem to Work
How to Make Dog Training Successful: When to Ask Professional Help
Dog Training Video Courses: Getting Guidance From a Professional Dog Trainer in the Comfort of Your Own Home
The Benefits of Choosing Online Dog Training Programs
How To Make Dog Training Successful: Have a Clear Goal, and a Clearer, Consistent Message










 










The Story of Chief: How to Make Dog Training Successful With Rules and Boundaries
If there’s one thing I have learned from working with thousands of dog owners, it is this: furparents do things out of love.
And love is a great tool in dog training. However, on the flip-side, love can also be detrimental to a dog’s progress.
(I talk more about Chief’s story in the video below. )

 

Let me share with you the story of Chief.
Chief — a dog I had the lovely honor to have a consultation with — was showing challenging behavior to his dog owners.
He was stressed, he had behavioral issues, and no training seemed to work.
While talking with me, his owner suddenly added “But Jack sleeps with us on the bed. In fact he sleeps on my husband’s head!”
Now, if you’re familiar with my dog training principles, you would know that hearing her words was a lightbulb moment.
AHA!
I knew exactly what the root of the problem was.
Chief felt he was in charge. No matter how lovingly his dog owners care for him, he still felt in charge.
And even though the decision to let Chief sleep on the bed was done out of love, it truly affected how the training was working for the family.
ESTABLISH LEADERSHIP IN THE EYES OF YOUR DOG WITH THE DOG CALMING CODE™
What Makes Dog Training Successful: Stick To Your Word, Stick To Consistency
“Leaders walk the talk… and they keep walking.” – Tejraj Singh Anand
I read that quote a few days ago, and I felt like it communicates clearly why inconsistencies make dog training fail.
Just like raising kids or leading a team, those that we need to guide will believe us if we send clear, consistent expectations.
#1: A Successful Dog Training Includes Consistency With Your Message
Consistency is key when it comes to successful dog training because dogs thrive on routine and clear communication.
One common mistake that can hinder progress is sending mixed signals to your furry friend.
You’re training them to not scratch on the furniture, but you may not be using timeouts when they do.
You want your dogs to see you as a leader, but your actions could be telling your dog “I can boss this human around!”
Successful dog training stars with a clear, consistent message — one that you 100% stick to.
Make sure everyone involved in the training process — including family members and housemates — is on the same page.
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