Sit, stay and manage expectations: how to start training your dog

"My family has never been closer to the brink of collapse than when we got a puppy. We spent hours reading articles and watching videos about puppy training, and were constantly arguing about the right way to potty train him or get him to stop barking. Every new piece of information seemed to contradict what we'd already learned — never scold him! Scold him! — but one thing was certain: make one wrong move and you will ruin your dog and your life forever."

"The No 1 mistake people make [when training] is thinking, I have to make my dog be perfect and sit all the time, instead of remembering why we got a dog and that we're meant to have fun together, says Amanda Gagnon, a zoologist, behavior consultant and dog trainer in New York City. Training is how a dog and a human learn to communicate with each other and build a relationship, says Gagnon."

Conflicting puppy-training advice can create family stress and persistent arguments. Training should focus on communication and relationship-building between dog and owner rather than achieving rigid perfection. Clear, consistent, enjoyable training supports a dog's safety and happiness without becoming a joyless chore. Owners should manage expectations by recognizing that dogs have individual personalities and needs; not every dog will enjoy every activity or environment. Adjusting routines to fit a dog's temperament prevents unnecessary pressure and reduces behavioral problems. Providing appropriate outlets for natural canine behaviors helps avoid frustration and fosters a healthy, cooperative partnership.

Read at www.theguardian.com