One of the biggest things I emphasize as a San Diego dog trainer is consistency. It’s not flashy, but it’s the most important part of dog training—whether I'm working with a brand new puppy, teaching obedience skills, or modifying tough behaviors like reactivity or separation anxiety.

You might leave a training session feeling confident and then forget to practice, or only follow through when it’s convenient. I know life gets busy but here’s the truth: dogs learn through repetition and routine. When we’re inconsistent, dogs get confused—and confused dogs have a really hard time learning.

Let me give you a few real-life examples:

• Puppy training: If your puppy is only asked to “sit” sometimes before meals or doors, they won’t understand that “sit” means “please.” But if you ask every time and follow through, your puppy will start offering that behavior automatically.

• Leash manners: If you allow pulling on some walks and correct it on others, your dog won’t learn what’s expected. Consistently reinforcing loose leash walking—every time you pick up the leash—teaches your dog what works and what doesn’t.

• Behavior modification: With fear, anxiety, or aggression, progress takes time. If your dog is reactive and we build a training plan together, but that plan only happens once a week, you won’t see change. Daily, low-pressure exposure paired with clear communication is what rewires behavior.

So how can you be more consistent without feeling overwhelmed?

Here are a few tips I give my dog training clients:

1. Keep sessions short and sweet – 5–10 minutes a couple times a day goes a long way.

2. Build training into your routine – ask for a “sit” before meals, “place” when guests arrive, or “heel” on your walk to the mailbox.

3. Use the same cues and rules – if one family member allows jumping and another corrects it, your dog won’t know what to do.

4. Stay calm and clear – energy matters. If you're frustrated or rushed, your dog feels it. Patience pays off.

5. Track your progress – even a simple checklist on the fridge helps keep everyone on the same page.

At the end of the day, I’ll give you the tools—but YOUR follow-through is what makes the difference. When you commit to showing up with consistency, your dog learns faster, feels more secure, and becomes a better companion.

If you're ready to create a customized, consistent training plan for your dog, I’d love to work with you. Reach out to schedule some one on one private dog training in San Diego.