When it comes to dog training, there are some simple rules you can apply to make it a better experience for both you and your dog.

For example, when it comes time to train your dog on a new command, you’ll want to instruct him in a quiet area where there’s nothing and no one to distract him. If possible, train him inside with just you and him in the room.

After your dog’s mastered the command without any distractions, it’s time to slowly add them back in. You’ll want to make sure that your dog can ignore relatively small distractions, especially if the command you’re working on involves his safety, such as the DOWN STAY or COME command. Try adding another dog in the room, or bringing in some family members. Turn on the radio or the TV.

Now that your dog has mastered the command under these conditions, it’s time to take him outdoors. The great outdoors is equally great for providing distractions, between roaring car engines, blaring radios, chattering birds, novel dogs, passersby in uniform and so on. What a great environment for really putting your dog through his paces! If he can still handle the command, you can feel confident he’s really learned it. Time to teach something new!

In a nutshell, when training your dog, your goal is for him to respond to commands anywhere and anytime, regardless of the environment. You’ll never be 100% sure that your dog will obey on command. Any dog, no matter how well mannered and eager to please, can fixate on a dashing rabbit and take off into the woods, at least once in awhile. But you can train him to follow your lead the vast majority of the time, among all the conditions and distractions that modern life has to offer.

Another helpful hint when it comes to training on a new command is to anticipate your dog’s mistakes so you can correct them before they happen. This is an important part of learning to read your dog’s expressions, behavioral patterns and personality. Yes, your dog will tell you when he’s about to make a mistake!

For example, if you’ve told him to SIT STAY, then you’ll want to correct him when he thinks about getting up. He’ll give you a sign — he may wiggle his rump, toss his head, or lick his paw. For every dog it will be different, but if you look closely and pay attention, you’ll read his emotions well — and learn the behaviors that give him away. Now you can use this close knowledge of your dog as a positive tool for speedy, effective training.