5 Worst Fails In Dog Training & How To Fix Them!
Updated on March 15, 2023
Are you struggling to train your furry friend and wondering where you might be going wrong? Dog training can be a challenging task, but it's crucial to avoid common mistakes to ensure your pup's success.
In this article, we'll explore the worst fails in dog training and help you identify whether you might be making them. So, if you're ready to improve your dog's behavior and strengthen your bond with them, let's dive into the world of dog training and learn from the mistakes of others.
_________________________
Did you know that at Give a Sh!t we donate 10% of our profits to the Soi Dog Foundation? Your purchase saves the lives of puppies that live on the street.
Check out our products here! Use the code 20%OFF today!!
_________________________
Top 5 Dog Training Fails Explained With Examples
Are you ready to dive into the juicy details of the biggest dog training blunders? Well, grab a seat, a treat, and let's get started!
We're going to go through some common mishaps that dog owners make while training their furry besties, and of course, we'll give you some tips on how to fix them.
So, are you guilty of these training faux-paws? Let's find out!
1. Unintentionally Reinforcing Negative Behavior
A touch or kind word may be all it takes to make an inappropriate behavior stick around.
Why Is Negative Behavior Reinforced?
We all know that dogs are basically furry children, right? And just like kiddos, they need a little guidance to learn right from wrong. But here's the thing: if you pet your pup right after they misbehave, they might actually think you're congratulating them on a job well done!
Example Of Unintentional Reinforcement Of Negative Behavior
Imagine you're strutting with your furry friend down the street, and suddenly your pal approaches you. As soon as your dog sees your friend, he jumps like he's trying to reach the moon.
Instead of nipping the behavior in the bud, your friend indulges your dog by stroking his head. And you? You stand there like a dud, doing nothing to correct your dog's antics.
What Is The Result Of Unintentionally Reinforcing Your Dog's Negative Behavior?
Picture this: your dog is like a sly teenager pushing the boundaries. You catch him jumping on people, but instead of putting a stop to it, you let it slide. You think to yourself, "It's fine, he's just being friendly." But what you don't realize is that by allowing this behavior, you're essentially telling your pup, "Good job, keep it up!" And trust us, he will keep it up.
Next time you're out with your furry friend, he'll be even more eager to jump on strangers. And that could be a real problem, especially if you've got a big breed dog who could knock someone over or scare a child. So, do your pooch a favor and nip that behavior in the bud.
Is It Possible To Correct This Mistake?
YES! To do this, you must resume dog training.
Basically:
- Use a cue for the desired behavior.
- Reward your dog when he behaves as you want.
- Do not pet your dog if he does not act correctly.
- Practice, practice and keep practicing until it behaves properly.
2. Reward Dependency
When it comes to dog training, bribing them with treats can work wonders... but it shouldn't be your only trick up your sleeve. Just like you can't rely on coffee to power through the day, you can't rely on treats to get your pup to behave.
It's important to establish a deeper bond with your doggo that doesn't just revolve around snacks.
Why Is It Bad To Depend On Rewards?
Let's be real, who doesn't love a good treat? But if your dog becomes too dependent on treats during training, you're in for some trouble. Because guess what? He's going to expect a treat for every little thing he does.
And let's not forget about the health risks involved. Your pup could end up packing on some extra pounds, developing dental issues, and draining your wallet on endless bags of treats. So let's find a better way to train our furry friends, shall we?
Example Of Reward Dependency
Picture this: your furry companion has become a treat addict, and you're the dealer. Every time you need him to do something, you need to show him the goods.
What happens when you run out of treats? Suddenly, your dog is as obedient as a teenager on a sugar-free diet. Plus, all those treats aren't doing his waistline any favors.
It's time to wean your pup off the treat train and start using positive reinforcement in other ways.
What Is The Result Of Reward Dependency?
You only get obedience from your dog if you reward him. This causes your furry friend to consume many more calories than he needs each day.
Can This Mistake Be Corrected?
YES! To do this, you must make the use of treats fade little by little:
- Use the treat to train behavior; for example, "sit".
- When your dog understands the "sit" command, start making the treat disappear.
- Ask your dog to sit. If he doesn't, accompany the command with light pressure on your haunches until he sits.
- Repeat the process until your dog learns that "sit" means to sit.
_________________________for more dog owners’ tips_________________________
3. Feeling Guilt If You Do Not Reward Your Dog
Who said training a dog was easy? One of the biggest mistakes that new dog owners make is feeling guilty about taking away the treat as a reward. But trust me, it's for their own good!
Why Shouldn't You Feel Guilty Of Not Rewarding Your Dog For Good Behavior?
Listen up, fur-parents! Just like how we humans can't have ice cream for every meal, your dog can't have a treat for every little trick.
Sure, it's great for teaching and rewarding, but don't go overboard. Your pooch will start expecting a tasty reward every time they do something right, just like how you expect a paycheck for doing your job. Don't spoil them too much, or they'll turn into little treat tyrants.
Example Of Feeling Guilty If You Do Not Reward Your Dog
Your dog is well-trained and answers cues correctly: knows how to sit, lie down, does not jump on visitors and walks well on a leash. However, every time you tell a cue, you feel that you are doing something wrong by not rewarding their behavior.
