Understanding how dogs learn is essential for anyone who trains dogs or wants to become a dog trainer, and to avoid these top training mistakes.
The two fundamental ways in which our dogs learn are by Classic Conditioning and Operant Conditioning. In Classic Conditioning, also referred to as Associative learning, the dog builds an association between events. A simple example is a puppy running to the grocery cupboard when the owner opens the door. The owner then takes out a treat and gives it to the puppy – a pleasant experience. Puppy quickly learns to associate the sound of the cupboard door opening with something enjoyable, so each time puppy hears the door open, he runs to the cupboard.
With Operant Conditioning, also referred to as instrumental conditioning or positive reinforcement training, the dog learns from the consequence of his behaviour. For example, the owner tells the dog to sit, and the dog sits; the owner then rewards him with a treat or praises him verbally. If the dog chooses not to sit, then the owner withholds any form of reward. Dogs tend to repeat rewarding behaviours and avoid those that are not, so the next time they are told to sit, they will comply to receive the reward. (Positive reinforcement/reward-based training).
When training a dog, mistakes are inevitable and should not be frowned upon; the important thing is to learn from them continuously. Here are some of the more common errors :
Top Training Mistakes 1: Lack of early socialising
Early socialising with other dogs, people and different environments is particularly important. Poorly socialised dogs are more prone to developing fear-based or reactive behaviours, which can impact training, especially in a class environment.
Top Training Mistakes 2: Impatience – Always remember, the fastest way to train a dog is slowly
One of the most common faults when training dogs is impatience and frustration. We often try to raise the criteria or move to the next level before the dog has mastered or fully understood the initial behaviour being trained. Dogs learn at different rates, and regression is normal. Training takes patience and repetition.
Top Training Mistakes 3: Inconsistency
Always use the same cue/command when requesting a behaviour to avoid confusion. Dogs thrive on consistency – mixed signals confuse them and result in misunderstanding.
Top Training Mistakes 4: Using cues/commands ineffectively
Repeating a cue over and over, e.g. sit, sit, sit. Dogs learn to ignore repeated cues. Give the cue once and wait for the dog to respond. If he fails to, break away to another area and try again.
Top Training Mistakes 5: Using insufficient or incorrect rewards
High-value rewards are crucial when training using positive reinforcement/reward-based training. This motivates the dog and increases the speed of response to the cue. Remember not to fade out the rewards too quickly, as this can result in setbacks.
Top Training Mistakes 6: Training sessions are too long
Dogs learn and respond best to short, precise training sessions. Boredom and burnout can result if the sessions are too long.
Top Training Mistakes 7: Overloading
Overloading occurs when the dog is exposed to many stimuli, challenges or commands at a given time. Mentally and emotionally, they cannot cope, resulting in shutdown. Several short, focused sessions of 5 to 15 minutes are far more advantageous than one long session. Always finish with something positive and not when the dog is struggling.
Top Training Mistakes 8: The owner’s tone of voice and body language
Always be mindful of your tone of voice and body language. Using a harsh, loud tone can often intimidate the dog, especially puppies and result in an unwanted response to your cue – the dog will not display the behaviour you are requesting. Similarly, check that you are not giving mixed messages with your body language. Towering over the dog and then verbally cueing him to sit may result in him going into the down position, as he sees the body as being quite intimidating.
Top Training Mistakes 9: Punishing instead of treating
Avoid using any form of aversive training, including shouting, hitting, or using aversive training equipment like pronged or electric shock collars, to correct unwanted behaviours. This can create fear and anxiety or even an aggressive response from the dog.
IMDT South Africa has excellent short webinars to help you train your dog. Click here for information.
Additionally, you can work with a certified behaviourist. Click here to find out why.