Dog training is all about consistency and repetition. Consistency teaches obedience; every time they are told to do something, the command is properly enforced. To communicate clearly with your dog and earn its trust and respect, maintaining consistency is absolutely essential.
Training and obedience must be maintained throughout the dog's life. Just because the dog has learned the commands does not mean the owner can totally slack off with training. This is where consistency comes in. Use the commands throughout your daily life, but be sure to enforce any command you give. If the dog starts 'getting away' with things, it will soon stop obeying except when it feels like it.
Your expectations from your dog should always be realistic and consistent. Unfortunately, many dog owners are guilty of giving their pets mixed messages. If your dog is begging for food at the table and you give him a scrap just to get him to be quiet, you are really rewarding your dog's behavior and perpetuating the problem. Your dog cannot understand your motivation, and inconsistent behavior on your part will only confuse him.
Do not worry that you are being too tough on your dog by never bending the rules. Dogs like consistency - they prefer knowing what the rules are. It is much easier to know that they are never allowed to jump on the couch, then to be allowed on it multiple times, but then get yelled at when they jump on it with muddy feet.
Remember, when you are consistent with your actions and expectations toward your dog, you are improving communication, earning your dog's respect, and ultimately building a better relationship with your pet.
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