Small requests, big rewards: Asking your dog to sit and wait before their dinner is a small ask followed by a genuinely valuable reward. When rewards come for free: Every time a treat or attention is given freely, your dog learns that these things don't need to be earned. Over-socialisation can look like success at first: Encouraging a puppy to play with every dog in the park teaches them that the park is the source of excitement rather than you. Will versus will not: Dogs can choose not to obey even when they know the command. Why context changes everything: A dog who's reliable at home may struggle in new environments due to competing distractions. Training across real environments: Train deliberately across parks, woods, streets and urban areas so behaviour is consistent everywhere. Finding what actually motivates your dog: Rewards must be truly compelling to your specific dog. Getting the right support: Build consistency across different environments with proper training guidance.