Dog Training Mistake: Why Teaching Your Puppy 'Paw' Too Early Could Lead to Problems

A leading canine behaviorist is advising dog owners to rethink a popular training command, warning that teaching puppies to 'give paw' could lead to problematic behaviors in adulthood. Will Atherton, a Clinical Canine Behaviourist with an MSc, highlights that while many owners enjoy teaching their dogs tricks, some commands, if taught too early, can hinder a dog's development of more crucial behaviors. "When it comes to puppy training, there's loads of things that you need to teach your puppy, so don't waste your time training useless things that you're not going to use," Atherton states in a recent video. He specifically points to the 'paw command' as a common error. Dogs naturally engage in 'offering behaviors' to gain attention or treats. If they learn that giving paw yields a reward, they may resort to swatting at their owners with their paws as they get older, hoping for attention or a treat. Instead, Atherton suggests focusing on basic, mandatory commands such as 'sit.' He explains, "It's way better that your adult dog offers you a sit and waits calmly and patiently, than comes up to you and starts swatting at you with their paws in hopes that you'll give them a treat." This approach encourages a more composed and patient demeanor in dogs, fostering better long-term behavior.

Wales Online

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