5 Dog Training Myths

Learn the difference between Formal and Informal Training. How we inadvertently cause some of our pets behavioral problems and the key concepts to good training.

Myth #1: My Dog Only Learns When I'm Training Him

Wrong: Many dog owners believe that the only time their dog is learning is when they decide to train him. When they take their treats, clickers or whatever they plan to use, go to the back yard or other quiet place and begin his training (sit, stay etc.).

The truth is your dog learns every time he is with you. Your dog picks up on your verbal and non-verbal cues all the time. For example, when the phone rings we jump up and sprint to answer it. Seems innocent enough but your dog is watching and learning. Learning to jump up and run around every time he hears the phone ring. Or when you're with your dog and you encounter a situation that makes you nervous. If the same situation occurs often enough your dog will quickly learn he should be nervous in the same given situation.
Remember your dog draws no distinction between formal and informal training. Thus many bad habits are caused innocently enough by well intentioned owners.

Successful training has a number of key concepts: bonding, consistency, timing, repetition, session length, attitude, praise, eye contact, hand signals, voice signals and correction.

Bonding: Become your dog's best friend. Talk to him, fuss over him not forgetting to praise him for little things he does. Play with him and take him for long walks, a dogs' favorite activity. Your dog will in turn respond and be attentive during training trying very hard to please you.
Quality time is the key here.

Consistency: In order for your dog to learn and not confuse him you must be consistent in your commands. Use the same word(s) every time for a given command. For example "sit" and "sit down" to your dog are two totally different commands and will be confusing to him. This is the same with training, praising and reprimanding him. When you decide on a command use the same wording and make sure other family members use the same commands.

Timing: For your dog to associate a praise or reprimand with an action or inaction they must be seconds apart. To wait a minute or so before you speak or react will simply confuse your dog, he won't know why you are praising or reprimanding him.
Whatever you do never call your dog to you to reprimand him. He'll think he's being reprimanded for coming to you. Always praise him when you call him.

Repetition: Dogs learn by repetition and it will take several lessons for your dog to learn and retain the desired response. They also require refresher courses in order to retain what they have learned.

Lesson Time: Keep the lessons short and enjoyable so your dog will maintain his concentration and always end on a positive note.

Attitude: Settle yourself and your dog down before a lesson and keep your expectations reasonable.

Praise: Praise is the building block of any good training course. Always give praise when a lesson is done correctly and remember timing is everything with praises. Always look your dog in the eye when praising and reinforce with a pat, stroke and or treat. Don't overdo the treats.

Eye Contact : Dogs rely on eye contact to try and understand what is expected of them. They are an instinctive animal and will read your body language.

Hand Signals: Hand signals are a great learning tool for most obedience training with the added bonus that when your dog graduates you will have the benefit of controlling him at a distance where voice commands would not be appropriate.

Voice Commands: This is pretty basic and is exactly what it sounds like using your voice. Remember to use a calming voice with the same tone and inflection with each command. Always call your dogs' name before using a command.

Corrections: Lastly remember that your dog although domesticated still has his wild relative's pack animal instincts. There can only be one alpha dog in the pack and that dog has to be you in his eyes. When a member of the pack steps out of line he can expect a swift response from the pack leader. You must be firm in your response but not brutal. Usually a sharp reprimand will be sufficient but it must come immediately on the heels of the transgression. Don't dwell on it once the reprimand is administered forget about it and move on do not continue laying a guilt trip on your dog.

Hopefully you will gain some helpful advice from this.

Love your dog they're the best friend you'll ever have.

Pets R. Special