12 COMMON MISTAKES OWNERS MAKE

Everyone, human and canine, makes mistakes. We make poor decisions; we ignore what we've learned in the past; or we simply don't think through a problem. However, we can also learn from our mistakes to create something better.

When our dogs make mistakes, we use our voice to let them know, "Ackk! No jump!" and then we show the dog what to do and we praise him for that new behavior. Your dog learns.

We, as dog trainers and the teachers of people, also see mistakes. And many dog owners make the same mistakes, over and over again, and these mistakes can make training your dog much more difficult.

If you see yourself in one or more of these descriptions, please don't get angry or feel frustrated. We're here to help you, so instead recognize what you are doing or have done and then correct your mistakes.

After all, our mutual goal is to help you turn your dog into a companion; a friend that you will enjoy spending time with.

Mistake Number One: Using Incorrect Timing

The timing of your verbal praise and interruptions is very important. If your timing is off your dog will not be learning the lessons you wish him to learn and even more importantly, may be learning the wrong lessons.

For example, let's say you have had your dog lie down and then tell him stay, and step away from him. If he sniffs the grass and begins to crawl, you should tell him, "Acck! No sniff!" as he begins to sniff and crawl. If you wait until he's three feet away and is up on his feet, the message is lost. He has no idea that you wanted to stop him from moving from the original down/stay position.

The same goes for praise. If you are asking your dog to watch you, and he makes eye contact, praise him as he makes eye contact. If you're slow and he looks away as you praise him, you have just told him that "Watch me" means to look away from you. Wrong message!

If you believe that your timing is wrong or too late, you're better off not saying anything at all in that instance. Your dog won't learn from this, but you won't be reinforcing the wrong lesson. Then next time, concentrate on your timing.

Mistake Number Two: Not Being Generous Enough With Praise

Your dog learns much more rapidly and with more enthusiasm when he's praised well and often. Your verbal praise should sound like you mean it, "Yeah! Awesome! Good job!" and the amount of enthusiasm you show should depend upon the effort your dog makes. If he's having trouble with something and finally does it, give him lots of praise!

Be careful, though, to praise for effort. If you praise your dog for simply existing, the praise loses its message.

Use a jackpot of praise and rewards when your dog does something extra special. Just as a jackpot at the casino is a big reward, a jackpot from you should get your dog's attention. If he has a training breakthrough (anything that's been tough for him) reward him with lots of praise, petting and treats. Jump up and down as you tell him how special he is. He'll remember that jackpot and it can help his training proceed. Do not over use jackpots, though, or they will lose their effectiveness. They are for special breakthroughs or accomplishments.

Mistake Number Three: Using Treats (as well as toys) Incorrectly

We use treats and toys as both lures (to help the dog assume a position or to do something) and as a reward (to go along with verbal praise). Treats are an awesome training tool but your dog's eventual adult behavior should not depend solely upon whether or not you have treats in hand.

In the beginning (the first few months of training AND throughout puppyhood), have treats in hand all the time. You can then get and keep your dog's attention, and you can reward good behavior. Use the treats as both lures and rewards and vary the treats so they are exciting and keep your dog focused.

As your dog both progresses through training AND mentally matures (2 to 4 years of age) you can then begin fading the treats - making them slowly disappear. Do not just one day stop using treats; your dog will rebel. Instead, begin using less (smaller) treats. Then begin rewarding every other good exercise, or every third, and then put the treats on a random basis - just rewarding the best behavior. But continue using your verbal praise enthusiastically as you do so. Eventually, the treats can disappear, to reappear when your dog needs a refresher or when you want to teach him something new.

Mistake Number Four: Allowing Your Dog to Train You

Dogs are very good at training people and do so all the time. He nudges your hand and you pet him. He jumps on you and you greet him. He whines and you soothe him. He's training you.

Unfortunately, the one doing the training is the one who's in charge. You must be the parent - the leader - not your dog.

Be aware of what your dog is doing to and with you. If you do not want a behavior to continue (such as jumping) have your dog do an alternative behavior (such as sitting for petting) and praise him for that behavior.

Mistake Number Five: Reinforcing Fear or Worry

Although people and dogs have some common aspects to our communication (such as tone of voice) we do often have some confusion. For example, if a child is worried or afraid, mom will say in a soothing tone of voice, "Don't worry, honey, there's nothing to be afraid of." However, if you do that with a dog, the dog will assume he's being praised for that worry or fear, "Ah ha! I was right to be afraid!"

If your dog is worried or afraid, instead of praising that fear, jolly him out of it. Laugh or be happy, "Oh, you silly boy! That's nothing to be afraid of!" Reach out and touch the scary thing if you can. Or do a watch me and distract your dog. Praise him when he's paying attention to you.

Mistake Number Six: Forgetting to Set Your Dog Up to Succeed

Although correctly timed corrections (verbal and snap of the leash) can teach your dog when he's making a mistake, they are only effective if you catch the dog in the act of making the mistake. Corrections after the fact do not work and will damage your relationship with your dog. He won't understand and his trust in you will disappear. /p>

Therefore it's important to set your dog up to succeed; make things happen so he's a good dog. This may mean limiting his freedom in the house, creating a safe place for him in the back yard, and sectioning off a part of the garage. This means not allowing him to discover there are goodies in the kitchen trash can, or that your leather shoes taste good.

