Training is really what makes the difference between your canine companion being a ‘good dog’ and being, well, a bit unruly. Here, a Fayetteville vet lists some common dog training mistakes to avoid in your own home.

Inconsistency

When it comes to dog training, there are many schools of thought. For instance, you can opt to go with clicker training, or stick to more basic options. Each method has its own pros and cons. Keep in mind, however, that switching tactics halfway through Fido’s ‘petucation’ may do more harm than good. Consistency is also important when it comes to teaching vocal commands. Man’s best friend is smart, but he won’t understand multiple different ways of saying the same thing. If you say ‘sit’ one day and ‘sit down now ’ the next, you may just confuse your pup.

Poor Curriculum

Tricks like shake paw and roll over are super adorable, but you’ll want to start with the basics, like sit, stay, come, heel, and lay down . Work through these key commands one at a time. Don’t move on until your four-legged student has mastered each one. (It’s worth noting that it’s usually easiest to start with sit, as it’s very easy for dogs to pick up.)

Long Classes

Our canine companions don’t have very long attention spans, except of course when they’re watching you cook bacon. Because of this, Fido may lose interest if his classes are too long. Keep puppy training sessions short and sweet. About 15-20 minutes at a time is ideal.

Negative Reinforcement

Never punish your four-legged friend for messing up, or not picking something up quickly enough. Dogs learn at their own paces. It’s also important to understand that Fido doesn’t really have a good grasp on punishment. He may not understand why you’re angry, which can make him feel anxious. It could also cause him to form a negative association with training, and that’s the last thing you want!

Stopping

Keep in mind that training is often more of a journey than a destination. Once your best friend has mastered the basics, try working with him in a busy area, like a park. Or, move on to more advanced commands. You may discover that Fido really enjoys learning new things!

Please call us, your local Fayetteville vet clinic, for all of your pup’s veterinary care needs. We’re always happy to help!