4 Mistakes to Avoid When Training Your Dog

Common dog training mistakes include repeating commands, otherwise known as ‘command nagging’, getting frustrated with your pooch, creating negative associations, failing to practice after training class and useless repetition, expecting a different result. Training your puppy or new rescue dog can be a wonderful bonding experience between you, but it can also be frustrating and sometimes challenging. The key is patience, love and practice, practice, practice. Here at Kirrawee Vet Hospital, we are your local pet experts and we’re here to help! Is it bad to not train your dog? The answer is yes, but we are here to guide you and encourage you both every step of the way.

Repeating Commands or Command Nagging

Command nagging is the term for when dog-owners repeat their commands over and over when the dog is not responding. This can be quite common and teaches the dog that you will keep going and going until they respond, so they have all the time in the world! It’s imperative to say the cue just once. If your dog is distracted, and you don’t think he’s listening, it’s better not to say it at all, as this can be dangerous. Just think, you’re trying to get your dog to come off the road but he will not listen to one ‘come,’ as you’ve taught him it’s okay to respond after you say ‘come’ five times.

Getting Frustrated

Common dog training setbacks almost always include getting frustrated and impatient. What is the best way to teach a stubborn dog to sit? Remain calm, patient and never practice when you’re in a bad mood. Dogs are very intuitive, and they know when you’re mad at them! Breathe, remember your pooch is trying his or her best, and if you’re having a bad day opt for snuggle time instead.

Creating Negative Associations

The poisoning of cues is one of the most common dog training setbacks. This is when you accidentally associate a cue or behaviour with something your dog views negatively, so they stop responding to it. For example, if ‘come’ is associated with bath time or going to the vet, the dog will pick up on this and stop listening to that command. If there’s something your dog really dislikes, avoid using those cues in relation to that activity when you first start training. After he is used to the cues and they are second nature, you may be able to get away with it without poisoning that cue.

Failing to Practice

Dog training consistency is key with new pups. Failing to practice in between classes is a problem for newly training dogs, as this takes lots of time, energy and patience. We all know that practice makes perfect, and half of the dog training classes should take place at home. If you’re wondering should only one person train a puppy, the answer is no. So, make it easier for yourself and get the whole household, family or your partner involved and this will minimise your workload and mounting pressure, as well as helping to socialise your pup. Now he can build trust with everyone who loves him and there’ll be happiness all ‘round!

Contact Your Local Dogs-perts

If you’re worried about your new pup’s behaviour or you need any help finding a reputable training school, feel free to call our team at Kirrawee Vet Hospital.