If we could change one thing about the Dog Training industry, here’s what we would change.
The biggest problem we see on a regular basis is the idea that there’s some magical “quick fix” that’s going to make everything better with your pup.
Unfortunately this just isn’t the case.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s true.
And what’s even worse is that this idea ends up being perpetuated on both sides. The clients AND the trainers.
The clients that want a quick fix because they’re already overwhelmed and frustrated with all they have on their plate and they just wish their pup could be a “good boy” ASAP.
They’re exhausted and burned out. Having a dog wasn’t at all how they remembered it as a kid and they’re wondering what they’re doing wrong.
It’s not their fault they feel this way. It makes perfect sense.
The problem comes about when the Dog Trainer sells them the quick fix.
The trainer isn’t trying to be mean, or bad, or just take their money.
The Dog Trainer thinks they are doing the client a service, but in reality they are doing them a HUGE disservice by not explaining that the “quick fix” isn’t really practical.
Just like teaching your kiddo, training your dog, is a process that takes time.
So what we really need to do is stop wanting this to be done without putting in the work and the time.
You will benefit from it
Your pup will benefit from it
And your entire family (including your four legged furry friend) will be much much happier.
When it comes to dog training, there’s no such thing as a “quick fix.” While it can be tempting to look for fast solutions to correct unwanted behaviors or teach a new command, true, lasting success takes time, consistency, and effort. Training your dog is a process that involves building a strong foundation, understanding their needs, and establishing clear communication. Here are some reasons why quick fixes often don’t work in dog training:
1. Behavior Change Requires Time and Repetition
Dogs learn through repetition and consistency, and behaviors are shaped over time. Expecting a quick fix overlooks the fact that most dogs need multiple repetitions of a new behavior before they fully understand and can reliably perform it. For example, teaching a dog to sit on command might seem simple, but ensuring they can do it consistently in various environments and situations requires ongoing practice.
Quick fixes, on the other hand, often focus on stopping a specific behavior without addressing the underlying causes or teaching an alternative behavior. This can lead to confusion and frustration for the dog because they don’t fully understand what’s expected of them.
2. Root Causes of Behavior Are Often Ignored
Unwanted behaviors, like excessive barking, jumping, or leash pulling, often have deeper underlying causes such as fear, anxiety, boredom, lack of exercise, or poor communication. A quick fix might suppress the behavior temporarily (e.g., using a no-pull harness to stop pulling on the leash), but it doesn’t address why the behavior is happening in the first place.
For example:
- A dog that barks excessively might be seeking attention, reacting to boredom, or experiencing anxiety. Simply trying to silence the barking without addressing the underlying emotions won’t result in a long-term solution.
- A dog that growls or shows aggression might be fearful or stressed. Punishing the growling as a quick fix can suppress the warning signal, potentially leading to more severe aggression down the line because the root cause—fear—wasn’t addressed.
To create lasting change, it’s essential to identify and address the root cause of the behavior rather than just trying to stop the symptom.
3. Dogs Need to Build Positive Associations
Positive reinforcement, on the other hand, builds trust and helps dogs form positive associations with desired behaviors. This approach takes more time but creates long-lasting results because the dog is motivated to repeat the behavior in the future.
4. Lasting Change Requires Consistency
Quick fixes often fail because they don’t establish consistent rules and expectations for the dog. Dogs thrive on routine and consistency, and they need clear, predictable cues to understand what behavior is expected of them. A one-time effort to fix a problem won’t stick if it’s not reinforced through consistent training and daily practice.
For example:
- If you’re trying to teach your dog not to jump on guests, a single correction won’t solve the problem if you don’t consistently enforce the same rules every time someone enters your home.
- If you want your dog to stop pulling on the leash, you need to practice proper leash-walking techniques on every walk—not just once or twice.
Dogs learn through repetition and reinforcement, so consistency is key to success.
5. Habits Take Time to Form
Just like with humans, it takes time for dogs to break bad habits and form new ones. Behaviors that have been reinforced for months or even years—like jumping on people or barking at the door—won’t change overnight. Expecting a quick fix is unrealistic and can lead to frustration for both you and your dog.
Training involves reshaping habits, which requires patience, persistence, and gradual progress. For instance:
- A dog that pulls on the leash has likely been doing so for a long time because they’ve learned that pulling gets them where they want to go. Teaching them to walk politely on a leash requires retraining their mindset and rewarding calm, loose-leash behavior.
6. Dogs Learn in Steps
Dogs don’t learn behaviors all at once—they learn in small, incremental steps. For example, teaching a dog to stay involves gradually increasing the duration and distance while reinforcing the behavior at each stage. Skipping steps or rushing through training can lead to confusion and incomplete learning.
Quick fixes often skip these important steps, resulting in a dog that doesn’t fully understand the behavior or can only perform it in specific situations. True training builds skills systematically so that the dog can generalize the behavior to different environments and distractions.
7. Stress and Confusion Can Backfire
Quick fixes that rely on punishment or aversive methods can cause stress and confusion for your dog. Dogs don’t always understand why they’re being punished, especially if the timing or context is off. This can lead to fear, anxiety, or even aggression, making the problem worse instead of better.
For example:
- Punishing a dog for accidents during potty training can make them fearful of going to the bathroom in front of you, rather than teaching them where they should go.
- Yelling at a dog for chewing on furniture doesn’t teach them what they can chew on and may lead to them chewing in secret instead.
Training should focus on teaching your dog what to do rather than simply punishing unwanted behaviors.
8. Training Builds a Lifelong Bond
Dog training is about more than just teaching commands—it’s about building a strong, positive relationship with your dog based on trust and communication. Quick fixes often prioritize convenience over connection, missing the opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
Investing time and effort into training shows your dog that you’re a reliable leader who understands and respects their needs. This not only improves behavior but also enhances your overall relationship.
What to Do Instead of Looking for Quick Fixes
If you want lasting results, focus on these key principles:
- Use positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviors.
- Be patient and recognize that training takes time.
- Practice consistency in your commands, expectations, and routines.
- Address the root causes of behaviors, not just the symptoms.
- Work with a professional trainer if you need guidance or are dealing with complex behavioral issues.
Remember, training is a journey, not a destination. By taking the time to work with your dog and understand their needs, you’ll set them up for a lifetime of good behavior and a happy, fulfilling relationship. It’s not about quick fixes—it’s about creating lasting change.