dog-training-free

Choosing to train your dog yourself does not come without its pitfalls, but the benefits outweigh the inconveniences ten fold. Not only will your bond be stronger but your dog will also trust and respect you even more, reinforcing your... [more]

Choosing to train your dog yourself does not come without its pitfalls, but the benefits outweigh the inconveniences ten fold. Not only will your bond be stronger but your dog will also trust and respect you even more, reinforcing your status as leader of the pack.

Here are five of the most common mistakes made by would be dog trainers who have not spent enough time researching before trying to train their dog.

Lack of commitment - understand that your dog will not be instantly trained overnight and that you should not give up on their training the first time things don't go to plan. Be patient and keep up to your dog's training schedule and things will fall into place.

Using punishment as a training tool - this is a BIG no-no! Spanking, yelling or kicking may feel like the right solution when you are frustrated with your dog, but this can lead to behavioural problems later. By building a positive relationship with your dog, you will be subconsciously enhancing any training you give, because she will try to please you for the love you give in return, so making the training process a lot easier for the both of you.

Not sticking to your training routine - You have got to follow the same procedures over and over before your dog will learn from the training. Also, try to keep things simple and only teach one thing at a time. Once your dog has mastered the first trick or command, build on it and add another. One of the biggest reasons people give up on training their own dog is that they try and do too much at once. By being consistent with your dog during training, they will grasp your commands more quickly.

Having no knowledge of your dog breed - this one really is a sticking point for many would be dog trainers, and is something that should have been considered before even choosing a dog in the first place. Some breeds of dog are inherently difficult to train, some are obstinate and some are just plain dumb (I mean that in the nicest possible way). Research potential breeds to suit your lifestyle and training ability. If you pick a dog breed that is going to be a challenge to train, be prepared for some hard work and maybe even professional training sessions if your efforts prove unsuccessful.

Not making your dog training sessions fun - although being consistent is important, you can at least change the location for your sessions (at home one day, your local park the next). If you are teaching your dog to retrieve, start by alternating the items you want her to fetch. It could be a Frisbee or ball one day and a newspaper or baton the next.