Avoiding Common Dog Training Mistakes

by Brooke Palmer

Sometimes, however, even the most well-meaning owner will make mistakes that take them in the opposite direction to what they are truly hoping to achieve with their furry friend.


Here are just three common training mistakes many dog owners make:


1. Saying HEEL and snapping the leash to jerk your dogs collar AT THE SAME TIME! This does not teach your dog to heel. It teaches your dog that the word 'heel' means they are going to have their collar jerked. This confuses them because they do not know what they have done to deserve having their collar jerked.


2. Not differentiating between 'Off' and 'Down'. 'Off' means get off something, or someone. 'Down' means lie down. So next time you tell your dog 'down' to get them off the couch and they lie down and look at you, its because they were told to lie down there! They are confused, theyre not misbehaving.


3. Bending over your dogs head or getting in his face when giving a command. This intimidates the dog and the dog may shy away or even react aggressively. Either way, you dont have a happy dog that wants to work for you.


The key to not making these, or any other mistakes, is understanding the nature of your dog. What makes him tick? How does he perceives the world around him?


Now for most of us, getting a grasp on that understanding means finding outside help to ensure were doing it just right. We owe at least that much to our faithful friends who give us so much in return.


So dont be afraid to go looking for help or guidance. There are many trained professionals who can offer you the best possible advice and teach you training techniques that are guaranteed to work.


Your dog will love you for it!

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