Adventures Outdoors'
In Wisconsin
Retriever Training
The Don'ts of Dog Training
By Rick Spoerl
After a dog knows a command don't say it multiple times. Say it once and than enforce it. This is the only real fair approach you can take. The dog will respect you and comply without hesitation.
Be consistent. Don't discipline the dog for wrong doing and than let him get away with it another time. This only confuses the dog and he will never really know what you want.
Don't overdue retrieves. Especially with young dogs. This can be unproductive and boring. Stop when the dog really, really wants more.
Don't ever, never play tug of war with your dog. Obviously this isn't a good idea if you want your dog to handle birds and bumpers properly.
Don't punish a young dog (verbally or physically) for retrieving an item you don't want the dog to have. If he gets your best pair of shoes try to get him to bring it to you or gently remove them from his mouth telling him "good boy", than hide them.
Don't use commands that sound alike. "No" and "Go" can confuse a dog.
Don't talk to your dog with long sentences. For example, "now get over hear Gunner". The proper command would be, "Gunner Hear", or "Gunner Come".
Don't let a dog bark, whine or howl. Nip it in the bud when their young. Believe me, when they get older and your hunting or at a field trial it isn't cute anymore.
Don't let the dog jump on you if you expect it not to jump on your grandmother.
Don't get stuck on one training routine just because you always want your dog to succeed. Let your ego go.