Dog Training Myths part 1 – Eazy Dog Training Sydney

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Dog Training Myths part 1 

The world of dog training can be quite confusing with all the different options out there.

With so many different kinds of trainers, all recommending their own training methods, it can be difficult to know what to believe and what training methods to go for. There are also quite a few dog training myths out there confusing the dog owners even more. When choosing a trainer it’s good to know at least the basic facts about dog training so that you’ll know what’s true and what’s not. I’ve collected here some facts and false dog training myths.

MYTH:  There is more than one way to train a dog.

FACT:  This is true. You can positively train your dog or you can train your dog by using force or punishment. There are a lot of different training tools and methods you can use within these approaches. One of the most common ‘force methods’ that I see when running puppy schools is an owner physically forcing their puppy to sit and lie down. You might not think about it as using force, but it is. The puppy did not choose to do it, he was forced to do it.

The problem with using force and punishment-based methods is that they do work for a while. If you physically force your dog to do something, poke, yank, shock or physically abuse your dog, they will obey you because they don’t really have a choice. But you won’t have a good relationship with your dog. Trust will be broken and in the worst case, your dog might learn to fear people and might even bite one day. 

If you want an emotionally confident and balanced dog that trusts you and chooses to obey you, the positive training is the way to go. Your relationship with your dog should always be based on mutual love, trust and respect.

When choosing a training method always think about what it is that you want. Do you want your dog to follow you because they choose to do so, or because they are scared of what might happen to them if they don’t or because they think that there’s no other option (learnt helplessness)?

MYTH: Positive training methods don’t work on the ‘red zone’ dogs.

FACT:  First, let me tell you what ‘red zone’ dogs are. They are dogs with severe behaviour issues. They can be aggressive and unpredictable. And this is when positive reinforcement methods are most effective. Using positive training methods to treat severely aggressive dogs is always a safer and much more effective option than any other.

Unlike some trainers like to tell you, positive training does not only work on minor obedience issues. It is also the most effective way to treat anxiety and aggression issues. Instead of trying to fix aggression with aggression (a method that usually ends up with someone getting bitten) a qualified positive dog trainer can change the way dogs feel for the rest of their lives. Dog training isn’t always just fixing the way our dogs are acting at that moment.

MYTH:  Dogs only respect leaders who assert their ‘dominance’.

FACT:  Yes, dogs do need effective leadership from us. But dominance is a complicated issue and a widely misunderstood concept. Instead of becoming the alpha dog over us, most dogs simply want safety and security.

A good pack leader focuses on building a common language, rewarding the good behaviour, redirecting the bad behaviour, and raising a confident adult dog that lives successfully within the boundaries that you set for your home.