Muddy Waters

A recent conversation got me thinking about how much we expect from our dogs, in response to the sometimes very ambiguous training we give them.

Muddy Waters - Inconsistencies in Dog Training

Introduction: Why Your Dog Isn't Ignoring You, and Why It's Not Their Fault x

Have you ever felt frustrated when your dog doesn’t respond to a cue, even though you’re sure they know it? Perhaps you’ve thought, “But they did it perfectly yesterday!” You’re not alone—many dog guardians feel this way. However, it’s important to consider an often-overlooked culprit: human inconsistency in training.

Dogs are incredible creatures. They’re not just amazing companions; they’re also experts at picking up on patterns, body language, and even our emotional states. But when we unintentionally send mixed signals during training, it can leave our dogs feeling confused and unsure about what we’re asking. The good news? With a bit of mindfulness and self-awareness, we can reduce these “muddy waters” and make our cues clearer, helping our dogs succeed.

In this blog, we’ll dive into why inconsistencies happen, how they impact your dog’s response to cues, and, most importantly, what you can do to make training easier and more enjoyable—for both you and your dog.

Why We Need to Be Mindful of Consistency in Dog Training

Dogs thrive on clarity and repetition. Every time we train, our dogs are learning from us—whether we’re intentionally teaching them something or not. This is why consistency is the backbone of effective training. When we’re consistent with our cues, rewards, and expectations, dogs can quickly understand what we want from them.

Dogs don’t speak our language; they rely on patterns. If the patterns we provide are inconsistent, their understanding of the cue becomes inconsistent, too. For example, if you use a hand signal one day and a verbal cue the next but expect the same result, it’s no wonder your dog might look a bit confused.

Being mindful of how we train not only helps our dogs learn faster but also builds trust. Consistency tells your dog that they can rely on you to be clear and fair.” And isn’t that what we all want in our relationship with our dogs?

Common Reasons Why Inconsistencies Happen

If inconsistency is such a big factor, why do so many of us fall into this trap? The truth is, life happens, we are just human. Here are some common reasons why our training efforts sometimes end up less consistent than we’d like:

Unclear communication: Sometimes, we don’t even realise we’re sending mixed signals. For instance, your dog might think sitting means “place my bottom on the ground” and “make eye contact” because you’ve unintentionally rewarded both behaviours at different times.
Changing cues without realising it: Using different words or gestures for the same behaviour is a common pitfall. You might say “Come!” one day and “Here!” the next, thinking your dog understands they mean the same thing. In reality, they might think these are completely different requests.
Inconsistent reinforcement: If you only reward your dog sometimes—or accidentally reward the wrong behaviour—it can leave them unsure about what’s expected.
Emotions in the moment: Dogs are sensitive to our body language and tone of voice. If you’re frustrated or distracted, your dog might pick up on those emotions instead of focusing on the cue.
Family dynamics: If multiple people are involved in training, inconsistencies are almost inevitable. One family member might reward a jumpy dog with attention, while another discourages jumping. This can confuse the dog and slow their progress.

Recognising these patterns is the first step towards improving your training. The good news is that our dogs are incredibly forgiving, they’ll generally keep learning as long as we keep trying.

What Happens When We’re Inconsistent

Inconsistencies in training don’t just delay learning; they can also affect your dog’s confidence. When dogs receive mixed signals, they might hesitate to respond at all because they’re unsure if they’ll get it “right.” This can lead to frustration on both sides, which often makes training sessions less productive.

For example, a dog who experiences a frustrated guardian, when they don't sit fast enough might start associating the “sit” cue with stress or confusion. Instead of eagerly responding, they may avoid the cue altogether and offer displacement behaviours, like sniffing or wondering off instead. In other cases, a dog might offer several behaviours in rapid succession, sitting, lying down, spinning, because they’re trying to guess what you want, rather than confidently responding to the cue.

Despite these challenges, our dogs remain remarkably patient with us. It’s a testament to their adaptability and resilience.

When we take the time to refine our own approach, the rewards are immeasurable. Clear communication and consistency lead to a happier, more confident dog who enjoys training, and a stronger bond.

How to Train with Consistency, and Set Your Dog Up for Success

Ready to ditch the muddy waters and create a clearer training experience for your dog? Here are some practical tips to stay consistent:

Use the same cues every time: Stick to one word or gesture for each behaviour. If you want your dog to come, choose either “Come!” or “Here!” and use it consistently, don’t switch between the two. If you do use a verbal and cue and hand signal at the same time, understand that your dog will always be watching your hand signal too, and if you remove that, may not understand your verbal cue alone.
Be mindful of timing: Deliver your food rewards immediately after your dog performs the desired behaviour. Delayed reward can confuse your dog about what they’re being praised for. A marker word can help with this, but again can be confusing for your dog if they are not marked consistently when performing behaviours.
Keep training sessions focused and clear: During training, avoid chatting, multitasking, or adding extra behaviours. This keeps your dog’s attention on the task at hand.
Get the whole family on board: If multiple people are involved in your dog’s training, hold a family meeting to agree on consistent cues, gestures, and rules. This ensures everyone is on the same page.
Record your sessions: Filming yourself during training can help you spot inconsistencies you might not notice in the moment.
Be patient with yourself and your dog: Progress takes time, and mistakes happen. Remember, training is a journey, not a race.

By making these adjustments, you’ll create a training environment that’s easier for your dog to navigate and more enjoyable for both of you.

So, next time your dog hesitates or doesn’t respond to a cue, take a step back and reflect on your own approach. By addressing inconsistencies, you’ll be amazed at how much more responsive—and happier—your dog becomes.

Ready to strengthen your training skills and build an even stronger bond with your dog? Subscribe to my blog for more tips, or get in touch for personalised training advice!