Social media is full of snappy, highly edited before and after videos of dogs displaying dangerous or embarrassing behaviours that get fixed seemingly within seconds. These videos often gloss over the most important factors of any training programme- the training that takes place between those before and after videos, and the maintenance training that the owners do outside of sessions. Instead, some content creators promote that their methods or use of a specific training tool can achieve the desired results within one session, with minimal input from the owner required.
While quick fixes might provide the illusion of an instant "fix", they often come with significant downsides. In this blog post, we'll explore the pitfalls of quick fixes in dog training and why patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement should be your guiding principles.
Temporary results.
The most apparent downside of a quick fix is that they often yield tempoary results. Dogs are fast learners, but long-lasting behavioural change takes time. Quick fixes may provide a brief period of success where the dog appears to have become a perfectly behaved companion, but they rarely address the underlying causes of behavioural issues. For example, using prong collars or other aversive training methods to stop a dog from reacting towards another dog may temporarily suppress the outward signs of lunging and barking, but they don't change the way the dog feels about the other dog and instead create further negative associations. Several days or weeks down the line, your dog is likely to begin reacting more explosively towards other dogs and the problem will become worse than it was in the beginning.
2. Unintended consequences.
Quick fixes can escalate behavioural problems. Punitive training methods may cause a dog to become more aggressive, anxious, or fearful, potentially exacerbating the initial issue. For example, if a dog is corrected aggressively for growling, they may skip the warning signs of growling and escalate straight to biting, as they feel their only way to communicate has been suppressed.
3. Potential for harm
Quick fixes can lead to increased stress and anxiety in dogs. The use of punishment can induce fear, pain, and anxiety in dogs. This fear may lead to aggressive or fearful behavior in the long run, undermining trust and hindering the dog-owner relationship. Physical punishments like collar corrections, collars with prongs, alpha rolling, and hitting can even cause physical harm in the form of damage to the sensitive structures of the neck, bruises and sprains, or even skin necrosis. It's essential to create a safe and positive environment for your dog to learn and grow.
4. Frustration
The lost time and money that you invest in ineffective training can lead to financial hardship, a lack of trust in the dog professionals, and concerns about an owner's ability to handle their dog. In some cases the frustration caused may lead to an owner deciding to rehome or euthanise their dog. By focusing on utilising positive reinforcement training from the start, it allows for frequent, enjoyable interactions and builds a strong, trusting relationship.
5. Compromised bond
Quick fixes can damage your relationship with your dog. Dogs thrive on trust, love, and mutual connection. When quick fixes involve fear or punishment, it erodes the bond between you and your pet. In the long run, a negative training experience can result in a dog that is uncooperative or fearful of their owner.
Whilst the allure of fast results is understandable, it's essential to consider the long-term consequences. They often provide a temporary plaster, but they can be detrimental to your dog's welfare and ultimately damage the bond you share. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement training, patience, consistency, and understanding the unique needs of your dog. By taking the time to create a loving, trust-based relationship, you'll enjoy a happier, healthier, and more well-behaved canine companion for years to come.
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