The Scariest Things Dog Owners Say

“He’ll grow out of it.” “He knows what ‘no’ means.” “He’s great with kids.”Every trainer has heard them—and every one of those phrases sends a chill down our spine.

Because when it comes to dog behavior, time doesn’t fix habits—training does. The longer a dog rehearses unwanted behavior, the more permanent it becomes. Waiting for a behavior to “fade” is like letting a ghost settle into your home—you’re only giving it power.

“He’ll grow out of it.”

Puppy mouthing, jumping, or ignoring recall aren’t “phases.” They’re learned responses reinforced by repetition. Without guidance, your cute puppy grows into an adult dog with bigger teeth and stronger opinions.

“He knows what ‘no’ means.”

Dogs don’t speak English—they respond to clarity and consistency. “No” without direction just becomes background noise. Instead, show them what to do—place, heel, sit—and follow through with consequence and reward.

“He’s great with kids.”

Maybe he is—until Halloween rolls around and kids in masks sprint toward your door. Social behavior isn’t static; it’s situational. Build neutrality through exposure, supervision, and structure.

Bottom line: the scariest thing a dog owner can do is wait. Early structure creates lifelong freedom.Ready to exorcise bad habits? Book a free evaluation and let’s start your training journey.