When it’s time to talk about dog training, it’s quite common to face some stereotypes. Unfortunately, these stereotypes can induce pet owners to do wrong choices…Today we are going to talk about the most famous stereotypes about dog education, and explain why they’re wrong ! Here we go !
Myth n°1 : An old dog can’t learn anymore
One of the most pervasive myths concerning dog education and dog training is that only puppies can learn new behaviors. Actually, dogs of any age can learn new tricks and commands. Even if the process is easier and quicker with puppies, don’t give up your old dog education ! Old dogs are even more focused than puppies because they got less energy than younger dogs, so now, there are no excuses left : go learn new things and tricks to your dog !
Myth n°2: Certain breeds are impossible to train
While it’s true that different breeds have different behaviors, no breed is impossible to train. Some will require more patience and effort due to their independent nature and energy, but with the right approach and the right exercises, any dog can be trained. Tailoring your training methods to suit your dog’s needs is essential for success. Do not hesitate to ask a dog trainer to better understand your dog !
Myth n°3 : Treats are the most powerful tools to educate my dog
While treats can be a strong motivator, they are not the only tool in a dog trainer’s arsenal. Other simple elements such as praise, toys, and playtime can also be very effective. The most important thing is to find what motivates your dog the most and use these tools to reinforce positive behavior.
© Nathaniel Bowman – Unsplash
Myth n°4 : Dogs should be punished for bad behavior
In reality, harsh punishment can lead to fear and anxiety, damaging your relationship with your dog and potentially exacerbating behavioral issues. Such as humans, dog are learning better with rewards than with punishments. Positive reinforcement, which involves rewarding your dog for good behavior is far more effective and promotes a trusting relationship between you and your dog.
Myth n°5 : Dog training is a one-time thing
It’s probably one of the most common mistake. But even if your agenda is full, even if it’s cold today or whatever reason you will find to not doing it, you have to be consistent and give training sessions to your pet. Training is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Consistency and repetition are crucial for maintaining good behavior. Incorporating training sessions into your daily routine ensures that your dog continues to learn and reinforce positive behaviors. Keep training sessions short and fun to keep your dog engaged and motivated.
Conclusion
As you just read, there are a lot of common stereotypes concerning dog education. Most of the time, the problems are coming from our own behavior. Now that you know them, you’re ready to start trainings again !
See you for the next article !
Vivitee’s team