WARNING:  This post is more of a rant than an educational dog training piece.  Read at your own risk!

In order to get topics for these blog posts I often visit dog training message boards and forums looking for ideas.  I like to see some of the problems that are common amongst pet dogs and write about them in this blog.

There is a technique that I see from time to time recommended by dog owners to other dog owners.  I think you know what method I’m talking about (I’m assuming you read the title to this post).  Someone goes on a message board asking for advice on how to house train their dog.  It is inevitable that I see someone else respond by saying, “Rub your dog’s nose in the accident while telling him ‘no’ in a firm voice.  Then put the dog in his crate or outside.” 

I honestly can’t believe that in the year 2008 that this archaic method is still followed and believed to work.  As a professional dog trainer that has assisted numerous clients in house training numerous dogs let me assure you, THIS METHOD DOES NOT WORK!!!

Many people claim that dog’s can’t remember something after it happens.  That isn’t true.  Dogs do have memory.  What they aren’t capable of, however, is attaching negative or positive reinforcement to a behavior after the fact.  What that means is that if you catch your dog more than a few seconds after a house training accident or any other misbehavior there is nothing you can do.  Don’t even try.  It isn’t that your dog is stupid, it’s just that the canine mind is programmed differently than a human mind.  Different doesn’t mean better or worse, just different.

If you are going to train your dog it is imperative that you know how he understands associations.  So please, understand this one.  If you don’t catch your dog in the act of a misbehavior don’t do anything!  Just learn your lesson and supervise your dog better.