Common Dog Training Myths Debunked

You can find some excellent dog training tips online, in books and from fellow dog owners. Unfortunately, not all of the advice you get is accurate. Dog training myths can be harmful to your pet and can also make training it more difficult if you follow them. Here are some common dog training myths you should definitely ignore:

- Ketan Panchal

Myth 1: You Can’t Train a Pup Until It’s 6 Months Old

Truth: Puppies begin learning from their mom and siblings almost immediately after birth. They are capable of learning basic commands; being potty trained; picking up how to walk on a leash; and socialising to new people, sights and sounds as early as 8 weeks of age. Their attention span is shorter than adult dogs and will require more patience and positive reinforcement, but the sooner you begin a pup’s education the faster he will learn what you expect from him.

Myth 2: You Can’t Train an Aggressive or Fearful Dog with Positive Reinforcement

Truth: Using aggressive training methods to train an aggressive dog will most likely result in a more aggressive or fearful pet, and won’t alter the bad behavior. Positive reinforcement training is one way of earning your dog’s respect, and it helps him gain confidence as he gradually learns how you want him to behave.

Myth 3: A Food Reward is Bribery

Truth: When learning something new, whether its dogs or humans, a reward is a motivating factor to want to be successful – provided that the task was correctly performed. Most canines are motivated by a food reward during training sessions, and when your dog reliably complies with a command, you can phase out the treats. It does what you ask for because it understands what you want it to do.

Myth 4: Playing Tug-of-War Teaches Dogs to be Aggressive