Dog training can be challenging, especially when behavior issues arise. Many well-meaning dog owners unintentionally make mistakes that can hinder progress or exacerbate the problems they’re trying to solve. Understanding these common pitfalls can help set you and your dog up for success.
Here are the top five mistakes dog owners often make—and how to avoid them:
1. Not Taking the Dog’s Needs into Account When Setting Goals and Expectations
It’s easy to focus solely on what you want your dog to do, but failing to consider your dog’s physical and emotional needs can lead to frustration on both sides. These needs are directly tied to their behavior. If you’re not addressing your dog’s physical and emotional well-being, you can’t expect to successfully address behavior issues. A smart training goal that makes sense ensures that both you and your dog have your needs met throughout the process.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Before setting goals, assess your dog’s current capabilities, emotional state, and overall well-being. Consider their physical, emotional, social, safety, and behavioral needs, and set goals that take all of these factors into account. A holistic approach ensures that training is productive and fair for both you and your dog.
2. Failing to Address the Root Cause of Behavioral Issues
One of the biggest mistakes dog owners make is focusing solely on the symptoms of a behavior without addressing the underlying cause. It’s like putting a Band-Aid over an infection—while it might temporarily cover up the problem, it won’t solve it. What you really need is to treat the underlying issue, like using antibiotics to cure the infection. Similarly, when dealing with behavior issues, the goal shouldn’t just be to stop the behavior but to help your dog feel differently so that a different set of behaviors presents itself. For example, trying to stop excessive barking without addressing the anxiety or boredom behind it will lead to persistent problems or even new behavior issues.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Work with a behavior specialist who can help you assess the root causes of your dog’s behavior. Often, addressing these underlying issues involves a combination of counterconditioning and desensitization to change your dog’s emotional responses to triggers. By focusing on helping your dog feel differently in those situations, you can create lasting behavioral change.
3. Falling Prey to an Unregulated Industry
Dog training is an unregulated industry, meaning anyone can call themselves a trainer without formal education or certification. Unfortunately, this leads to a wide range of training approaches, some of which can be harmful to dogs. Many owners fall victim to unqualified trainers using outdated or harmful methods.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Do your research when selecting a trainer. Look for those who use science-based, positive reinforcement techniques and have formal education or certification in animal behavior. Avoid trainers who rely on corrective-based equipment such as choke chains, prong collars, or shock collars, as well as those who use methods like spray bottles, yelling at dogs, or focusing excessively on punishment to correct behavior. Techniques like letting dogs “cry it out” can also be harmful. Don’t hesitate to ask for credentials, specific methods they use, or success stories from other clients to ensure you’re working with someone who prioritizes your dog’s well-being.
4. Relying on Punishment Instead of Antecedent Arrangement
In behavioral terms, punishment simply means that something has been added or removed from the equation to make a behavior happen less frequently. However, punishment should never cause pain or fear in dogs, nor should it be a primary focus when it comes to changing dog behavior. If a trainer emphasizes punishment as the first step, it often indicates a lack of understanding about how to effectively modify behavior. Instead of focusing on punishing unwanted behavior, your first step should be ensuring your dog’s physical needs are met, followed by arranging the environment in a way that prevents the behavior from happening and sets the stage for the behaviors you want to reinforce.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Focus on antecedent arrangement instead of punishment. For example, if your dog barks and lunges at garbage trucks on garbage day, you can adjust your walking schedule to avoid the trucks. By walking your dog an hour later, you prevent the unwanted behavior and create opportunities to reinforce appropriate leash manners in a calmer environment.
The goal is to set up situations that allow your dog to succeed, rather than reacting to problem behaviors after they occur.
5. Blaming the Technique Instead of Their Application of It
When training doesn’t go as planned, it’s easy to blame the technique being used. We have evidence in the form of studies, data, and research that tells us what the best evidence-based practice is for any given dog behavior situation. If you’ve tried working with your dog using a thoughtful application of an evidence-based method without success, the issue likely lies in how the technique is being applied rather than the method itself. Misapplication of techniques can lead to frustration and stalled progress, but that doesn’t mean the method is wrong—it means adjustments are needed.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
If you’re not successful on your own, don’t abandon the technique. Instead, seek out the guidance of a professional who can help you understand what needs to be tweaked or changed. Timing, consistency, and understanding your dog’s responses are key to effective training. A professional can provide the feedback necessary to adjust your application of the technique and help you achieve the desired results
Conclusion: Setting Your Dog Up for Success
Avoiding these common mistakes can make a significant difference in your dog’s training journey. By taking your dog’s needs into account, addressing the root cause of behavior issues, being cautious in choosing a trainer, focusing on antecedent arrangement, and refining your technique application, you can help your dog thrive.
If you’re finding it difficult to address your dog’s behavior issues on your own, professional guidance can make all the difference. With over 25 years of experience, I specialize in using science-based, positive reinforcement methods that are tailored to your dog’s unique needs. Whether you’re dealing with reactivity, anxiety, or more complex behavioral challenges, my goal is to help you and your dog build a stronger, more balanced relationship.
My Dog Lab Coaching Program is designed to provide personalized, flexible support that fits into your life. From initial consultations to ongoing coaching, I’m here to guide you every step of the way with customized plans and practical solutions. If you’re ready to start making real progress, click the link below to learn more about working with me.
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