There's so much to learn about dog training, and you can teach your furry buddy all sorts of cool stuff using different methods. But there are a few common dog training mistakes owners make during training. Being aware of these can really make a difference in how well your training goes. So, to make things smooth and fun for you and your four-legged pal, here's a list of some dog training boo-boos to watch out for.
Repetitive Cuing
One common thing to watch out for is repetitive cuing. This happens when your dog doesn't immediately follow a cue, and you end up saying it over and over again. For instance, you might call "come" but get no response, so you repeat it, inadvertently teaching your dog not to respond right away. This is one of the most common dog training mistakes. Remember, it's best to give the cue just once. If your pup seems distracted, try getting their attention first before giving the cue. This approach can help train them to respond consistently to just one prompt.
Cue Poisoning
You always want your pup to associate commands with good things. Cue poisoning is when a cue or behaviour gets linked to something negative, causing your dog to hesitate or ignore it. For example, if you use the "come" command to call your dog for a bath, something they're not a fan of, they might start avoiding that command altogether. To avoid this, try not to associate cues with activities your dog dislikes during initial training. Once they've got the hang of it, you can reintroduce it in those situations.
Neglecting Practice Between Classes
Everyone says practice makes perfect, and the same goes for our furry pals! It's super common for us humans to forget to practice with our dogs between training sessions. Attending a class is fantastic, but it's the daily practice that really helps build a well-behaved dog. Keep the sessions short, like 5 to 10 minutes, because just like toddlers, their attention spans aren't super long. And don't forget to have those treats and training supplies handy at home!
Repetitive Techniques
We all learn differently, and our furry buddies are no different! If your usual training method isn't working, take a step back and try to understand what's going on in your pup's mind. Maybe it's time to switch things up and try a different approach to get those desired results.
Training While Frustrated
It's okay to have "off" days. Avoid training your dog when you're feeling down or frustrated. It's easy to get impatient or upset if they don't get it right away. Instead of making this common dog training mistake, consider some fun activities like playing fetch or just cuddling with your furry friend. It's a win-win, bringing some joy to both of you!
Dog training is full of little tricks, but steering clear of these everyday slip-ups sets your pup up for victory, making the whole process a breeze. Get ready for some serious tail-wagging action as your efforts pay off!
If you're finding it difficult to navigate dog training yourself, or if you've run out of creative ideas to keep your dog engaged, check out our wide range of training classes available at Fido's. We've got something for everyone!
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