A key component of building communication with your dog is consistency!
Being consistent doesn't mean telling your dog, 'no,' when he jumps on you, only when it bothers you. The word consistent means, 'free from variation or contradiction.' If you correct your dog nine out of ten times your dog shows a behavior you don't want, but let him that one time, what is your resolve about the behavior? That it is sometimes allowable? Your dog will remember the enjoyment of the behavior if allowed, and try again! Correcting them on future attempts will be increasingly more difficult.
Sometimes people think that their dog can jump on them when their paws are clean, but not when they are dirty, or they can jump on the couch when it doesn't bother them. As smart as our pups are they don't understand such variables. If you don't want certain behaviors, put in the work and be consistent! Think black and white, right and wrong.
Consistency doesn't just apply to corrections. Commands should always be given with the same word. If you train your dog to come on the command, 'come,' use that word all the time. Don't mix it up by saying anything else.
Also keep in mind, with a couple exceptions, commands are only given once. Sit means sit! As a last note, get the family and visitors involved in being consistent!
