Ever wonder if your pup needs a dog trainer, even if he’s usually well-behaved? The truth is, every dog and his owner can benefit from working with a professional because there’s more to dog training than just learning obedience.
Dog training has a lot to do with canine psychology as well as the best ways to communicate with your pup. This is especially true if he has some bad habits — like aggression or separation anxiety — that you want to break.
How To Avoid Training Your Dog Incorrectly
Unsurprisingly, there are lots of common dog training mistakes that experts say to avoid. Otherwise, you could accidentally end up reinforcing the behavior you’re trying to redirect in the first place!
For instance, being inconsistent with rules, like allowing your pet on the couch one day but not the next, is a trap that’s easy to fall into. Also, giving into attention-seeking behavior, like acknowledging your incessantly barking dog (even if you’re trying to quiet him), will only encourage the habit you’re trying to break.
Common mistakes like these are good to know before training begins so you don’t accidentally undo all the hard work you’ve both done!
Why You Should Consider Hiring A Dog Trainer
Whether your four-legged friend is generally well-behaved or he’s got some work to do, every pup parent should consider working with a professional dog trainer. That’s because an expert will work with you and your pooch from right where you’re at.
Since no dog is perfect (much like us humans), chances are, there is some behavior that can be improved to make both your lives better. It could be something as simple as being nervous around other dogs while on walks, or as complex — and potentially dangerous — as offensive aggression. In any case, a professional can help you uncover the root cause of the behavior, which is where your training will start.
And don’t forget: No matter what you’re working on, training is wonderful mental stimulation for your pup and provides a great bonding experience for the two of you!
An Investment In Your Family’s Future
While it may be tempting to try to train your dog yourself, working with a professional is an investment worth making. After all, you’ll save time, money, and may even avoid heartache in the long run when your dog is trained the right way the first time!