A cynologist told about myths about dog training
There are many myths about dog training that can confuse the novice dog breeder. Based on unverified information, owners make mistakes when training a pet, which later affects its behavior. This was told to "Izvestia" on September 26 by the President of the Russian Cynological Federation Vladimir Golubev.
"Training a dog is a responsible and important business that requires patience, endurance and knowledge. Before you start training, study the literature, consult with a professional to avoid mistakes that can affect the behavior of the animal," - said the cynologist.
The first myth is that there is a universal approach to all dogs.
"Just like people, all dogs are different. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to all dogs, there are basics to help guide training, but it is important to adjust to the individual pet. All dogs are different with individualized mentalities. The same action may be perceived differently by a mildly excitable or phlegmatic dog. Someone reacts to a more emotional impact, and with someone it is important to be calm. Only an individual approach to training will help to achieve the required faster and more effectively", - pointed out Golubev.
The second myth is that an elderly pet cannot be taught commands.
Training is relevant for both puppies and adult dogs, the specialist pointed out. It is wrong to think that an older pet is not capable of learning and practicing a command.
"It may take the owner more time, but it is possible to train any pet regardless of age. This will not only allow you to have an obedient dog in the house, but also keep the pet's mind and body alert. Joint training helps to develop an emotional bond between the dog and the owner, contributes to the physical and mental development of the elderly pet," - said the cynologist.
A third myth is that a dog should obey its owner out of respect.
"Some dog breeders think that a dog doesn't need training and will listen to the owner out of respect. But in fact, in a pet, the respect that humans are accustomed to is not based on the formidability and authority of the owner, but on a sense of security. When there is a confident, predictable leader who does not shout, maintains positive emotional contact, communicates with the pet and engages with him, it allows to make the dog obedient," said Golubev.
Obedience can be achieved only by regular and proper training and consistency, not by the authority of the owner, emphasized the interlocutor of the publication.
The fourth myth is that classes without a break give better results.
The expert noted that intensive training without a break can have a bad effect on learning. It is important to give the dog a rest.
"There are times when a pet refuses to perform a command that he performed flawlessly before. This can happen because of a heavy load and the owner's restrictions. For example, the dog wants to play with relatives, and the dog owner insists on teaching commands, or in an attempt to work out the skill of distraction from the bowl, the owner does not give the pet a quiet meal. Remember: a dog should have time to rest, to fulfill his need for food, sleep and socialization. You do not need to turn the life of the pet into a camp for troubled teens," he concluded.
On September 16, kinologist Golubev told "Izvestia" about the difficulties in acquiring a puppy. So, a small puppy is curious by nature, he will be interested in studying the surrounding space, while the pet will not just look around, he can literally try everything on the tooth. Therefore, dog owners may find that the baby will chew on furniture, plants, curtains, wallpaper, shoelaces and sneakers, said the dog breeder.
