Top 5 Training Mistakes Dog Owners Make (And How to Fix Them)

"Implement structure: earn the reward, don’t just receive it."

1. Inconsistency Saying "sit" one day and ignoring it the next confuses your dog. Be consistent with commands and expectations, especially in the early stages of training.

2. Overusing "No" Without Redirection “No” might stop the behavior momentarily, but it doesn’t teach your dog what to do. If your dog is chewing a shoe, say “No,” then hand them a toy they can chew.

3. Free Access to Everything Dogs who have constant access to couches, toys, food, and freedom often become entitled. Implement structure: earn the reward, don’t just receive it.

4. Bad Timing Correcting or rewarding too late confuses your dog. Make sure your timing is sharp so your dog connects the consequence to their behavior.

5. Relying Only on Treats Treats are a great tool, but not the only one. Praise, play, and freedom are also powerful motivators. And when it’s time to correct behavior, food won’t always cut it.