3- USING THE ‘COME’ COMMAND FOR SOMETHING YOUR DOG DOESN’T LIKE
Initially, this command is taught by giving your dog a reward when she comes to you. You’re training your dog that something good (a treat) is the result of coming on command. It’s very effective when you need your dog to come to you, for example, at the dog park or in a situation where she may get hurt.
If you use this command indiscriminately, sometimes for a reward and sometimes for a bath or medicine or anything your dog dislikes, your dog will be confused, her feelings will be hurt — and she won’t consistently come to you at the dog park anymore. Don’t use the “come” command to punish your dog.
4- BEING A PARTY POOPER
Dogs thrive on exercise and mental stimulation — in other words, playtime. If you don’t provide some quality playtime with your pooch, your dog’s feelings will be hurt, and he might resort to destructive behavior in an attempt to get his exercise.
5- PUNISHING OR LAUGHING AT YOUR DOG’S FEARS
Like people, dogs can be afraid of irrational things. Common things, like skateboards, thunder, large trucks, the vacuum cleaner, even a particular floor covering, can be a source of doggy terror. They may react by cowering, urinating and shaking. Ears back, tail tucked, body low to the ground are all clear signs that your dog is afraid.
The best thing you can do for a dog that’s afraid is remain calm and remove the dog from the area or situation. The worst thing you can do is to laugh at your dog or punish her. Imagine how you would feel if the person you counted on most in the world laughed at your irrational fear of pickles. You’d still be afraid of pickles, but your trust in “your person” would be damaged, possibly forever.
6- USING THEIR CRATE AS A PUNISHMENT
To a lot of dogs, their crate is their safe place. With a comfy bed and a little privacy, your dog can snooze the day away without a care in the world. That’s the way a crate is supposed to function for your dog.
But if you send your dog to her crate as a punishment, and even worse, yell and lock her in, that crate is no longer a happy space. You’ve destroyed her wonderful den and left her confused and upset.
