I think we all want a talking dog who would assist us in work and daily activities. That is often impossible, but it would also be so nice to have a mutt that listens to what you say and behave well. Here are some training mistakes that people should avoid in order to have a nice house mate.
1. Do not know what are the signs of fear
Behavior issues often come from fear, so it is best to know then your pooch is scared. They show signs of fear through:
Prolonged fear that is unaddressed will probably turn into aggressive characteristics traits in adulthood, for dogs do not know how to overcome the fear by themselves. The owner needs to know when its scared to build their confidence.
2. Scold his mistakes
It is hard to hold back seeing the puppy pee on your rug, but hold back scolding anyway, because the little one does not understand why you are mad, while he does not understand language. Your aggressive motions would also cause him fear. By scolding him when he pees inappropriately, he may just understand that he would have to pee somewhere you can not see next time
3. Cover him everytime he gets scared.
Dogs tend to ask for the owner to cover them when they are scared. They would lean to you for pats on the head, or jumping to be picked up. Doing this would reinforce his fear, rather than teaching him how to be stronger.
4. Inconsistency
There may be many people that train the dogs, and their wishes may not be contingent most of the time. For example, you do not want you dogs to sleep on the beds, while your daughter hugs him on the bed everytime. The pooch will get confused and not sure who to follow.
Talk to everyone what you wish your dog to do, and ensure he is taught the same things.
5. Expect amazing transformation
Dogs are not programmable devices; they can not install programs inside their heads to do as you say immediately. Be patient and give him time to go from 0 to 100, recognize his baby steps and encourage his progress every day.
6. Feeling guilty for using a crate
Dogs are family members, and some do not like to put a leash on them or put them into restrains. However, dogs are not humans, and crating can actually do them well. By keeping them, dogs will learn about potty etiquette, for they do not like to soil their den. Crating would keep them from potential dangers in the kitchen or garage.
7. Teach him bad habits unintentionally
Dogs can have bad habits like a baby, such as jumping, whining, pawing or begging.They are not dangerous behavior, but nonetheless annoying.
By touching a jumping pooch, you are telling him he would get attention if he jumps. Giving him attention when he barks or whine would also mean he could do the same. Therefore, you've no right to complain if he keeps begging for food at the dining table. He perceives that as a rewarding behavior.
If he asks for attention in a bad way, simply ignore him.
8. Do the right things at the wrong time
It is all about sending the right messages at the right time. If your dog asks for attention, give it to him but not in inappropriate times. He may be hungry and beg, but do not give him food during your meal time.
Giving your dog affection and attention when he is performing unwanted behavior only leads to reinforcement.
9. Doggy goods are different from human goods
What you think is cute is not always what your dog thinks is cute: a new shaving trend could leave him with cold or disease, or cute boots on the paws could cause him difficulties in cooling their bodies.
We speak to the doggy as “mommy” and “daddy”, but they are not human babies and have distinct needs. Focus on honoring and nurturing a dog.
10. Leave food where they can reach
Some dogs adore stealing food on the tables, and your leaving them where she can reach assisting the behavior. Chomping on food that is higher up could cause her danger, and irritation for you, too. He would keep climbing or jumping, which could lead to injuries. She could also eat dangerous food that can be toxic, which include chocolate, macadamia, avocado, onions, raisin or yeast.
11. Commands that are followed with punishments
You are discouraging your dog from listening to you if you give her a command only to follow with punishment. For example, some people tell the dog to “come” only to put a leash on them, put him in the bath or crate. The dog would associate your calling to punishment and try to avoid them in the future. It would be easier to imagine how would you feel if the school principal calls you to his office? No good feelings, for sure.
12. Wait for him to complete the task before complimenting
Your praises are precious treats to the dogs, so give them generously when you are training a mutt. If you tell her to “come” and she starts taking steps, shower her with praises to encourage her to continue. Do not wait until she has already come to you because she cannot understand what is inside your head, whether you are happy or not that she is listening to you.
13. Use commands outdoors before he is fully trained
Until your dog is 100 percent reliable to listen to you, refrain from using commands outdoors. Practices make it perfect: make sure you have been with him in familiar situations and always use positive reinforcement.
14. Chewing issues
Puppies do not know any better than chewing anything in sight. By leaving your items lying around, you are encouraging her to gnaw upon. It would be much better to organize your things cleanly, give them outlets to chew on and provide lots of exercises. Unless you do so, the dog will continue to find something worth gnawing on.
15. Negative training
Do you use punishment based training? Do you hit or scold your dog to keep him from doing unwanted things? If you don't, then that's good, because science has said that positive reinforcement training is much more effective to make your dog balanced and well- mannered. On the other hand, punishment based training can add problematic behavior.
16. Leash Etiquette
If you do not teach him, the dog would like to pull and strain on the leash, and walk you them. Show them who is the leading one by leashing and walking them at a young age. People make mistakes by walking dogs outside when they are already too grown-up. This makes the dogs more prone to illness and more difficult to restrain with a leash. Teach him early that the leash will be a part of his life. It is best to take him for walks on a leash before he reaches four months in age. Start with a shorter leash.
17. Rely on treats
Food is an excellent motivator for dogs, but your affection is better. After all, you want him to listen to you, not to the bag of treats on your hand. Rewards your dog with lots of praises and cuddles.
If the dog keeps on getting into troubles, it will save time and effort to call for professional help. You may not be an expert, and that is what the experts are for: they put you and your dog's lives more at ease.
