Welcome to our blog post on the “7 Puppy Training ‘Shortcuts’ That Make Things WORSE!” If you’re a new puppy owner, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of conflicting information out there on how to train your furry friend. While shortcuts may seem appealing, it’s important to remember that taking the easy route may actually harm your puppy’s development and make things more difficult in the long run. In this post, we’ll explore seven common puppy training shortcuts that are best avoided for the benefit of your furry friend. Let’s get started!
Introduction
Congratulations on getting a new puppy! Whether it’s your first time owning one or you’re a seasoned pro, it’s important to know that puppy training is a process that requires time, clear information, and consistency. It can be tempting to try out shortcuts that seem too good to be true, but as it turns out, they usually are. The team at McCann Dogs has compiled a list of 7 puppy training shortcuts that can actually make things worse. Let’s dive in!
1. Relying solely on treats
Treats can be a powerful tool in training your puppy, but they’re not the only tool. Relying on treating your dog for every action can make your furry friend expect a treat every time they do something. That can lead to bad habits and a puppy that only listens when treats are involved. Instead, try using verbal praise, a pat on the head, or a toy as a reward.
2. Punishing your puppy
Punishing your puppy when it misbehaves can be tempting, but it’s not a recommended technique. It can lead to anxiety and fear towards you, which can damage the trust between you and your furry friend. Instead of punishing your puppy, try redirecting its attention to something else when it misbehaves.
3. Not establishing boundaries
It’s easy to want to spoil your furry friend, but it’s important to establish boundaries from the beginning. If your puppy is allowed on the couch, that can quickly lead to it becoming entitled and feeling like it’s in charge. Setting boundaries early on can make the training process smoother and will create a healthy relationship between you and your puppy.
4. Not being consistent
Consistency is key to puppy training. If you’re inconsistent with your training techniques, it can lead to confusion for your puppy and make it difficult for them to understand what’s expected of them. Make sure everyone in your household uses the same training methods, so there is no confusion for your furry friend.
5. Skipping socialization
Socializing your puppy is crucial for its development. Puppies need to be introduced to other dogs, people, and experiences to learn what behavior is appropriate. Skipping this can lead to fearfulness and aggression towards new situations and people.
6. Trying to train too much at once
It’s important to take things slow when training your puppy. Trying to teach them too many commands or tricks at once can be overwhelming for them, leading to frustration and potentially harmful behavior. Instead, focus on one command at a time and spend enough time teaching it before moving on to the next.
7. Not seeking professional help
Puppy training can be tough, and not every owner is an expert. Seeking professional help from a trainer can be the best decision you make for your furry friend. McCann Dogs offers a Life Skills program for dogs over 5 months old, supported by their expert trainers.
Conclusion
Puppy training can be a frustrating process, but it doesn’t have to be. Avoiding these 7 common puppy training shortcuts can make the process run smoother and provide your furry friend with the best start possible. McCann Dogs’ expert trainers are available to help you and your pup with their Life Skills program and offer a store of products they love, a podcast, and support from their channel.
FAQs After The Conclusion
- How often should I train my puppy?
- Can I train my puppy without treats?
- How do I know if my dog needs professional training?
- What’s the best way to socialize my puppy?
- How long does it take to see results from puppy training?