How to educate a dog: what are the most common mistakes the guardian can make?

 How to educate a dog: what are the most common mistakes the guardian can make?

Tracy Wilkins

Dogs are super intelligent animals, which is why the concept of training is no longer associated only with teaching basic commands, such as sit, lie down or paw. Dog training is able to improve communication between owners and pets, as well as facilitate the coexistence of your pet with different people and spaces. Learning how to train a dog is not easy and needsprofessional monitoring, but the tutor also has his responsibilities in this process. Therefore, it is very common to make some mistakes when training dogs - tone of voice, posture and even lack of knowledge. But we will help you: see the most common mistakes, according to trainer Kati Yamakage, from São Paulo, and learn how to correct yourself.

How to train a dog: see the 6 most common mistakes

1 - Your dog doesn't speak Portuguese

Dogs do not understand our language, what they learn is a word associated with a behavior. Therefore, it is no use talking non-stop or several times to get the dog to make some movement. It is necessary to be calm, patient, and command waiting for the dog's action. If the action is positive, reward. If it is negative, wait a little and command again, inserting a gesture.

2 - The inappropriate use of non

It is very common for the guardian to use "no" to indicate to the dog that that behavior is unwanted. The problem is when the word is used so often that it ends up confusing the animal and the training is no longer as effective. Therefore, within positive dog training, it is more indicated to use a directional command. An example is when the animal climbs in a place that heInstead of using "no", use the command for him to get off, i.e. "down". This way he will understand what you expect him to do!

3 - Rewarding wrong behavior

"If every time your dog cries, you go to help him, he will learn that he should do that every time he wants your attention," explains Kati Yamakage. "Right or wrong behavior, when reinforced, tends to be repeated over and over again." This doesn't mean you shouldn't pay attention to your dog's crying, but rather understand when that crying is used to get attention. It isIt is important to teach the dog to be left alone by investing in environmental enrichment. Dogs should also be independent.

See_also: How to teach a kitten to use the litter box (step by step)

4 - Wrong body posture

Many dogs can learn what the owner wants by a simple gestural command. That's why your body posture is fundamental when training a dog. "When teaching a command, it is important that you do not talk all the time or move unnecessarily. Remember that the dog is aware of all your movements, all the gestures. So, you must, before you teach a dog, be aware of all your movements.anything, plan what gesture you are going to insert so that the dog learns and presents the behavior to you. You should always insert the command with simple and clear gestures. This way, he will be able to learn much faster," explains Kati.

5 - Tone of voice

The same tip goes for your tone of voice when teaching a dog. Since dogs do not understand human language, they learn by word association. That is why a dog trainer uses only commands to train the dog. The tone of voice should be neutral, since dogs can perceive the emotions of their owners. This is essential so that the moment of training is a good one.of calm rather than obligation and frustration.

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6 - Not establishing a routine

It is important that the puppy has a routine. He must have schedules for eating and walking. A dog that does not have a routine of walks, can become a frustrated, anxious and aggressive dog, making training difficult. They also need a feeding schedule, called food management. "The owner must determine the times that the dog will eat his meals. If the food is left out, the dog will have to eat it," he says.available all day, he will do his business all day," explains the trainer.

How to educate a dog: why is it important to understand the language of our dogs?

Training a dog is educating the animal to have a harmonious relationship with the family, with people and other dogs. The earlier the training is done, the more likely it is to avoid mistakes so common in puppy education, such as destruction of furniture, bites that may or may not hurt and anxiety problems. For this, it is important to understand the language of dogs, how they think and how they are.Every behavior your dog does has a purpose, including crying and barking. Learn to identify these signs and your relationship with your dog will improve a lot!

Tracy Wilkins

Jeremy Cruz is a passionate animal lover and dedicated pet parent. With a background in veterinary medicine, Jeremy has spent years working alongside veterinarians, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in caring for dogs and cats. His genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being led him to create the blog Everything you need to know about dogs and cats, where he shares expert advice from veterinarians, owners, and respected experts in the field, including Tracy Wilkins. By combining his expertise in veterinary medicine with insights from other respected professionals, Jeremy aims to provide a comprehensive resource for pet owners, helping them understand and address their beloved pets' needs. Whether it's training tips, health advice, or simply spreading awareness about animal welfare, Jeremy's blog has become a go-to source for pet enthusiasts seeking reliable and compassionate information. Through his writing, Jeremy hopes to inspire others to become more responsible pet owners and create a world where all animals receive the love, care, and respect they deserve.