We Bet You are Making 3 of These Top 5 Dog Training Mistakes
Training your dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it's important to avoid common dog training mistakes that can hinder progress. We talked to our trainers and came up with a list of the top 5 training mistakes that they see customers making. You’ll want to stick around for number one mistake, as it can make a huge difference.
At Suburban K9, we believe in a balanced approach to dog training, integrating positive reinforcement with necessary corrections to foster a strong bond between dogs and their owners. Here are five things you should stop doing now to improve your training efforts:
Dog Training Mistake 5: Avoiding Issues Instead of Addressing Them
Just because it is listed as the 5th most common dog training mistake, doesn’t mean that it isn’t important. Tons of dog training clients ignore problematic behaviors in the hope that they'll disappear. Unfortunately, taking this approach can lead to more severe issues down the line. Whether it's separation anxiety, resource guarding, or excessive barking, addressing problems head-on is crucial.
A great example is resource guarding. If not addressed it can escalate. It starts with your pup guarding their food bowl and next thing you know they won’t let you touch their paws or ear. We recommend early training exercises like "heel" and "drop it" to manage and correct guarding tendencies.
By facing issues with your dog directly, you can avoid this top 5 common dog training mistake and help your dog live a great life!
Dog Training Mistake 4: Letting Your Pup Be Lazy
Physical and mental stimulation are essential for a dog's well-being. Letting your dog lounge around all day can lead to behavioral problems and health issues. High-energy breeds, in particular, need regular exercise to stay happy and balanced.
Our expert dog trainers recommend the following to avoid the common dog training mistake of being lazy:
- Incorporate daily walks and play sessions into your routine.
- Use interactive toys and puzzles to engage their mind.
- Training sessions can also serve as a form of mental exercise, providing structure and purpose for your dog.
Dog Training Mistake 3: Not Making Training Fun
Our dog trainers love their job and a big part of that is because they can make training sessions fun. But a common training mistake they see dog owners make is seeing training as a task.
Training should be a positive experience for both you and your dog. If sessions are dull or overly repetitive, your dog might lose interest, making it harder to teach new behaviors. Incorporate fun activities and rewards to keep your dog engaged.
- Use high-value treats, toys, or praise as rewards.
- Keep training sessions short and varied to maintain your dog's interest.
- Turn training into a game by incorporating agility exercises or trick training once obedience has been achieved.
- Think creatively about your sessions; having a dog in a down stay while you play a game of cornhole with your buddies is excellent for distraction work!
Dog Training Mistake 2: Putting Off Getting Started
One of the biggest mistakes dog owners make is delaying training. The earlier you start, the easier it is to establish good habits and prevent unwanted behaviors. Puppies, in particular, are more adaptable and eager to learn.
- Start with simple house rules for your dog
- Move on to basic obedience commands like "sit," "stay," and "come".
- Gradually introduce more complex commands and behavior training as your dog progresses.
- Early training sets a solid foundation for a well-behaved dog.
Dog Training Mistake 1: Being Inconsistent
Number 1 on our list of common dog training mistakes: Consistency is key when it comes to dog training. Dogs thrive on routine and clear expectations. If you're inconsistent with commands, rewards, or corrections, your dog will become confused about what you expect from them. For instance, if you sometimes allow your dog on the furniture and other times you scold them for it, they'll struggle to understand the rule.
To improve consistency:
- Establish clear rules for your dog.
- Ensure everyone in the household follows them.
- Use the same commands and signals every time.
- If your command for laying down is “down”, make sure everyone uses that specific word, as opposed to “lay down”, “off”, “sleep”, or any other variant.
- Reward or correct behaviors immediately to reinforce the connection between action and consequence.
- Create a schedule for your dog to follow and try to maintain it everyday.
Following these simple rules will help your dog understand what is expected of them and ensure the first step towards a happy life together!
At Suburban K9, we understand the most common challenges of dog training and are here to support you every step of the way. If you're struggling with any of these top 5 training mistakes, consider our personalized in-home training sessions, where our expert trainers can address your dog's specific needs, or our board and train boot camp, where our trainer takes your dog into their own home for two weeks of intense training.
By making these changes, you'll see significant improvements in your dog's behavior and overall happiness. Remember, a well-trained dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog makes for a happy owner. Let's embark on this training journey together!
