Consequence of Action

“It’s a consequence of action” - I often find myself saying this phrase when I’m training dogs.
I’ve been perfecting a loose lead training method to overcome dogs that are strong pullers. The dog learns that keeping the lead loose and paying attention to the handler results in positive rewards like tasty treats or a game of tug. The behaviour is shaped and perfected until we have the dogs focus and eventually solid “heel” behaviour.

I think we all understand the consequences of operating outside the law; be it coming home late from the pub or speeding in a built up area or causing harm to another human. These actions all break rules and we have to suffer the consequences of our actions.
Dogs are slightly different because they have another factor to take into account. This other factor is interpretation. Dogs have to interpret what is required from them during a training session. The application of corrections in our society is acceptable because in most cases humans understand the rules and the penalties that apply to breaking the rules.If we are caught breaking the rules we understand that there will be a penalty to pay.
On the other hand if a dog has not been properly conditioned to understand the requested behaviour, the application of corrections is unfair and confusing.

I attempt to train in a way that brings positive consequences to the fore. This makes the interpretation process more enjoyable for the dog.

Here are a few golden rules I try to adhere to:

• Train the behaviour without the use of a verbal command.
• Associate a command with the behaviour when the behaviour is engrained
• Introduce distractions to test the behaviour under pressure
• Use positive corrections to reinforce the behaviour under distraction.


The trainer must attempt to understand how to promote positive consequences. Consistent consequences of action help the dog interpret the requested behaviour. I often think of positive methods as a drip feed. You won’t change engrained negative behaviours overnight but given time the dog will learn that positive consequences are rewarding and fulfilling.