Training your furry best friend can be a challenge, especially when it comes to small dogs like toy breeds.
These little pups may be tiny, but they pack a lot of personality into their pint-sized bodies.
Unfortunately, many pet owners make common mistakes when it comes to training, which can lead to frustration and misbehavior.
But don't worry, you're not alone!
In this blog, we're going to share 9 of the most common training mistakes and how to avoid them.
So, grab a treat and get ready to learn the secrets to a well-trained toy breed.
Whether you're a seasoned dog parent or a first-time pup parent, you're sure to find helpful tips and tricks that will make training your small dog a breeze. Let's get started!
Mistake #1: Underestimating Their Intelligence
One common dog training mistake is underestimating the intelligence of your furry best friend.
Just because your toy breed is small, doesn't mean they can't learn complex commands.
These little dogs are smart, and they want to please you!
Don't limit them to only simple tricks, like rolling over or playing dead.
They are capable of much more! In fact, by challenging them with more advanced commands, you'll not only keep their minds stimulated, but also deepen your bond with them.
So, what can you do to avoid this common training mistake? First, remember to always keep training sessions fun and positive. Reward good behavior with treats and praise, and never use physical punishment.
Next, don't be afraid to get creative with your training. Teach your toy breed to perform tricks that showcase their intelligence and unique personality. You can even try agility training, which is a fun and challenging activity for dogs of all sizes.
In short, when it comes to the dos and don'ts of dog training, don't underestimate your toy breed's intelligence. They are smart little pups who want to learn and please you!
Mistake #2: Inconsistent Training
Inconsistent training is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and frustration for both you and your toy breed. Small dogs thrive on routine and structure, and when training is inconsistent, it can be difficult for them to understand what is expected of them.
Here are some tips to avoid this mistake and ensure consistent training for your toy breed:
- Stick to a set training schedule. Set aside time each day for training sessions and stick to this schedule as much as possible. This will help your toy breed understand when it's time to work and when it's time to play.
- Keep training sessions short. Small dogs have limited attention spans, so keep training sessions short and focused. Aim for 5-10 minute sessions, 2-3 times a day.
- Reinforce commands daily. Consistently reinforce commands during training sessions and throughout the day to help your toy breed remember what they've learned.
- Use positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, is a powerful tool for consistent training. By rewarding good behavior, you'll encourage your toy breed to continue to learn and obey.
- Avoid mixed signals. Make sure everyone in the household is on the same page when it comes to training. Inconsistent signals from different family members can confuse your toy breed and make training difficult.
Simply put, consistent training is essential for the success of your toy breed.
By sticking to a set training schedule, keeping sessions short and focused, reinforcing commands daily, using positive reinforcement, and avoiding mixed signals, you can help your furry best friend feel confident and secure, and avoid frustration and misbehavior.
Mistake #3: Overloading Your Pup with Too Many Commands, Lessons at One Time
Training your toy breed can be an exciting journey, but it's important to avoid the mistake of overloading them with too many commands or lessons at one time. Just like us, small dogs have limits to what they can learn and remember in a single session. Overloading them with too much information can lead to confusion, frustration, and a decrease in their confidence.
Here are some tips to avoid this mistake and help your toy breed succeed in training:
- Start small. Introduce one new command at a time and master it before moving on to the next. This will help your toy breed feel confident and successful in their training.
- Be patient. Training a small dog takes time, patience, and repetition. Allow your toy breed the time they need to understand and master each command.
- Reinforce, reinforce, reinforce. Consistent reinforcement of previously learned commands will help your toy breed retain what they've learned and build their confidence.
- Take breaks. If your toy breed is feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, take a break from training and come back to it later. A fresh start can often help to reset their focus and boost their motivation.
Confidence is key to good dog behavior. By following these tips, you will build your dog’s confidence – and it will want to obey and please you even more!
So, avoid the mistake of overloading your pup with too many commands or lessons at one time, and enjoy the journey to a well-trained, happy, and confident toy breed!
Mistake #4: Not Using Proper Timing
Timing is key when it comes to training your toy breed.
For example, if you praise your dog a few minutes after they've completed a task, they may not associate the praise with the behavior you want to reinforce.
Similarly, if your dog has an “accident” inside the house while you’re away at work, it won’t remember it later on in the day. So if you wait too long to correct your dog, then it’ll end up scared and confused.
On the other hand, if you use a training collar with a remote control, you can provide immediate feedback, which will help your toy breed understand the behavior you want to reinforce.
The best shock collar for extra small dogs with remote provides a simple, effective solution for correcting bad behavior. By using the remote control, you can get your toy breed's attention immediately, even from up to 1,000 feet away. This immediate communication tool can help you reinforce positive behavior and discourage negative behavior.
It's important to note that a training collar is not about punishment, but rather a tool for communication.
The stimulation delivered by a training collar is designed to get your toy breed's attention, not to cause pain.
Properly used, a training collar can help you establish a clear line of communication with your toy breed and help them learn what you expect of them.
If you're looking for a training collar for your toy breed, consider Wiggle Kingdom. With the right training collar for small dogs, you can help your furry best friend learn quickly and effectively, without causing unnecessary stress or discomfort.
So, don't make the mistake of not using proper timing in your training, and invest in a training collar today.
Mistake #5: Not Taking Into Account Breed Specific Traits
Toy breeds are unique and special, but that doesn't mean that all toy breeds are alike. Different breeds have different temperaments, instincts, and abilities, and it's important to take these breed specific traits into account when training your furry best friend.
Here are some examples of how breed specific traits can impact dog training:
- Chihuahuas are prone to being fearful and anxious, which can make potty training difficult.