After a couple of cues well answered by your four-legged friend, you give him a treat.
What Is The Result Of Feeling Guilty If You Do Not Reward Your Dog?
In the medium term, this can lead to reward dependency.
Is It Possible To Correct This Mistake?
YES! And it is one of the most easily correctable because it only concerns you.
- Stop feeling guilty.
- Your dog is educated thanks to your efforts.
- You don't need prizes to be, just see you happy.
- Take advantage of the time with him instead of worrying about rewards.
4. Poor Timing
Why Is Poor Timing Bad?
For this reason, the consequence of negative behavior should be immediate. By this, we mean within 2 seconds of it.
Yes, there is no point in berating your dog for pooping on the carpet when you were at work.
Example Of Poor Timing
While you're at work, your dog tears up those cute pillows you bought to decorate your couch. When you return home, you find a graveyard of cloth and feathers all over the living room.
Your reaction? You yell, grab your dog and put his nose against the feathers so that he "understands" that he has done wrong.
The time elapsed between your dog's negative action and the consequence is too long and, surely, your dog will not understand what he has done wrong.
On the other hand, yelling and rubbing his nose is never a good option for positive canine education.
What Is The Result Of Poor Timing?
Picture this: your dog has just chewed up your favorite pair of shoes. You're fuming with anger, but your furry friend looks at you with a puzzled expression, wondering what on earth he did wrong.
The result? You're both having a terrible time, and your dog's negative behavior remains unchanged. The culprit? Poor communication due to bad timing in training.
Is It Possible To Avoid This Error?
YES!
- Apply consequences happens as close as possible to the instant the behavior happens.
5. Lack Of Constancy
Training your puppy can feel like running a marathon while carrying a bag of bricks.
It's understandable if you feel tempted to throw in the towel and call it a day. But remember, consistency is key when it comes to dog training, and giving up will only prolong the process.
Why Is Lack Of Constancy Negative?
Giving up on dog training is like quitting your gym membership just because you didn't see results after a couple of weeks.
It takes time, effort, and consistency to see progress.
And if you're feeling overwhelmed, don't be afraid to ask for help from a pro! Remember, a well-trained pup is worth the effort.
Lack Of Consistency Example
When walking with your puppy, he does not stop pulling on the leash. You try to correct his behavior with cues and treats that work for a few seconds, until another dog appears, a car, a ball or something that arouses your dog's curiosity.
You feel frustrated and instead of positively correcting their behavior, you tug hard on the leash, get angry and think if after all it wouldn't be easier to buy a choke collar.
What Is The Result Of Lack Of Consistency?
Your dog unlearns everything he has learned.
Is It Possible To Correct This Mistake?
YES!
- Take a deep breath.
- Remember why you have chosen positive dog training. It takes time, effort, and patience, but it's worth it.
- Do not give up.
- If you need it, ask for help from a family member, a friend or, of course, a canine behavior specialist.
We've just fetched the top 5 dog training fails. But don't worry, we won't let you commit them! Remember, don't pet your pup after negative behavior, don't rely too much on treats, timing is everything, and don't abandon the training. And if you're still having trouble, don't hesitate to seek help from a professional dog trainer. Now, go train your furry friend like a pro and have fun doing it!
FAQ
Which Are The 5 Worst Fails In Dog Training?
Training a puppy is not easy, but making mistakes is. Learn how to avoid the 5 worst fails in dog training, which are:
- Unintentionally reinforcing negative behaviors.
- Reward dependency.
- Feeling guilt if you do not reward your dog.
- Poor timing.
- Lack of constancy.
How Do You Retrain A Badly Trained Dog?
Retraining a badly trained dog requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. The first step is to identify the specific behaviors that need to be corrected and set clear goals for what you want your dog to learn.
It's important to avoid using punishment or physical force, as these methods can damage the bond between you and your dog and create more behavioral problems. Instead, use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and playtime to encourage your dog to exhibit the desired behaviors.
Consistency is key in retraining a dog, so be sure to enforce the same rules and expectations every time. It's also helpful to establish a regular training routine and practice in a distraction-free environment before gradually increasing the level of distractions.
If you're struggling with retraining your dog, consider enlisting the help of a professional dog trainer who can offer personalized guidance and support. With patience and persistence, you can successfully retrain your dog and strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.
What Makes A Bad Dog Trainer?
What Is The Hardest Age To Train A Dog?
There is no definitive answer to what is the hardest age to train a dog, as it largely depends on the individual dog and their unique temperament, breed, and past experiences. However, many dog trainers and owners agree that the adolescent stage, which typically occurs between 6 months and 2 years of age, can be a challenging time for training.
During this stage, dogs may become more independent and distracted, making it harder for them to focus and obey commands. Additionally, dogs may start testing boundaries and exhibiting unwanted behaviors during this time, which can make training more difficult. However, with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques, it is possible to train a dog of any age.
Related Posts
Kanban Method for Dog & Cat Owners: Simplify and Optimize Your Pet Care Routine
Can Dogs Eat Fish Meat?
Leave a comment