Common Dog Training Mistakes

Although several approaches to dog training are utilized, typically the mistakes that occur during training are the same.  Dog trainers, whether professional or not, need to be consistent with their training methods, respectful of their dog and his needs, and patient and reasonable with their expectations.

Unfortunately, these are the areas where most dog training scenarios go awry.  Whether due to a sense of urgency and a lack of time or simply because the individual doing the training hasn’t carefully thought out the training process, the failure to be consistent, patient, and respectful occurs far too often in some dog training situations.

Inconsistency, impatience, and lack of respect impede the training process, causing it to be less effective.  Any one of these training mistakes will decrease the effectiveness of the dog training technique utilized.  All three of them together will virtually disable it.

Since most dog training techniques are based upon the premise of positive reward, they are more effective with consistent training.  The dog will learn to associate certain types of rewards with specific behaviors.  Therefore, the dog is more easily trained because he will perform to your expectations (the desired behavior) for his expectations (the anticipated reward).

However, if the trainer is not consistent with the reward, most likely some form of praise or treat, then, the dog is not going to perform consistently with the desired behavior.  Predictability coupled with positive reward usually leads to consistent results.  Therefore, if either is absent from the training process, the dog will typically not respond with the proper behavior as readily if at all.

Likewise, dog training that does not incorporate the dog as an active participant with likes, dislikes, and needs, is less effective.  The dog and dog owner bond is essential to the training process.  Dogs respond readily to an owner who shows a desire to be with the dog, who portrays a willingness to take this joint venture as a partnership, and who treats the dog with respect.

Furthermore, impatience is a fast way to sabotage the training strategies used in this adventure.  Typically, a lack of patience disrupts the process in more ways than one.  A lack of patience often leads to an inconsistency in the reward system, in the duration of the training system, and in the duration of the interval in between the owner’s commands and the dog’s response.

Removing the stumbling blocks that lead to any inconsistency or impatience in training should result in a more positive dog training scenario.  If you are rushed for time, put the training session off until you have the proper amount of time to give your dog.  If you are stressed from a long day at the office, take the time to relax for a bit before beginning a training session with your dog.

Learn to relate to your dog as an individual being.  Pick up on the cues that the dog gives you for an easier training session.  Create an enjoyable scenario for the two of you instead of a chore or responsibility.  If the two of you are having fun, the experience is more likely to be rewarding in more ways than one.