- Pugs are prone to being stubborn, so it's important to be patient and persistent when training them.
- Shih Tzus are prone to being easily distracted, so it's important to keep training sessions short and focused.
- Yorkshire Terriers are often very energetic, so it's important to provide plenty of physical exercise to help them focus during training sessions.
- Maltese are prone to being anxious, so it's important to provide plenty of positive reinforcement during training to help them build confidence.
By taking breed specific traits into account, you can tailor your training approach to meet the needs and strengths of your toy breed. This will help them learn more quickly and effectively, and will also help you avoid common dog training mistakes.
So, when training your toy breed, don't make the mistake of not taking into account breed specific traits.
Instead, embrace the individuality of your furry best friend and customize your training approach to meet their unique needs and abilities. Remember, the dos and don'ts of dog training vary from breed to breed, so it's important to do your research and be informed.
Mistake #6: Not Providing Enough Physical and Mental Stimulation
Toy breeds are active and energetic, but they don’t always have a lot of room to run and play. For example, small dogs are popular among apartment renters, condo owners, and city dwellers with smaller spaces.
This can make it easy to overlook the importance of providing enough physical and mental stimulation for your furry best friend.
But this has big consequences.
Not providing enough stimulation can lead to a variety of problems, including destructive behavior, excessive barking, and even depression.
To avoid this common dog training mistake, it's important to provide plenty of physical and mental stimulation for your toy breed on a regular basis. This can include things like long walks, interactive toys, puzzle games, and training sessions.
Physical exercise is important for toy breeds because it helps burn off excess energy, promotes healthy muscle development, and reduces stress.
Mental stimulation, on the other hand, is important because it challenges the mind and helps keep your dog mentally stimulated and engaged.
So, don't make the mistake of not providing enough physical and mental stimulation for your toy breed. Instead, make it a priority to provide plenty of stimulation on a regular basis. This will help keep your furry best friend happy, healthy, and well-behaved.
When it comes to the dos and don'ts of dog training, providing enough stimulation is a must-do for toy breeds!
Mistake #7: Ignoring Bad Behavior
It's easy to get caught up in the cute and cuddly side of toy breeds and forget about the training aspect.
But ignoring bad behavior can lead to a host of problems, including destructiveness, excessive barking, and even aggression.
To avoid this common mistake, it's important to address bad behavior as soon as it occurs. A small dog training collar with a remote can be an effective tool for this because it provides immediate feedback to bad behavior.
This feedback can help your toy breed understand what is and isn't acceptable behavior, making training easier and more effective.
Remember, the dos and don'ts of house training a dog include addressing bad behavior as soon as it occurs. And a training collar can be an excellent tool to help you do just that!
The immediate feedback provided by a training collar can help you correct bad behavior quickly and effectively, without having to physically be right next to your dog.
This will help you avoid this common mistake and ensure that your toy breed grows up to be well-behaved and obedient.
Mistake #8: Not Making Training Fun
Training your furry friend should be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for both of you, but some pet owners make the mistake of turning it into a chore.
Training your toy breed doesn't have to be a boring or repetitive task! By making training fun and engaging, you'll not only make the process more enjoyable, but your pup will also be more eager to learn.
Here are a few tips to keep training sessions lighthearted and fun:
- Use Treats. Toy breeds love treats, so use them as a reward for good behavior. This will keep your pup motivated and eager to learn.
- Get Creative. Mix up your training routines by using different toys and props. Try training sessions in different locations, like the park or your backyard.
- Play Games. Incorporate games into your training sessions. For example, you can play hide-and-seek with treats or have your pup perform tricks in exchange for a reward.
- Keep it Short and Sweet. Toy breeds have short attention spans, so keep training sessions short and sweet. A 10-15 minute session is plenty of time for your pup to learn and have fun.
- Make it a Bonding Experience. Training should be a bonding experience between you and your pup. Spend quality time together and have fun while learning new things!
By making the process enjoyable, you'll have a well-behaved, happy, and obedient pup in no time. So, ditch the terrible dog training mistakes and make training a fun and memorable experience for both of you!
Mistake #9: Not Starting Training Early Enough
Training your furry best friend is an important part of pet ownership and starting early is key to having a well-behaved and obedient dog.
Unfortunately, one of the most common mistakes in dog training is not starting early enough.
While you want to start training your pup early, it's important to wait until they are at least 6 months of age before introducing a training collar, like a remote dog training collar.
It's important to note that not all collars are created equal, especially for toy breeds.
Toy breeds have smaller necks and different behavior patterns compared to larger breeds, so it's crucial to use a training collar that is specifically designed for their size and breed specific traits.
Starting training early will set your pup up for success, helping to prevent problem behaviors from developing and ensuring a happy, healthy relationship with you and your furry friend.
Why Choose Wiggle Kingdom?
When it comes to choosing the right training collar for your toy breed, Wiggle Kingdom is the way to go. Our remote dog training collars are specifically designed for toy breeds weighing between 5 and 15 pounds, ensuring a comfortable and effective fit.
With three different training settings - sound, vibration, and shock - you have the flexibility to choose what works best for your pup. The vibration and shock both have nine levels, from 1 (low) to 9 (high), which allows you to customize the collar to your pup's individual needs.
Not only does the remote work from up to 1,000 feet away, but the collar also boasts a sleek and stylish design. It's rechargeable, waterproof, and comes with a one-year warranty, so you can be confident in your purchase.
Dog training with a shock collar is a proven method to improve your dog’s behavior and stop unwanted habits, such as digging and unnecessary barking. So why wait? Get your toy breed on the path to successful training today with Wiggle Kingdom.