When training dogs independently, most owners make the same mistakes, which can result in their pet developing unwanted reflexes. Raising an obedient dog is only possible with the right approach. Let's look at four common mistakes owners make when training.
Cruelty
For minor and isolated offenses, and even if the dog is naturally lively, physical violence should not be used. Punishing the animal by depriving it of food is also unacceptable. Such methods will only turn the dog against the teacher.
If failure to obey commands becomes the norm, don't take your frustration out on the animal. In this case, the trainer should consider what went wrong during the dog's training.
During punishment, the leash should never be used for hitting.
Delay of reward
When training a dog to follow commands, it needs a stimulus. Reinforcement can serve as such a stimulus. To develop the correct response, the reward must follow immediately after the command is performed. Otherwise, the animal may not understand why it was rewarded.
Inconsistency and indulgences
A dog must understand that its owner, not it, is the most important person in the home. Never indulge its every whim. Firmly but calmly, without being aggressive, force it to obey. Otherwise, the dog will assume it can do whatever it wants, and then you can't expect it to behave appropriately.
You can't teach and practice multiple commands with your dog at once. This type of training will confuse the dog and won't produce positive results. All commands should be consistent. Ideally, dedicate one session to one command. If you plan to teach two commands in a session (the maximum), you should leave a gap between the first and second commands.
Impatience and repetition
Avoid repeating the same command over and over again. Pauses should be added to give your pet time to perform it. Otherwise, the animal will learn that performing the command the first time is unnecessary. This type of training can lead to central nervous system suppression and the loss of the conditioned reflex.
Pets are often given impossible tasks. Start with the basics, with the simplest commands, and then gradually increase the complexity of training. But don't move on to learning new commands until you've mastered the old ones.
It's worth noting that for some dogs prone to aggression, home training alone isn't enough. In these cases, it's best to seek the help of a professional dog trainer. In any case, it's essential to exercise maximum patience and perseverance when training your four-legged friend.
