Biggest Misconceptions About Dog Training

There are quite a few myths and misconceptions that surround dog training. These have the potential to cause some confusion amongst new and old owners alike. Below, we will be looking at a few of these myths, so they can be debunked. How many of these have you heard of before and believed?

If You Train with Treats, the Dog Will Only Listen If You Have Treats

While this might seem valid, it’s not true. Although not everyone uses reward training, it can be effective, and it doesn’t make the dog dependent on food rewards—as long as the training is done correctly. Using this type of reward training can work. However, instead of always using food rewards, use other types of rewards, too, such as praise and play.

You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

This is one of the oldest expressions, and it also happens to be false. Just because a dog might be an adult, it doesn’t mean that it can’t learn. Dogs can learn no matter their age. However, when the dog is older and has built-up habits, it will sometimes take longer to break those habits.

Small Dogs Don’t Need to Be Trained

Just because you have a smaller dog doesn’t mean that you should forego training for them. Although they might be easier to handle because of their size, they still need to be properly trained.

Training provides them with some great benefits, and it ensures you will have a better understanding of your dog and how to control them without resorting to physicality. After all, sometimes those little dogs nip a lot. This could be because their owners are controlling them and haven’t trained them.

Your Dog Needs to Be a Certain Age Before Training

Once you can bring your puppy home, they can start training. They don’t need to be six or nine months old (or however old you may have heard) before they can learn. Dogs learn from a young age from their parents, and they can learn from you, too. Start training as soon as possible after bringing them home.

These are some of the most common misconceptions that a lot of people have when it comes to training their dogs. You can debunk these and other myths by getting in touch with the reputable trainers at Dog Training Now Charleston,  who can help you with your dog.