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25 Common Dog Training Blunders That Are Ruining Your Pup’s Behavior

Is your dog’s behavior driving you up the wall? You’re not alone. Training a dog can be challenging, but knowing what mistakes to avoid can make the process easier. Below are 25 common dog training blunders that are ruining your pup’s behavior. 

1. Inconsistent Rules

Dogs do better when rules stay the same. Letting your dog on the couch one day but not the next can confuse them. It’s best to decide on rules and stick to them always. This helps your dog understand what you want. Try to be consistent. Use the same words and rules all the time.

Inconsistent Rules

2. Rewarding Bad Behavior

When your dog does something you don’t like, such as barking, and you react, they may think it’s a way to get your attention. Instead, try to ignore behaviors you don’t want and give praise when your dog is calm and quiet. When your dog stops barking and settles down, you shower them with praise and attention.

Rewarding Bad Behavior

3. Skipping Exercise

Dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy and behave well. Without enough activity, they may become bored and start misbehaving. Most dogs need at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise daily. This can include walks, playing fetch, or running around in the yard.

Skipping Exercise

4. Misusing the Crate

The crate should be a safe and happy place for your dog, not a spot for punishment. Make the crate a positive space by feeding meals there, hiding treats inside, and never using it for punishment. This helps them see the crate as a good place to be.

Misusing the Crate

5. Ineffective Corrections

If you’re always telling your dog “no,” they may start to ignore you. Instead of just saying no, try to show your dog what you want them to do. For example, if they jump on people, ask them to sit instead.

Ineffective Corrections

6. Skipping Social Activities

Dogs need to meet different people, animals, and see new places when they’re young. This helps them feel comfortable in various situations later in life. Make sure these new experiences are pleasant for your dog.

Skipping Social Activities

7. Misreading Body Language

Dogs use their bodies to communicate. Learning what your dog’s actions mean can help you understand how they’re feeling. For example, a wagging tail doesn’t always mean a dog is happy – it can also mean they’re nervous.

Misreading Body Language

8. Overlooking Mental Stimulation

Physical exercise is important, but dogs also need to use their brains. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and games that make them think can help keep your dog’s mind active and prevent boredom. Mental stimulation can be just as tiring as physical exercise and helps prevent destructive behaviors.

Overlooking Mental Stimulation

9. Inconsistent Training Methods

One family member uses treats, another uses praise, and the kids just let the dog do whatever. It’s like trying to learn a dance with three different instructors – confusing and ineffective. Everyone in the family needs to use the same words and methods when training the dog. If one person allows something that another doesn’t, it can confuse your dog.

Inconsistent Training Methods

10. Punishment Over Positivity

Yelling at your dog or using devices that cause discomfort may seem to work quickly, but they can make your dog afraid. It’s better to reward good behavior with treats or praise. This helps your dog to behave well. Positive reinforcement strengthens your bond with your dog. Remember, you want a dog who obeys out of trust and respect, not fear.

Punishment Over Positivity

11. Treating Every Dog the Same

Your friend’s training method worked wonders for their Chihuahua, so it should work for your Great Dane, right? Wrong! 

Every dog is different. What works for one dog may not work for another. What works for a high-energy herding dog may not suit a laid-back lap dog. Consider your dog’s breed, age, and personality when deciding how to train them. 

Treating Every Dog the Same

12. Skipping the Basics

Trying to teach your dog to fetch your slippers before they’ve mastered “sit”? That’s like trying to run before you can crawl. Before teaching your dog fancy tricks, make sure they know basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” These basic skills are important and make it easier to teach more complex behaviors later.

Skipping the Basics

13. Not Having a Regular Schedule

Dogs are creatures of habit.  Irregular feeding, walking, or potty times can be disorienting and stressful.  Try feeding, walking, and playing with your dog at similar times each day. This can help them feel secure and behave better. It also reduces anxiety and potential behavior issues.

Not Having a Regular Schedule

14. Treating Your Dog Like a Human

While we love our dogs, it’s important to remember that they think differently than humans. What seems logical to us may not make sense to a dog. Learn to think like a dog to understand better and guide their behavior.

Treating Your Dog Like a Human

15. Giving Too Many Treats

Using treats for every little thing? You may be creating a food-motivated pup who will gain weight. Moderation is key: your dog should work for praise, not just snacks. Use small, low-calorie treats for training. Also, don’t forget that affection and play can be as rewarding for many dogs.

Giving Too Many Treats

16. Lack of Patience

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your dog won’t be perfectly trained overnight. Training takes time and patience. Don’t expect your dog to learn everything overnight. Celebrate small improvements and keep working on them.

Lack of Patience

17. Ignoring Health Issues

Sometimes, bad behavior isn’t defiance; —it’s discomfort. If your dog starts behaving differently, it may be a good idea to check with a vet.

Ignoring Health Issues

18. Forgetting Refresher Training

Even after your dog learns a command, it’s important to keep practicing. Regular training sessions help your dog remember what they’ve learned.

Forgetting Refresher Training

19. Mismatchetraining d Energy

If you’re always very excited when you see your dog, they may get too excited. Try to stay calm when greeting your dog or giving commands.

Mismatchetraining d Energy

20. Neglecting Breed Traits

Different dog breeds were originally bred for different purposes. Knowing what your dog’s breed was meant to do can help you better understand its behavior.

Neglecting Breed Traits

21. Inconsistent Commands

Stick to one word for each command. If you want your dog to sit, always say “sit” instead of sometimes saying “sit down” or “park it.”

Inconsistent Commands

22. Skipping the “Why”

When your dog does something you don’t like, try to figure out why. Are they bored? Scared? Understanding the reason can help you solve the problem better.

Skipping the "Why"

23. Overlooking the Power of Play

Training doesn’t have to be boot camp.  Playing games that include commands can make learning more enjoyable for your dog. Tug-of-war can teach “drop it,” fetch can reinforce “come,” and hide-and-seek can make recall fun.

Overlooking the Power of Play

24. Only Training in One Place

If you only practice commands at home, your dog may not listen elsewhere. Try training in different locations, like the park or on walks.

Only Training in One Place

25. Giving Up Too Soon

Training can be frustrating sometimes, but don’t give up. With time and effort, most dogs can learn to behave well. If you’re having trouble, consider getting help from a professional dog trainer.

Giving Up Too Soon

Training your dog isn’t always easy, but it’s worth the effort. Remember, every dog is different. What works for one may not work for another. Adjust your approach based on your dog’s needs and personality.

Don’t get discouraged if progress seems slow – keep at it, and you’ll see improvement. Enjoy the process of learning together with your dog!