Mistakes You May be Making While Training Fido

Your pooch needs a lot of attention from you as you train her. If you find she isn't understanding something try training her a different way. There are always different training methods to try. Don't get frustrated with her though but give her lots of praise when she does something right. Soon enough you'll both be well trained. 😉 Visit Healthy Pets for additional tips on how to properly train your pup.

1. Doing the right thing, but at the wrong time.
Every interaction with your pet sends a message, and sometimes dog owners inadvertently send the wrong ones. For example, giving your pup attention or affection when she’s performing an undesirable behavior can reinforce that behavior, increasing the likelihood she’ll continue to do it.

Remember: To your dog, attention and especially affection are rewards, so try to offer them only when your pet is performing desired behaviors.

2. Mistaking your dog for a human.
Your dog is: Canis lupus. You are: Homo sapiens. You and your dog are different species. Put another way, your dog is not a human. And treating her as if she is will deprive her of many things that can make her healthy and happy. She doesn’t need that processed pet food, no matter how cute you think the TV ad is. She needs balanced, carnivore-appropriate nutrition. She doesn’t really need another stuffed toy or rain boots, but she does need at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise every day.

Remember: As much as we love our canine family members and often feel like their mom or dad, they are distinct from us in many wonderful and inspiring ways. Focus on honoring and nurturing all that makes your dog, a dog.

3. Showing hate for the crate.
I’m perpetually surprised by how many dog guardians think crates are an invention of the devil. If you’re one of them, here’s what you’re missing in the equation: your Canis lupus is by nature a den dweller, and a crate affords you the opportunity to work with your pup’s natural desire to seek out small, dark, safe spots to inhabit. This can be a huge win for you, as well as him, if you need to housetrain the little fellow, not to mention for car or plane travel, or overnight stays with friends, family, or at a pet-friendly hotel.

Remember: Crate hate is not logical, unless an animal has been emotionally traumatized by people who made bad choices with a crate. Try to keep an open mind. Talk to some dog loving friends who’ve crate trained their pups. Chances are they’ll tell you their dog seeks out her crate on her own for naps, at bedtime, and whenever she just wants a little me time.