If you've ever attempted, or are currently attempting to train your dog, you know how hard it can be sometimes to get your dog to listen to you.
You know exactly what you want them to do, but it is impossible to show them what they should be doing and how to respond to your commands.
You may have even given up on trying to train your dog to do certain things or stop certain bad habits because you think it is hopeless.
The reality is that you are probably making at least one of three very common mistakes that are completely destroying the positive progress you're making in training your dog...
First, you should always think of training your dog in terms of rewards and punishment.
Every thing you do will be judged by your dog, even things you do that you don't realize, and even when you don't do anything at all.
You may be punishing your dog without even realizing it.
For example, if you call your dog, and your dog comes, that is a good thing, and you should praise and reward them.
However, most dog owners will immediately put them on a leash after praising them to take them outside or put them in a crate or something along those lines.
The dog sees this as a punishment and will be reluctant to come when called again.
Next, always be thinking about a way to reward your dog for doing something positive.
If they simply follow a command that you've given them, you should reward them.
Rewards can be as simple as giving them attention and praise.
It doesn't always have to be a treat.
Simply ignoring something is not praise and can even be seen as a punishment by your dog.
Finally, don't ever hit or "swat" your dog.
There is nothing more to be said, other than you're not helping your cause if you're physical with your dog.
You'll only grow resentment and mistrust.