DO’S AND DON’TS OF DOG TRAINING
DO’S
• Do nice things to your dog every time he comes
to you (even if he’s just coming back from an
unexpected romp around the neighbourhood).
• Do get into the habit of giving a command only
once. If your dog doesn’t respond to a command
you have taught him, reinforce the command.
• Do use your dog’s name to get his attention, and
then give him the command.
• Do use a normal tone of voice when you give a
command. Your dog’s hearing is quite acute.
• Do be consistent in your actions and expectations.
• Do keep your dog mentally stimulated by training
him.
• Do understand that your dog is a social animal.
Train him so he can be a part of the family.
• Do socialize your dog with people and other dogs.
• Do make learning fun for your dog.
• Do consistently reward with praise the correct
behaviours.
• Do spend plenty of time with your dog and give him
lots of exercise.
• Do keep trying, and your dog will reward you by
getting the message.
DON’TS
Punishing
a dog for
'unwanted'
behaviour
can actually
exacerbate the
problem
• Don’t do anything your dog perceives as unpleasant
when he comes to you.
• Don’t nag your dog by repeating commands — nagging
teaches him to ignore you.
• Don’t use your dog’s name and then expect him to read
your mind as to what you want.
• Don’t expect your dog to know what the word “no” means.
• Don’t yell at your dog. He’s not deaf. Raising your voice
doesn’t improve understanding.
• Don’t confuse your dog with unrealistic expectations.
• Don’t try to suppress behaviours that need an outlet.
• Don’t let your dog stagnate.
• Don’t lock up your dog or put him out because you
haven’t trained him to behave.
• Don’t isolate your dog — he’s a social animal.
• Don’t expect your dog to obey a command you haven’t
taught him.
• Don’t get too serious in your training.
• Don’t reward undesired behaviours.
• Don’t give up when the going gets tough; keep trying.
• Don’t blame the dog; you are his teacher
* Certifi ed professional dog trainer & dog behaviourist
February - March 2019 • Vol. XII • Issue 2 • Noida
31
| Creature Companion