Barking Up The Wrong Tree

Top 3 Dog Training Mistakes

Dog training has changed a lot in recent years, but most modern techniques concentrate on positive reinforcement.

No matter what system you try, there are several common mistakes you should avoid.  Here are three of the most common:

Mistake 1: Inconsistency

This is the quickest way to stuff it up.  Dogs are pack animals and you should be their leader.  They need you to be predictable and consistent.  They can understand cause and effect and if the effect keeps changing, then they will be confused and slow to catch on. Don’t surprise them by changing the effect every now and then, be regular and consistent.  If he does a behaviour, he needs to see the same results each time.  A good trainer will not deviate.

Mistake 2: Impatience

No doubt, dog training can be frustrating as we don’t understand why sometimes dogs just don’t seem to ‘get it’.  Dog training is not speedy but requires a great deal of patience.  If you are impatient, you can contribute to mistake 1 above as you stop the training session early or change your training method hoping to train quicker.  A good trainer will be patient.

Mistake 3: Treating The Dog As A Subject Rather Than A Partner

Do not make the mistake of thinking that dog training is just about you.  Don’t worry about your equipment or technique, just pay more attention to your training partner, the dog.   Each dog is unique, not just a subject for you to try your techniques on.  Training shouldn’t be a chore, it’s a joint activity with a chance to spend more time with your dog, your training partner and interact with him/her.

Another small point is to remember that dogs are quite intuitive and can pick up a lot from you about your attitude.  They know if you are treating them like a subject and not an individual.  Don’t lose sight of the dog’s personality and identity, pick up on the way they respond and you’ll find your have vital clues about how to adapt your technique to suit the dog.

Avoid these mistakes and your training will naturally be quicker and more enjoyable for both of you.  No matter what training methods you use, these three mistakes are very common and the methods can be improved by avoiding them.