Training Mistakes Most Dogs Owners Make

What Are the Top Training Mistakes Most Dog Owners Make?

Dog owners tend to train their dogs incorrectly because they fail to realize that dogs are very social creatures that depend on their human friends to direct their behavior. As a result, many dog owners make several training mistakes that make it more difficult to train their dogs properly.

Here are some of the top training mistakes that most dog owners make that demonstrate this point.

--Many dog owners train their dogs inconsistently.

Many dog owners have trouble asking their dogs to do things the same way each time. This inconsistency can make it difficult to effectively train a dog because it makes it almost impossible for the dog to understand want their humans want them to do. As a result, most dog owners who are inconsistent with their behavior expectations tend to have trouble teaching their dogs to do things such as sitting down in appropriate places and using the bathroom outside instead of on the floor.

--Many owners also tend to give their dogs too much grief for doing things wrong and not enough praise when they do something right.

Many owners tend to overly punish their dogs when they do something wrong and under- appreciate the things that they do right. This can make it difficult to train a dog because dogs need positive reinforcement to learn how to do things we'd like them to do.

As a result, most dog owners that only see the negative things their pets do tend to have trouble teaching their dogs basic social skills because they end up only reinforcing negative behavior by consistently "awarding" it with attention. This demonstrates to the dog that the bad stuff he's doing will get him the most attention. When this happens, socializing the dog becomes almost impossible.

--Another mistake dog owners tend to make is that they tend to start advanced training way too early.

Many owners can't wait to start training their puppies the things they need to properly socialize them. This impatience can get owners into a lot of trouble because most puppies aren't physically or mentally ready to learn to do things such as walking on a leash or staying in one place.

As a result, owners who try to hurry things along are doing the same thing over-eager parents would do if they try to teach their 3 year old how to drive a car. Would you do that to your 3 year old? Of course not! The same reasoning should apply to socializing your puppies. Let them have their fun till they are about 4-6 months old. This will give them enough time to develop the physical and mental maturity that need to properly socialize them.

--Finally, dog owners tend to also offer too many treats to their dogs while training them.

Giving your dog a jerky snap or a doggie bone is a great way to reward good behavior. However, over-feeding your dog these delicious treats can make it hard to properly train your dog because it teaches your dog that the only time to behave properly is when Mommy or Daddy gives him a treat. This makes it important to use treats only occasionally to teach the dog he needs to behave himself all of the time. When you do this, it makes it much more fun to train your dog because he then knows that he can look forward to a treat while behaving himself at the same time!

About the Author:
Ronny Sikes is an avid dog lover and the resident training consultant for http://www.Pet-Super-Store.com . He lives in Atlanta with his Great Dane, Shiraz.

Keyword tags: dog training, dog treats, dog obedience, puppy training, training dogs

Crate Training, Good For You and Your Dog

What is better than a room with a great view? Being a den animal, that is how your dog views his crate. A safe place to hang out and view surroundings. It's comfortable and secure. It's also great to keep your valuables intact until you get home from the mall.

While not a solution to all problems. Extensive crating can lead of feelings of frustration and loneliness. Your dog is trapped with no alternative. Primarily a crate may be used for house training your pooch. They do not like to eliminate in their dens. It also limits access to the rest of your home. Transporting your dog in a crate while driving is safer for both you and them.

There are different types of crates available. The traveling type are usually plastic and similar to what you would see in an airport. Fabric crates are collapsible and easy to transport. These are frequently seen at dog shows and on camping trips. Metal crates/pens are also available in collapsible forms. Be sure you get the right size for your dog. They should be able to sit, stand, lie down and turn in the crate. Some feel it is important to remove their collar before placing in the crate to prevent them from getting hung up on the metal cage. This is especially important during initial training.

Crate training can take a few weeks or a few days depending on the dog. If you consistently associate the crate with a pleasant activity it will be a lot easier to complete the training.

First introductions are important. Associate the crate with something good such as placement. If it is placed in a room frequented by your family, it is a lot less like isolation. Place a soft towel, blanket or commercial dog bed in the crate for comfort. Leave the door open so your dog has easy access. Some will allow their curiosity to rule and get right in. Others may be very hesitant.

If your dog is among the latter, make it a special occasion. Be happy, talk nicely, leave the door open and have a handful of treats. Gradually drop a few treats outside the crate. Slowly drop some on the inside and over a period of time drop them further into the crate. Don't force him to enter. That just creates anxiety. This process should continue until your dog walks all the way in calmly. A favorite toy may also work.

Give your dog a meal inside the crate. Again this should be done by increments. Once your dog is comfortable eating in the back corner with the door closed, it will be safe to leave him for a short period of time. Whining is not a sign for you to open the door and let him out. He is seeking attention in a negative way and you should wait for the whining to stop before opening the door. All are association techniques.

About the Author:
Article by Kelly Marshall of http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/, check out our selection of dog beds and dog collars & leashes online!

Keyword tags: crate training your puppy,dog training,puppy training,dog crates,puppy crates