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Dog training can easily be done the wrong way and when new trainers first get started, they tend to make a lot of mistakes in their dog training techniques and how they approach the process of training a dog. There are a few mistakes that are fairly common among most trainers and we shall make the ten most common mistakes the subject of this and the next article.
Dog Training Mistake Number One
Mistake number one is expecting too much. The individual who makes this error is usually well meaning and a true dog lover. The problem steps in when they see all the tricks their neighbours' dog can do. They watch the well trained pets of their favourite sitcom characters. They go to the park and see all of the pet owners there enjoying the company of dogs that are obedient and well trained. It is at this point that they tend to forget all the time, patience and money that go into training a dog and achieving the successes they have become.
Dog Training Mistake Number Two.
Mistake number two is also quite common and falls to the other extreme. It is the mistake of giving up on training a dog altogether. These owners are also well meaning and usually started out as the group who expected too much. Unfortunately, they lack the patience, commitment and knowledge about effective dog training techniques to achieve the result they want and decide to take an all or nothing approach. These owners decide that if their pet can't learn to play Frisbee in an hour or so, this dog just isn't going to learn at all.
Dog Training Mistake Number Three
Mistake number three is not being consistent in your dog training. If you tell the dog not to jump on you when you are in your business suit and expect them to learn that, don't let them jump on you when you are wearing your jogging clothes either. Consistent dog training techniques are important if you want a well-trained dog.
Dog Training Mistake Number Four
Mistake number four is not using enough positive reinforcement, one of the most effective dog training techniques. Many a frustrated owner whilst training a dog has gone home with poor results because they forget to reward the dog for doing well. Rewards must be consistent, just like the dog training. An animal that only receives correction and never rewards will begin to do the wrong behaviour just to get some type of attention.
Dog Training Mistake Number Five.
Mistake number five is similar to number four. It is giving too much negative reinforcement. This is the owner that spends his day looking for the dog to make a mistake so they can be corrected. As a dog training technique this is seriously flawed because when you are focused on finding the displeasing behaviours you fail to recognize and reward all the good behaviours your dog displays. Effective dog training isn't just about the dog being wrong; it's about the dog being right too.
When you train a dog and can be aware of and avoid unsuccessful dog training techniques your results will be much more positive and you'll see success. Effective dog training is an experience between you and your dog and once you both learn the rules it will become plain sailing.
Mistake number six is also quite simple to fall into. It is training a dog for something it was never meant to do. This dog training problem is more common amongst individuals wanting a sport animal for such things as hunting. They try to make a general purpose multitasking animal and instead create a confused and agitated creature. Some dogs just were not meant for some jobs. You can't ask a Dachshund to be a fox hound and you wouldn't ask a Great Dane to go into a rabbit warren. Get the right dog for the job at hand.
Mistake number seven is not following through. Dogs love to learn and will learn through repetition and consistent dog training. However, these dog training techniques must be followed through with. If you spend an all day training a dog and then don't even talk to him again for the next two weeks, he will have most likely forgotten the initial lesson.
Mistake number eight is the use of too many different dog training techniques. While it is important to glean wisdom from other trainers' experiences, using everything you hear can be detrimental. Each trainer has different ideas of how things should be done and trying to incorporate all of them will frustrate you and your pet. Rather choose a dog training method that works for you and be consistent and you will see much better results.
Mistake number nine is apathy. All too often a pet owner says I hate this or dislike that about my pet but it's just too difficult to change it. Changes can be made with good dog training and, if your dog sees that they bring rewards, he will respond much quicker to a direct and firm approach.
The final major mistake people make is thinking the training is over. Dog training is a learning process and it is never complete. Through your dog training techniques your dog may learn a behaviour and know it well. So why stop there? Training a dog is an ongoing process, your dog loves to learn and you are a good trainer. Why would you ever want less than the best your dog could be?
With knowledge of the most common dog training mistakes, you can recognize some of the feelings you may have encountered yourself stem them before they become a problem.
We wish you the best and also a happy time in your dog training adventure.
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