Dog owners are 'making one mistake' that could stop pet listening to you

Apex Dog Training took to social media to share the 'dos and don'ts of communicating with your dog' - and it turns out there's a common mistake owners are making

A dog trainer has shared some common mistakes that pet owners often make while training their dogs, leading to constant frustration. Apex Dog Training took to social media to share the 'dos and don'ts of communicating with your dog', stating: "If you want to communicate with your dog better, and in a way they understand. These are some things I would do, and some I would avoid."

Initially, he suggests asking your dog for a specific behaviour - like 'down' - and demonstrating what this means with a visual command, such as pointing your finger downwards while saying the word. He admits this will be easier for those who started training their dogs from puppyhood, but it can also be learned later in their lives.

Sharing another tip, he advises: "Do not walk around your dog in your own house. This is a great thing to do if you want your dog guarding your own house from you."

Instead, move your dog out of your way (with a command). You need to show them that this is your space.

"Regarding walking your dog on a lead, he suggests applying only a slight amount of pressure when you want them to execute a command - like stop or sit.

He warns constantly walking them under pressure will only make them want to break free, resulting in them not paying attention to you.

One user thankful for the advice, exclaimed: "Great video! While another agreed: Good reminders for everyone. "

Another fan chimed in: "Need to hear this today."

While someone else added: "Mate. I love your vids and interactions with Ollie. Huge respect here. "

This follows a study which revealed that dogs "can learn 165 words, including signals, and the "super dogs" (those in the top 20% of dog intelligence) can learn 250 words".

Speaking at the American Psychological Association's 117th Annual Convention on the topic "How Dogs Think", Coren explained how dogs have similar mental abilities to a human toddler aged between two and two-and-a-half.

A statement on the American Psychological Association reads: "Dogs can also count up to four or five, said Coren.

"And they have a basic understanding of arithmetic and will notice errors in simple computations, such as 1+1=1 or 1+1=3.

"Four studies he examined looked at how dogs solve spatial problems by modelling human or other dogs' behaviour using a barrier type problem."

Through observation, Coren said, dogs can learn the location of valued items (treats), better routes in the environment (the fastest way to a favourite chair), how to operate mechanisms (such as latches and simple machines) and the meaning of words and symbolic concepts (sometimes by simply listening to people speak and watching their actions)."