Be Consistent, The Principle That Makes the Others Work
None of the other nine principles hold up without this one. Using the same rules, cues, and rewards every single time is what turns a good training session into a lasting change.
Consistency means the whole household enforces the same boundaries the same way, not just during scheduled training time, but every single interaction with the dog, all week long.
Why It Matters
A rule that applies on Monday but not Saturday, or with one family member but not another, teaches a dog that rules are optional, which undoes even excellent training.
Consistency is what turns one good session into a permanent change.
How We Apply This at Marin K9
Every Marin K9 program includes tutoring for the whole household, so the structure, cues, and consequences you learn in a session are the same ones being used at home, every day.
The same rules, from the same people, every single day.
Real-World Example
The same dog, the same walk, two very different approaches.
BEFORE
Without This Principle
Rules apply Monday but not Saturday
One family member enforces rules, another doesn't
Training progress made, then undone at home
Dog learns rules are optional
AFTER
With This Principle
Rules hold every day, no exceptions
Whole household enforces the same boundaries
Training progress reinforced at home, not undone
Dog learns rules are reliable and predictable
Signs You Need This Principle
Training “works” in session but doesn't hold at home
Family members disagree about what the dog is or isn't allowed to do
You've seen good progress disappear within weeks
You want the results from training sessions to actually last