6. Changing the rules

If there’s one undeniable truth about dogs, it’s their unwavering desire to please their humans. So, why does your dog sometimes seem unresponsive? The likely culprit is inconsistency. “Consistency is key because it establishes the connection between a situation and the desired response from your dog,” explains Dr. Ropski. “Using different commands for the same action, like saying ‘down’ instead of ‘off,’ can confuse your dog.” Dr. Ropski advises establishing a daily routine and adhering to it. “This helps your dog anticipate activities and prevents interruptions during your work time.” Because pets thrive on predictability, here are 10 more essential daily activities for your dog.