DOG TRAINING MISTAKES
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. 1 Minute Dog Training is not liable for any injuries that may occur during training. If you believe your dog shows signs of aggression or if you are struggling with training, please consult a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer in your local area for guidance and assistance.
Training your dog can be a rewarding journey, but common pitfalls can turn this process into a challenge for both you and your pet.
NUMBER ONE
Mistake:
Let’s say Fido has an accident. Please don’t punish him! Punishment can lead to fear, anxiety, and sometimes aggression.
Plus, it’s not effective! Dogs that are punished are more likely to hide their behavior rather than change it.
Solution: PUNISHING YOUR PUP
Focus on positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, the Tellington TTouch®, or play. Reward good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior. This encourages your dog to repeat good behaviors again and again.
NUMBER TWO
INCONSISTENT COMMUNICATION
Mistake:
Communication has two parts: what you say and how you say it.
When we get frustrated and yell at our dogs, we appear very unpredictable. And dogs thrive when they know what to expect! Using different names for the same cue can also confuse your dog.
Solution:
Please be kind to your dog. I always use the same cues and hand signals when practicing my dog’s skills, too. Decide on specific names for behaviors and stick with them. Consistency helps your dog understand and learn faster!
DOWN
NUMBER THREE
SKIPPING SOCIALIZATION
What is socializatoin?
Mistake:
I’ve worked with dogs who were never properly socialized. It can be very challenging to raise a dog who was not introduced to other animals, people, and environments at a young age. This can lead to fear and aggression.
Solution:
I like to gradually expose puppies to a variety of people, animals, and environments when they are young. I keep these interactions positive and safe. This exposure gives dogs confidence in different situations.
NUMBER FOUR
LENGTHY TRAINING SESSIONS
Mistake:
Long training sessions can overwhelm both you and your dog. Dogs, especially puppies, have short attention spans. And so do people!
Solution:
I keep training sessions short and sweet. I built the 1 Minute Dog Training method around short, manageable training sessions.
These micro-sessions are fun, fast, and easy! They are also extremely effective when repeated multiple times throughout the day.
This method helps your dog learn efficiently without becoming overwhelmed or distracted.
I love training in 1 minute sessions!
NUMBER FIVE
LACK OF PATIENCE
Mistake:
Our dogs can really test our patience. Trust me, I’ve been there. But shocking, choking, and yelling at our dogs are not only ways to make the listen.
Expecting too much too soon can also lead to disappointment. It might also tempt you to give up. Remember: training is a lifelong process!
Solution:
Lead with compassion. Be patient and set realistic goals. Remind yourself that dogs learn at different paces. Celebrate small victories and understand that setbacks are part of the learning process. Patience and persistence are key in building a lasting relationship with your dog!
REMEMBER
Avoiding these mistakes is about more than training your dog effectively—it's about creating a LIFELONG bond.
By being positive, consistent, and patient, you’ll create a learning environment that both you and your dog will enjoy.
Training is my favorite way to improve communication, trust, and loyalty with my dog.
We practice many skills together, but our greatest accomplishment is our relationship!
HAPPY TRAINING!
Tom Mitchell, the 1 Minute Dog Trainer
RESOURCES
1 https://www.ava.com.au/policy-advocacy/policies/companion-animals-dogbehaviour/the-use-of-punishment-and-negative-reinforcement-in-dog-training
2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9655304/
