Don’ts in dog training

We normally hear all sorts of things that we should do when training our dogs, but what about things we shouldn't do? Here are a couple of things NOT to do when training your dog.

Don't reprimand your dog after the fact.

Contrary to some people’s beliefs, dogs are not looking guilty or trying to spite you. They are usually not aware that you are mad at them for having peed on the rug while you were gone. In fact they are usually reacting to your mood as you walk through the door. All they know is sometimes you come back and are happy to see them and sometimes you walk in and are instantly upset. Adequate punishment is almost impossible to accomplish with is why it is much more effective to work on what your dog can do correctly and build from there.

Don't allow pulling on leash.

With little dogs, sometimes we don't mind a little pulling. But this behavior can lead to inappropriate greetings between dogs, since pressure on the leash puts them instantly on alert. It can put your dog in danger of ingesting something dangerous or even being hit by a car.

Hugs are for humans.

While some dogs grow to bear a hug, the vast majority of dogs feel trapped and uncomfortable when we hug them. Sometimes it can lead to a dog growling, snapping or even biting a human that they normally like. Better ways to reward a dog can be treats, gentle petting or a fun game of fetch.

Don't teach your dog to speak.

This is encouraging barking, so unless you really enjoy a barking dog at all hours, be very careful about this one. It can be fun for some but in most cases we end up with a dog that demands food, toys or attention with loud incessant barking.

Don't encourage begging.

Contrary to some people’s beliefs, begging is not caused by feeding “human” food. In fact it is caused by where the pup is being fed. Even if you feed your dog only kibble but do it from the dining table or while you cook, your dog will learn that being attentive in such circumstances is rewarding and will therefore beg every time. 

Don't reward jumping

A lot of people don’t even realize they are even doing it. Acknowledging a dog that jumps either by petting, pushing off, looking at or telling them “off’ is inadvertently encouraging the behavior. And while that might stop the jumping at that time it only reinforces the jumping for next time. It is usually better to ask the dog for a “sit” as they are approaching the human. Like this the dog will associate fast, lovely attention with sitting rather than jumping.