What Common Mistakes Can Affect Your Dog Training In Surrey?

Dog training can be a tricky process, especially if you’ve never had a canine friend before. 

 

With that autumn chill lacing the air, it’s soon ‘back to school’ for children. September is also a great time to bring your dog to our training school in Surrey, especially if you have more time once the kids are back in the classroom. 

 

What are the most common mistakes that can hinder progress for your dog?

 

Inconsistency

 

One of the biggest mistakes is inconsistency. Dogs thrive on routine and clear expectations. If commands, rules, or rewards change frequently, dogs can become confused. It’s crucial to be consistent in the words you use, the actions you expect, and the timing of rewards or corrections. Our team in Surrey can help you do this effectively. 

 

Lack of Patience

 

Training a dog takes time, and many people become frustrated when results aren’t immediate. Patience is key; rushing the process or losing your temper can cause setbacks. Dogs need time to understand and internalise what’s being taught.

 

It’s important to celebrate small victories and be patient with your pet’s learning pace.

 

Using Negative Reinforcement

 

Punishing a dog for bad behaviour can often do more harm than good. Yelling, physical punishment, or other forms of negative reinforcement can create fear and anxiety, leading to a breakdown in the relationship between you and your dog.

 

At Canine Kids we always use positive reinforcement which involves rewarding good behaviour, which encourages dogs to repeat those actions.

 

Skipping socialisation is another mistake. 

 

Socialisation is a critical part of training, yet it’s often overlooked. Exposing your dog to different environments, people, and other animals helps them develop confidence and reduces the likelihood of fear-based aggression. Skipping this step can lead to behavioural problems down the road.

 

Expecting too much, too soon

 

Expecting a dog to learn commands or adjust behaviour overnight simply isn’t realistic. Every dog learns at their own pace, and expecting too much, too soon can lead to frustration for both the owner and the dog.

 

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a more effective, positive training experience for their pets.

Find out more about our dog training classes in Surrey. Or don’t hesitate to contact our team for more information.

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Please click here to read our previous article.