Take care of your dog

There are many different techniques to dog training and many different ways of implementing each of those techniques. Most dog training methods utilized today however, are foundationed upon the idea that positive reinforcement is likely to produce the best results. Virtually every truly functional dog training system is outgrowth of positive reinforcement thinking.

Regardless of which individual program a dog owner may choose to foster, there are common traps that can be avoided. Dog owners are particularly vulnerable to making three major errors, which if evaded will make the training process far more enjoyable and effective. Three of the most common mistakes in dog training are inconsistency, impatience and treating the dog as a subject instead of a training partner.

• Consistency

• Impatience

• Treating the dog as a subject instead of a partner

Let’s take a closer look at each of these.

1. Inconsistency

Consistency may be criteria of little minds in terms of the need for human creativity. With respect to dog training, however, inconsistency is the quickest way to reduce the experience’s effectiveness.

A successful trainer will retain consistency and will not deviate from an established course.

2. Impatience

There can be a great deal of frustration in dog training. Tasks we believe dogs should be able to grasp easily often elude them completely for quite some time.

A successful trainer will master developing a patient demeanor throughout the extended process of dog training.

3. Treating the dog as a subject instead of a partner

Dog training requires two participants: the dog and the owner. Often, however, owners tend to believe the process as being uniquely about them. They worry over their techniques, equipment and strategies without giving real consideration to their training partner, the dog.