You will get various opinions if you ask a group about dog training. And whoever is giving their opinion will be convinced theirs is the best. You might hear that it’s not a viable solution as there are so many issues behind it. However, dog training isn’t regulated in all areas, so you’ll come across a lot of myths. But worry not, let’s talk about it. Let’s discuss the most common dog training misconceptions below.
1. You can’t train your dog
We bet you’ve heard this too many times. Of course, it’s not easy to train your dog, but it’s not impossible. It’s a misconception that you can’t train your dog, don’t you think so? But this is one of the things worth pursuing. You have to be dedicated and disciplined to get the desired results. You’ll need a lot of time to make your dog listen to the trainer.
So you should never listen if anyone says your dog is untrainable. A positive mindset and a professional dog trainer are more than enough to make this happen.
2. Your dog is not ready to be trained
How do you even know whether your dog is ready or not? It’s reasonable that you can’t train your week-old pup and must ensure that your puppy has received its vaccinations before you begin training. But claiming that your dog is not ready is a misconception.
Pups need to socialise because that supports their growth and development. But don’t wait for too long as it may cultivate bad habits. Then it’ll be hard for you to train them. However, what if you’ve already delayed it, and now your pup is a dog? Well, you still have a chance.
For example, it takes a lot of time to learn a new language, but we still pull it off, yeah? Just like that, a dog can learn even if it’s older. But you must set up a routine to help them get on track.
Some owners think their dogs can’t be trained if they’re older. But that’s not the case. You can help your senior dogs engage in activities that might not require physical input but rather mental.
3. Certain breeds won’t be able to follow training
Yes, your dog’s breed has much to do with its personality and training. But that doesn’t define whether or not your dog can learn certain activities, so it’s a misconception. However, some breeds are predisposed to several jobs. Due to this, you might experience temperament and changes in their behaviours.
For example, a novice owner might struggle with a herding breed because they’re full of energy and requires high maintenance.
Likewise, there are different breeds with different personalities. But that doesn’t explain whether or not they can be trained. Some owners assume training is mainly for Bloodhounds. But that’s not true. Almost all breeds enjoy learning and can be trained by the right professional. Training helps your dog’s mental and physical stimulation.
4. Your dog won’t be interested in training
Assuming or being said that your dog won’t be interested in training is a misconception. Of course, some dogs believe that their behaviours are alright, so they don’t realise it even if they become aggressive.
They will understand or like training without you helping them to like it. So it’s in your hand to motivate them to try training. First, you have to keep them hooked to learning good manners. Then, as an owner, you must keep your dog’s spirit high. Though often overlooked, it’s one of the main factors in dog training. If your dog sees you being a part of this, it might make an effort to try.
5. Your dog is just excited, and training isn’t needed
Dogs are generally enthusiastic. So if you have visitors or other dogs over, your dog might get excited and greet them. However, while tag wagging is acceptable, jumping over someone or a dog isn’t good.
Some dogs are scared of other dogs, and they fear the excitement. So your dog’s excitement might be scary for another dog. So without a professional’s knowledge, you can name your dog’s excitement as ordinary behaviour. However, it could be problematic behaviour, so you must talk to professional dog trainers. Even if your dog is generally enthusiastic, it’s better to channel it differently than jumping on people or other animals.
6. Your dog is dominant by nature
This is one of the common misconceptions. People assume that dogs’ dominant behaviour is such because they want the owner to accept them as they are. This is more about the situation than about the breed.
So if your dog doesn’t listen to you, walks on a leash, or jumps up on your visitors, it doesn’t mean they’re dominant by nature. It’s not as if your dog disobeys you on purpose and wants you to accept it. The truth is your dog has not been trained to behave, so it doesn’t know. Without putting it on dominance, try seeking help from dog trainers.
7. It’s just your pup’s age
Although you shouldn’t train your pup when they’re too young, you shouldn’t put it off for years. Just like children, puppies will also make mistakes and try new things. You can’t expect them to know how to behave when they have just entered the world.
But that doesn’t mean you have to let them loose and accept their problematic behaviours. On the contrary, you should try your best to train them once they reach the minimum age that suits dog training. If you don’t teach them sooner, you will have difficulty training them when they are adult dogs.
8. Your dog is doing that to spite you
This is another meaningless understanding of dog training. How absurd is the misconception that your dog spites you? The truth is that your dog doesn’t go around thinking about how to make you angry or how to rebel against you. They are not teenagers; they’re animals and don’t have the potential to do it.
Your dog’s behaviour could have been problematic because of the reinforcement techniques or unclear instructions. Or they were just motivated to try something. Whatsoever, it’s never about rebelling against.
9. Reward system is bribery
People say whatever they believe in. It’s the same with the reward system used in dog training, and it’s considered bribery. People assume your dog’s positive training will be discontinued when trainers stop offering treats. But that’s not true.
What actually happens is high reward is slowly changed to something with a lower value without letting your dog notice. When a lower-value reward is given, your dog will not feel it much so the training will continue. The entire reward system is designed tactfully, so it’s improbable your dog will not be trained. Or it’s not acceptable that people consider the reward system bribery while clearly, it is not!
10. Aversive tools will discipline your dog
This is one of the most unfortunate misconceptions that some believe. If you’re being harsh to your pet just to make them better, let us remind you it doesn’t work that way. The aversive tools aren’t the best for an inexperienced person. If you don’t know to handle it, you shouldn’t consider it.
Experienced dog trainers have their way with these tools and knowledge to keep their limits. But, of course, these tools have their own benefits if used right. For example, there have been instances when these tools protected dogs from serious injuries. But remember, those who handled the tools were pros. So if you’re planning on using them to train your dog, please don’t!
Wrapping up
Pets make you happy. We don’t think you’d be satisfied when your pets add more chaos and problems to your life. Who doesn’t like to live in peace while enjoying their time with dogs? Well, it might become questionable if your dog isn’t well-trained. So, you must not let these misconceptions ruin your mind. Talk to a dog training professional and make the right decision.