It is far more easy to teach your dog what you want him to do, and to prevent problems from occurring, than it is to stop bad habits later. Help your dog do what you wish him to do, and prevent him from doing things you do not wish him to do. Set him up to succeed!

Mistake Number Seven: You Have Forgotten He's a Dog

Dogs are not people in fuzzy dog suits; they are a separate species that has learned to live with us and for the most part, understand us. But they are not people. They have different instincts and reactions, and they think differently. Actually, it's amazing they understand us as much as they do!

Don't give your dog human emotions; especially the negative ones. Although some dogs can be sneaky and spiteful, they actually are a rarity. Most dogs are pretty upfront about things. So if you dog raids the trash can or steals food off the counter, he's not being a thief - that behavior is self-rewarding. He did it and got something to eat! If your dog digs up the backyard while you were gone, he's not being spiteful - he was bored and found something fun to do.

Now this doesn't mean you should put up with these behaviors, definitely not. You can use your training skills to prevent them from happening and to teach your dog they are unacceptable when you catch him in the act. But as you train him, remember he is a dog and is simply acting like one.

Mistake Number Eight: Isolating Your Dog Outside

Very, very few dogs are happy when isolated outside for hours at a time. Dogs who are alone a lot commonly develop behavior problems. They will dig, bark continually, howl, chew destructively, or try to escape from the yard. Many will also become self-destructive - chewing on themselves compulsively. When they do spend time with their owners, they are often overwhelming and needy; jumping on the people, mouthing, and overanxious.

If you must leave your dog outside while you're at work, make the dog's environment stimulating. Have lots of water (in an unspillable container) and in the summer, drop a ten pound block of ice in it. Use food dispensing toys (like the Buster Cube or a Kong) and alternate toys from day to day to keep them exciting. Make sure when you are home, your dog gets lots of attention, training and exercise with you.

If when you're at home and the dog is underfoot while you're trying to get something done, have him lie down and stay and give him something to chew on. Teach him to be calm and quiet in the house rather than loud and boisterous.

Have your dog sleep in your bedroom. Do not invite him up on the bed but instead, have him sleep in a crate. You can then sleep without interruption and your dog can spend eight hours with you.

Mistake Number Nine: Training Without Distractions

It's easy to train your dog at home; that's where you live. However, if you train your dog only at home and in class, your dog will behave only at home and in class. You do need to train your dog in different places with different distractions and you need to train in different circumstances.

Once your dog has learned an exercise (at home and in class) then ask him to do it elsewhere. Walk down the block where some kids are playing, or outside the grocery store where people are walking in and out. Help him perform the exercise and reward him liberally when he does it. Don't be surprised if he loses his brain when you first try this; distractions are called distractions for a reason. Use your training skills to help your dog behave himself.

When people come to your house to visit, don't throw your dog outside. Instead, put his leash and collar on him and help him behave himself. Don't be embarrassed if your guests tell you not to bother; they don't live with your dog!

Mistake Number Ten: Giving Your Dog Too Much Freedom Too Soon

Wild canine puppies (wolves, coyotes, African Cape Hunting Dogs) do not have free run of their world. They are first limited to their den, then a specific area outside of the den. When they are old enough to learn to hunt, they follow their mother and any other pack members. If a wild canine pup strays too far, he will become prey to another predator.

Although domesticated dogs live in a different world, it is still a dangerous world and they should have very limited freedom in it. All dogs outside of the front door or gate should be leashed. All dogs, all the time. It only takes one dash away for your dog to get hit by a car.

In the house, your dog should be in the same room with you throughout puppyhood - that means until he's three to four years old. If he cannot be in the room with you or you will be too busy to supervise him, put him in his crate for a little while.

If your dog is with you and supervised, and his freedom is limited, you can prevent many bad behaviors from becoming established.

Mistake Number Eleven: You Are Reading, Listening, or Watching Too Much

If you read too many dog training books, watch too many videos, or watch too many dog trainers on TV, you (and your dog) will become horribly confused. There's an old joke that says, "If you put 100 dog trainers in a room, the only thing they will all agree on is that all of the others are wrong!" Just as every set of parents has an idea how to best raise their kids, so do dog owners. Keep in mind, too, that the trainers on TV are not showing you the entire process - much of what's going on ends up on the cutting room floor and it drives us dog trainers nuts! People come to class expecting the same results and we have to explain it! Training takes consistency of training (one style or technique), practice, persistence on your part, and repetition.

You made the decision to go through training with us so trust us. We've been doing this for a long time and you've seen how our dogs behave in class. Give us a chance to help you. If you need more help than the group class provides, ask about private training.

Mistake Number Twelve: You Have Forgotten to Have Fun

Although training definitely has it's serious aspects, don't forget to have fun while you're doing it. The come, for example, is one of the most important commands your dog should know. You want him to come to you immediately when you call, each and every time you call, because it could save his life some day. But this is a great command to have fun with. Shake your container with dog food, pop a treat in your dog's mouth and laugh! Yeah! When he comes to you, praise him and laugh! "Good boy!"

Trick training is also great fun and it's easy to laugh as you teach some silly tricks. When you go for a walk, watch your dog's reactions to the world around him and enjoy his attention to the things around him.

Our dog's lives are too short as it is; make sure you enjoy the time you spend with him. Laugh, giggle and smile; it's good for you!