Misinformation has been a buzzword for a few years, and it seems no topic is safe – even dog training. Holding incorrect beliefs about dog behavior and training isn’t tragic, but it may directly impact your relationship with your pet and the effectiveness of training. Our next two articles will look closely at some behavioral myths and training misconceptions to help you better understand your dog’s behavior.
Common Myths About Canine Behavior
Dogs Only Misbehave Out of Spite: If you take away your kid’s phone as punishment, they may act out even worse, throwing a tantrum or slamming the door on their way to their room. These behaviors aren’t ideal, but we’re human, and emotions are a part of life. Some dog owners believe their pet’s unwanted behavior, such as chewing up shoes or making a mess indoors, is done out of a similar level of spite, either due to previous scoldings or punishments. However, dogs don’t really have the cognitive ability to act out of malice in the same way as humans. It’s harder for them to draw connections between two things far apart in time, so they probably aren’t messing up your furniture as revenge.
Most often, these actions stem from feelings of anxiety, boredom, or a lack of stimulation. If a dog left alone for long periods chews furniture or barks excessively, it’s better to address the root problem to stop this behavior instead of continuing to scold them. For some specific issues such as these, it’s usually worth considering crate training to accustom your dog to periods where they must stay alone during parts of the day.
Training Is Only Effective When Started as a Puppy: Don’t believe the old adage – dogs of any age can learn and implement new tricks into their lives. Just like how humans can absorb languages at a young age, puppies may be able to learn essential training at an accelerated rate. But this doesn’t mean older dogs can’t find the same success; it just requires a bit more patience to overcome ingrained habits.
If you are considering puppy training, the ideal age is around 4-6 months. However, there are plenty of unique training programs that accommodate dogs of all ages with all kinds of behavioral concerns or goals. Many dog owners don’t even adopt their furry friend until after the puppy phase, and it’s still extremely common for these owners to enroll their new pets in training programs to help them get accustomed to their new lives and routines.
A Dog’s Yawn Always Means They’re Tired: When humans yawn, others around them often yawn in unison, and experts are not 100% sure why this occurs. With that being said, dogs also have some unique quirks when it comes to yawning, as not every yawn indicates sleepiness.
While dogs do yawn when tired, yawning is also a calming signal that can indicate stress or discomfort regarding their surroundings. When a dog encounters a new or overwhelming situation, a yawn can help them self-soothe. Essentially, a yawn represents one small aspect of their body language, communicating they may be uneasy or trying to defuse a situation. For example, if your dog is yawning repeatedly during a training session, it may mean they need a break or feel overstimulated.
Remember – looking at your dog’s behavior and actions through a human lens may not be the best way to truly understand them. They are unique creatures with unique needs, and learning about their distinct personalities can go a long way in bonding with them.
If you want to start your dog on their training journey, contact Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training today.
