Common Training Mistakes

So, you’ve been training your dog for a while now but aren't seeing any progress. You're probably making some of these common mistakes:

Not Having a Marker

A marker can be a clicker or a word like 'yes.' It lets your dog know exactly when they've done something right, even if the treat comes a bit later. For example, when teaching your dog to sit, use the marker or say 'yes' as soon as their legs touch the ground. This way, your dog understands that this specific action will be rewarded.

Timing is Crucial

Timing is arguably the most important part of training your dog. Responding at the right moment can make all the difference in how well your dog learns new behaviors. Immediate reinforcement helps them connect their actions with the reward. A delay of even a few seconds can confuse them. So, when your dog sits, use your marker and give the reward right away.

Going Too Fast

If your dog is not performing the action on command, take a step back and simplify the exercise. Every action you want your dog to perform should be divided into multiple steps. Teach them one by one, slowly increasing the difficulty.

Repeating Commands

Another common mistake is repeating the command multiple times without getting a response. If you tell your dog to ‘sit,’ don’t keep saying 'sit, sit, sit.' If they didn't respond the first time, they won't respond the fifth time. Introduce the command when your dog is already doing the action. For instance, when your dog is sitting and you give them a treat, say ‘sit’ or ‘good sit.’ Then, try using just the voice command. Give them time to think; they might need a few seconds at first to perform the action on command.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll likely see more progress in your dog's training. Remember, patience and consistency are key. Every dog learns at their own pace, so celebrate small victories along the way.

If you have any questions or need further advice, feel free to contact us directly at info@miamidogschooltraining.com Happy training!