Sit. Stay. Good boy.

One of the most common questions asked of dog trainers is simple: how do you get your dog to actually listen to you? Dog owners notice that while their dog certainly seems to understand some words (such as its name), it doesn't always respond to commands unless there is a potential treat involved. In order to increase dog obedience, how do you get your dog to respond to your commands even when you're not holding a slice of bacon? Here are five tips for achieving just that.

1. Construct a routine. One of the easiest things for dogs to figure out is routines - and this is actually true of more intelligent creatures like humans as well. While a dog won't know every word you say, it will understand what it means when you go for the leash before breakfast every day: it's time for a walk, followed by the morning meal. Once your dog understands something because it happens every day, you'll notice that it will be more responsive to you because it understands more commands.
2. Never bribe your dog. Bribing your dog rarely works because it doesn't understand what a bribe is. Did you ever notice that you can hold out a treat for a dog in order to get it to sit, but that this doesn't always work? It's because the dog doesn't understand what you're trying to do. Instead, dogs work in a very linear fashion: they understand that when they produce Behavior A, it results in Consequence B. That consequence can be positive or negative. It's up to you to reinforce the desired behavior with positive rewards - after the right behavior has been produced.
3. Project your voice with confidence. Although dogs don't speak our language, they are able to pick up on some human non-verbals. This includes your use of vocal tone. Many people use the "question" tone of voice in order to get a dog's attention or obedience: their pitch increases and they sound like they're begging the dog to do something. Instead, give a command. Speak to dog in close-ended statements; imagine a period after everything you say. Use single words, and project your voice with confidence.
4. Don't give up. Persistence is key if you're going to train obedience in your dog; you have to be willing to go the extra mile. If your dog believes that after calling its name, you'll eventually give up, it has no reason to go and find you. If, however, you call its name and expect it to come, and it doesn't, you might have to go and get it, while saying "come" to reinforce the command. Don't let your dog dictate your behavior.
5. Increase your own discipline. If you don't have any discipline in yourself, how can you expect to instill it in a dog? You have to approach dog obedience like your own obedience. Start building routines and habits for yourself, and bring the dog along with you. You'll be more motivated for a morning jog, for example, if you know that it will also help your dog.

Photo Credits: pato_garza