Mistakes You Need to Avoid While Training a Puppy

Before bringing a puppy into your home, you must give it proper thought. Even after a puppy comes into the home, you may find it tiring to take care of them properly. Most of you may decide to adopt the pet when it is about 8 to 10 weeks old. On occasion, you may not look for assistance until it becomes problematic. While training the dog, it is quite natural to make mistakes. However, it is possible to avoid these issues by hiring professionals for dog training.

Ignoring Early Socialisation

While raising a dog, socialisation plays an important role in making them well-behaved and confident. Puppies experience a socialisation period between the ages of 3 and 16 weeks. Depending on the breeds of the pups, it is possible to notice some differences. If they are not introduced to the diverse types of animals, people, sounds, and sights during this time, there may be some issues later.

To avoid these issues, experts may recommend taking the pet out in the neighbourhood. Since they are small in size, it is better to keep them in arms. It is essential to familiarise them with the sounds and scenes around them. 

Inconsistent Training

As a puppy owner, you may inadvertently send mixed signals while training your pet. During this time, you may allow them to do something one day while stopping them the next day. It may create confusion in their mind, slowing down their learning process. 

Expert trainers always maintain a consistent command. In this way, they typically set expectations for receiving a reward after the puppy performs a certain action. It is better to set the rules and cues before bringing the pet into the home. Positive reinforcement, such as offering rewards like treats, toys, and praise, can encourage the maintenance of good behaviour. 

Disregarding Mental Stimulation

If you focus solely on physical exercise, your pooch may not develop mentally. Bored pets often have destructive behaviour. It is a bad habit that reveals the need for mental stimulation, much like engaging in fun activities. 

Interactive activities, such as puzzles and training sessions, can challenge their brains. It is important to teach them new tricks. General puppy obedience and nose work games can help to keep them away from problematic behaviour. They may stay mentally engaged throughout the day.

Don’t Expect Too Much, Too Soon

Your pooch cannot learn everything in a day. It is quite natural to feel frustrated when they do not pick things up quickly. Remember, they need time to adjust to their surroundings. Over time, they may start to follow the commands accurately.

Staying patient and having realistic expectations is the key to success here. Training requires time to show results. Consistency and repetition are necessary. It is important to celebrate small wins. Similarly, you must try to understand the setbacks. Positive reinforcement can help them learn things easily.