Begin training where there are few distractions and progress to teaching in all different circumstances.
Use better rewards when an exercise is more difficult for him.
Train in different places and times If you only train your dog in your front room, standing at his side, just before dinner, it is likely that this will be the only time your dog responds to you.
Instead, teach throughout the day, at all different times, places and situations.
Teaching in the house will be easier, so do this first, then progress to teaching the same things outside.
Success brings success If we are successful at something we do, we are more likely to enjoy doing it and will make the decision to repeat it.
A dog is just like us - if he achieves success, he will try again.
A dog who is not successful is not rewarded.
Therefore he becomes confused and uncertain, and less likely to enjoy being with you.
Gradually increase distractions When teaching something new, have as few distractions around as possible.
Gradually increase the distractions so that your dog still wants to do things for you, no matter who else is around.
For example, when first teaching your dog to sit, do this in a quiet part of the house, when no one else is around.
Once he understands this, begin to do it in different places and when others are moving around.
Then try outside, when there are no distractions.
Progress to being able to ask your dog to sit during a walk when there are other dogs and people around.
Use rewards effectively We need to build our dog's motivation.
Whenever anything is difficult or new, use especially important rewards.
As your dog progresses and begins to understand what you want, and wants to do it for you, vary the rewards to include less exciting ones, decrease them and give them on a random basis.
Tone of voice Old-type training involved bellowing and yelling in order to show authority.
This is not necessary and can teach a dog not to listen.
When you ask your dog to do something, you must mean it.
There no point asking him to sit if you do not care whether he does or not.
If this is the case, don't say anything.
Talk in your normal tone of voice, clearly and in such a way that you feel he will respond.
Do not repeat words If your dog is listening and wants to respond, you only have to use the word he knows once.
If you are repeating yourself, it means your dog is not listening, does not want to do it or does not understand.
Find out why he is not responding and work on this, rather than saying the same thing over and over again.
What is he learning? At all times, be aware of what your dog is learning.
You should know what you are trying to teach, but is this what your dog is learning? If so, continue, but keep checking.
If your dog is not learning what you want, you need to alter your approach in order to be successful.