One common issue that dog owners often face can be summarized by the complaint:

"My dog listens really well, but he won’t listen when distracted!"

Let's clarify: if your dog doesn’t listen when distracted, then he doesn’t listen well. The key reason for this is context.

Dogs live in a world where context is crucial.

Training your dog to come when called in a quiet living room with a treat and no distractions is a good start. However, when the setting changes significantly—say, you’re in the backyard, your dog is off-leash, and the neighbor’s dog is barking—your dog may not come when called. This isn’t a matter of disobedience or naughtiness. It’s because your dog hasn't been trained to respond under these new circumstances: off-leash, other dogs present, no treat, and so on.

To have a dog that is reliably obedient, you must not only teach your dog what to do but also vary the context in which you practice. This means demonstrating to your dog, in many different situations, that the same rules apply regardless of the context.

You need to practice repeatedly in various environments: the front yard, the backyard, the park, and the trail. Your dog needs to learn that the rules are the same whether there’s another dog around, someone knocking on the door, a squirrel running by, or even if they just don't feel like listening.

There are no shortcuts. You must consistently reinforce these behaviors across all different contexts, ensuring that your dog understands and obeys the commands in each situation.

By putting in the time and effort with plenty of repetitions in diverse contexts, you’ll achieve a dog that listens reliably, no matter the circumstances.

Three Essential Dog Training Principles:

1. The Walk

Prioritize a daily walk for your dog.

A walk isn't just about exercise; it's a crucial training opportunity. During walks, you can work on loose leash walking, sit and down commands, impulse control, distraction training, and more.

Aim for at least 45 minutes, but even if you only have 15-20 minutes, make the most of that time.

2. Practice

Repetition is key in dog training.

Your dog needs to practice commands and cues repeatedly to master them. Dedicate 20-40 minutes each day solely to practicing the commands you're focusing on.

3. Integration Training

Incorporate training into your daily routine.

For instance, use the place command while you eat lunch, a down stay while you watch TV, a wait command when going through doors, and a sit command while preparing your dog’s meal.

Dogs often associate training with specific sessions, leading to a lack of obedience in everyday situations. Integration training ensures your dog is obedient no matter what's happening.

Follow these three principles, and you'll see great progress in training your dog.

Happy Training!