Training your dog is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make in your relationship together. Done well, it builds trust, understanding, and confidence in your dog—all while creating a calmer, happier home. Done poorly, training can lead to frustration on both sides.
Even the most loving dog parents make mistakes along the way. By knowing what to avoid, you’ll help your dog thrive and enjoy a smoother training journey. Here are 12 of the most common dog training mistakes—and how to do better.
1. Yelling or Punishing Instead of Positive Reinforcement
Harsh corrections like yelling, hitting, or leash jerks can damage your bond and create fearful, anxious dogs. Studies consistently show positive reinforcement—rewarding good behaviour with treats, toys or praise leads to faster learning and a stronger relationship.
Real-life example: When Max, a 6-month-old Labrador, chewed shoes, his owner scolded him. Instead of improving, Max became nervous. When the owner switched to rewarding Max with a chew toy and praise for good choices, his behavior improved dramatically.
Tip: Focus on rewarding what your dog does right and quietly redirect mistakes without anger.
2. Skipping Consistency in Commands
If you sometimes allow jumping, and other times scold it, your dog won’t know which is correct. Inconsistent commands confuse dogs and slow learning.
Tip: Use the same words and gestures for each command, and make sure everyone in the household follows the same rules.
3. Not Rewarding Immediately
Dogs live in the moment. If you wait too long before praising good behaviour, the connection between action and reward is lost.
Tip: Carry treats with you, and use a clicker or a cheerful “Yes!” to mark behaviour the instant it happens, followed by the reward. Having your hands free helps too—our Leather Hands-Free Leash keeps training smooth while letting you reward quickly and effectively.
4. Training Only Indoors (Ignoring Distractions)
Many owners get frustrated when a dog behaves perfectly at home but ignores cues outside. This happens because training was never reinforced around distractions.
Expert insight: The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour states, “Dogs need gradual exposure to distractions to achieve reliable behaviour.”
Tip: Start at home, then practice in the backyard, quiet streets, and eventually busy parks. And if you’re training after sunset, consider our LED Retractable Leash
for safety and visibility while reinforcing cues in different environments.
5. Expecting Results Too Fast
Dogs don’t master behaviors instantly. Expecting progress overnight creates impatience and discouragement for both pet and owner.
Tip: Training is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate small wins and keep sessions upbeat and achievable.
6. Making Training Sessions Too Long
Long, drawn-out sessions cause dogs—especially puppies—to lose focus and become frustrated.
Tip: Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) but repeat them several times a day. Frequent, playful consistency is far more effective than a single long workout. And don’t forget the basics—our eco-friendly Poop Bags make sure every training walk is stress-free and responsible.
7. Relying Only on Treats
Treats are powerful motivators but shouldn’t be the only training tool. If your dog only listens when food is visible, you haven’t created lasting habits.
Tip: Mix treats with verbal praise, play, and affection to make good behavior rewarding in all situations.
8. Skipping Socialisation
Avoiding new environments, people, or dogs can make your dog fearful or reactive later in life. Socialisation is as important as training itself.
Tip: Safely expose your pup to different settings, sounds, and experiences from an early age so they learn confidence in any environment.
9. Inconsistent Household Rules
If one person lets the dog on the couch and another doesn’t, confusion sets in. Consistent household rules are essential for dogs to understand boundaries.
Tip: Agree as a family on what’s allowed and what isn’t—and stick to it together.
10. Ending Sessions on a Negative Note
Stopping after a failed repetition leaves your dog discouraged. Training should build confidence, not frustration.
Tip: Always end on a success, even a small one. A perfect “sit” followed by a reward is the ideal way to wrap up every session.
11. Forgetting That Every Dog Learns Differently
Not all dogs learn at the same pace or respond to the same motivators. Comparing your dog’s progress to others can lead to misplaced frustration.
Tip: Discover what motivates your individual dog—be it treats, toys, or praise—and tailor your approach accordingly.
12. Overlooking Patience and Empathy
Above all, training is about building trust. Pushing too hard, too fast, or responding with frustration overlooks the emotional needs of your companion.
Tip: Approach training with empathy, patience, and a sense of partnership. Your dog is learning how to navigate the human world—be their guide, not their drill sergeant.
Summary
Closing Thoughts
Dog training is less about control and more about connection. By avoiding these 12 common mistakes, you’ll create sessions that feel joyful and rewarding—for both you and your pup. Over time, this consistency and care will lay the foundation for a calmer, more harmonious life together.
Every dog learns differently, but one thing is universal: training is a journey. If you’d like more gentle, practical tips, join our La Refleción community for expert advice, pet-friendly guides, and exclusive early access to our newest training essentials.
And when you’re ready to elevate your walks, explore our online pet store — curated with thoughtfully designed leashes, harnesses and eco-friendly essentials to make training not only effective, but beautifully simple.
FAQs
How long should each dog training session last?
Keep training short—about 5–10 minutes at a time. Repeat multiple sessions each day for best results.
Can I train my dog without treats?
Yes. Treats are useful, but dogs also respond very well to praise, toys, and affection. Mix rewards for stronger, lasting results.
What age should I start training my puppy?
You can start as early as 8 weeks old. Early training prevents bad habits and helps your dog develop confidence in the world.
What’s the biggest dog training mistake owners make?
Inconsistency. Dogs thrive when rules are clear, rewards are immediate, and everyone in the household reinforces the same behaviors.
How do I keep training fun for my dog?
Keep sessions playful, use rewards your dog loves, and finish each session on a success. The happier training feels, the faster your dog learns.
Can older dogs still be trained?
Absolutely. Dogs of any age can learn new skills—it just takes a little more patience. Positive reinforcement works for seniors, too.
What’s the best way to train multiple dogs at once?
Train each dog individually first, then gradually work them together. This ensures every dog understands the rules before practicing as a group.
How do I train a rescue dog with a difficult past?
Go slow, use lots of positive reinforcement, and create a safe environment. Rescue dogs often need extra patience, but with love and structure, they can thrive.