Three Common Mistakes Dog Owners Make

Because we provide pet dog and puppy obedience classes, Sarasota, FL, dog owners often come to us to correct the mistakes they've made. There seem to be three common mistakes dog owners make that can spell big trouble over time. If you're having problems with your pet, this list might shed some light on where you're going wrong.

Dog Owner Mistake #1: Nagging Instead of Teaching
Just as with children, people who nag instead of teach their pets make problem behavior worse. Here's how that sounds, "Brutus, stop! No, I mean it, get down! I'm not kidding, you're going to get into so much trouble! Brutus, this isn't what we learned in obedience school! Why did I pay all that money? Brutus, that's enough!" And so on.

What we've learned in all our years providing positive dog training is that once you move past simple, positive statements with your pet, he tunes you out like a teenager. No matter how emotionally connected you are with your Shih Tzu, she isn't really listening to your lecture on how her biting makes you look to the neighbors.

One of the first things our clients learn is how to speak in clear, positive ways that reinforce the pet/owner bond and eliminate the need for nagging.

Dog Owner Mistake #2: Inconsistent Training
Imagine how confused your puppy becomes when on Saturday she's told to stay off the sofa but on Sunday she's allowed to sleep there all day! Your pet needs consistent, positive boundaries for behavior in order to learn what you expect. Professional dog training includes helping the owner get clear about what they do and don't want their pet to do. Through consistent, positive training techniques, you and your dog stay connected while she learns proper behavior.

Dog Owner Mistake #3: Heavy-Handed Discipline
Through our pet puppy training Sarasota, FL, dog owners are learning to deal with their pets in positive ways rather than using heavy-handed discipline. Pets who fear an owner's discipline begin behaving in all sorts of negative ways. If your own dog is destructive, disruptive or downright disobedient, it could be because your training techniques are over-the-top. It's time to learn how to break the harsh discipline habit while reinforcing behaviors you'd like your dog to exhibit.

Owning a dog can be a marvelous experience, or the relationship can be exhausting. Consider whether your training techniques fall under these three mistakes dog owners make, then get some help if they do. We promise, there's a rewarding relationship waiting!