Common Dog Training Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Dog training is an essential part of responsible pet ownership, but many Kiwi dog owners find themselves making common mistakes that can hinder their progress. Let’s explore these pitfalls and how to avoid them, ensuring a positive training experience for both you and your furry mate.
Starting Too Late
One of the most frequent mistakes is waiting too long to begin training. Many New Zealand dog owners believe they should wait until their puppy is older before starting training, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.
The New Zealand Veterinary Association recommends beginning training as soon as you bring your puppy home. Puppies are like sponges, ready to soak up new information from a very young age. By starting early, you can prevent bad habits from forming and set a strong foundation for future learning.
However, it’s important to note that it’s never too late to start training. Adult and senior dogs can still learn new tricks and behaviours. The key is to be patient and consistent, regardless of your dog’s age.
Inconsistent Training
Consistency is crucial in dog training. Many Kiwi dog owners make the mistake of being inconsistent with their commands, rewards, and expectations. This can confuse your dog and slow down the learning process.
For example, if you’re teaching your dog not to jump on people, everyone in the household needs to enforce this rule. If one family member allows jumping while others discourage it, your dog will struggle to understand what’s expected.
To avoid this, hold a family meeting to agree on training methods, commands, and house rules. Ensure everyone uses the same words for commands and follows the same reward system.
Relying Too Heavily on Treats
While treats are an excellent motivator, overreliance can lead to problems. Some dogs may only respond to commands when they know treats are available, or they might become overweight from excessive treat consumption.
The New Zealand SPCA recommends using a variety of rewards, including praise, toys, and play. Start by using treats frequently when teaching a new behaviour, then gradually reduce the frequency of treat rewards while increasing other forms of positive reinforcement.
Training Sessions That Are Too Long
Many enthusiastic dog owners make the mistake of having training sessions that are too long. Dogs, especially puppies, have short attention spans. Long sessions can lead to boredom, frustration, and a negative association with training.
Keep your training sessions short and sweet. For puppies, aim for 5-10 minute sessions several times a day. For adult dogs, you can extend this to 10-15 minutes. Always end on a positive note, with your dog successfully performing a command they know well.
Punishing Instead of Redirecting
Punishment-based training methods can lead to fear, anxiety, and even aggression in dogs. Many Kiwi dog owners make the mistake of scolding or physically punishing their dogs for unwanted behaviours.
Instead, focus on redirecting your dog to a desired behaviour and rewarding that. For example, if your dog is chewing on furniture, instead of yelling, redirect them to an appropriate chew toy and praise them when they use it.
The New Zealand Companion Animal Council strongly advocates for positive reinforcement training methods, which have been shown to be more effective and better for your dog’s wellbeing.
Not Socialising Enough
Socialisation is a crucial part of dog training that’s often overlooked. Many New Zealand dog owners don’t expose their puppies to enough different people, animals, and environments during the critical socialisation period (between 3 and 16 weeks of age).
Lack of socialisation can lead to fearfulness, anxiety, and even aggression later in life. Make an effort to expose your puppy to a wide variety of experiences in a positive, controlled manner. This could include visits to different parks, meeting friendly dogs, and encountering various types of people.
Forgetting to Proof Behaviours
Teaching your dog to sit in your quiet living room is one thing, but having them respond to the same command in a busy dog park is another. Many dog owners forget to “proof” behaviours in different environments with increasing levels of distraction.
Start training in a quiet, familiar environment, then gradually introduce distractions. Practice commands in different locations, at different times of day, and with various levels of excitement. This helps your dog generalise the behaviour and respond reliably in any situation.
Not Seeking Professional Help When Needed
While many aspects of dog training can be done at home, some Kiwi dog owners make the mistake of not seeking professional help when faced with challenging behaviours or complex training goals.
New Zealand has many qualified dog trainers and behaviourists who can provide valuable guidance. The New Zealand Association of Pet Dog Trainers is a great resource for finding a professional trainer in your area.
Dog training is a journey, and it’s natural to make mistakes along the way. The key is to recognise these common pitfalls and adjust your approach accordingly. Remember, every dog is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Be patient, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to having a well-trained, happy dog who’s a joy to have as part of your Kiwi family. Keep in mind that training is not just about teaching commands; it’s about building a strong, positive relationship with your furry companion. So, enjoy the process, celebrate the small victories, and look forward to the rewarding bond you’ll develop with your well-trained mate.