Dogs bring joy to people’s lives with their unconditional love. While your furry ball of energy looks cute when they show you some attitude, taking the time to train them the moment their paws step into your home is better for you and your dog in the long run.
With that in mind, the key to successful training is to start with the right techniques. Avoiding common mistakes on the get-go can speed up the process and make the experience easier, so take note of the dog training pitfalls to avoid below:
Mistake #1: Approaching the Training with a “One-Size-Fits-All”
Reading up or watching YouTube tutorials on dog training can help provide some valuable information on what to do, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a one-size-fits-all situation. There are various dog training styles and programs to consider, all of which are tailored to match your dog’s personality and needs.
If one style doesn’t work out for your overzealous pup, never punish bad behavior in hopes of changing it. It’s best to play around with different programs and see what works best for your canine buddy. After giving different methods ago, maybe you can even customize a plan that is designed to complement your dog’s behavior.
Mistake #2: Inconsistent Training
One of the primary factors that facilitate effective training is consistency. With that in mind, responding with unwavering tactics is essential as it helps develop a routine for your dog. Breaking your own rules will only backfire as it will reinforce undesirable behaviors.
For instance, if your pup is not allowed to sit on the couch, then you have to commit to that rule. Making occasional exceptions for some reason will only confuse your dog, especially since they can’t understand why some days are allowed and others are not.
Another example is consistently ignoring your dog when he starts to beg for food as you eat. The moment you slip up and sneak in a small bite, it will turn into a habit as they will associate it as a reward. Ignoring your dog or prompting them to stay in their place will discourage this behavior from rearing its head.
Mistake #3: Impatience
The whole process of dog training is time-consuming and requires plenty of patience, especially when you consider how each pooch learns at their own pace. If you find your furry companion getting stuck in a long learning curve, avoid letting out your frustration on them.
Stress will only aggravate the situation as dogs can sense your emotion, which in turn, frustrates them as well. Take the time to break your training into easy-to-do parts every day until they understand. If all else fails, you may need to consider a new approach.
In Conclusion: Avoid Mistakes Early On to Improve Your Dog Training!
Without training, their little quirks can develop into bad habits when they get older, which makes it more challenging to discipline them without having proper training.
After all, dog training is all about teaching your fur babies to respond to specific phrases, all of which can help shape their behavior as they grow up.
If you’re looking for a boarding hotel or dog training in Mendon, MA, then Paws Bed & Biscuit is your best option! Contact us at (508) 478-6390 to see how we can help you!
