5 Common Training Mistakes & How to Fix Them
We don’t physically train any dogs but our own. Instead, we teach you how to train yours. There is nothing more satisfying than witnessing the “AHA!” moment when a human and dog finally coalesce into a team.
However, almost every handler we meet falls into at least one of these five common traps. Which one is your bad habit?
1. Being the “Boss” instead of the “Coach”
Merriam-Webster defines a Boss as one who directs or supervises workers. A Coach, however, is one who instructs or trains. You can shout “Heel!” until the cows come home, but if you haven’t taught your dog what that word means, you’re just making noise. Dog training is about bridging the language gap. All dogs are born knowing how to sit—they just don’t know the English word for it. Your job is to connect those dots.
2. “Helping” (Otherwise known as Nagging)
Your dog heard you the first time. Repeating a cue doesn’t help; it just teaches your dog they can ignore the first three versions of the command. The cue is “Down,” not “Down, Down… Down!”
Similarly, physically pushing a dog’s butt down often triggers the “opposition reflex.” Just like humans, when dogs feel a push, they instinctively push back. Give your dog the “processing time” they need to think through the request.
3. Being Stingy with Rewards
Dogs learn through the timing and placement of rewards. While you won’t always need a treat in your hand, the learning phase is not the time to be frugal.
The Rule: Ignore the “wrong” stuff and simply ask again. But when they get it right—especially something difficult—give them an immediate jackpot.
We often see students resist rewarding because they fear “spoiling” the dog. But without a reward, doing it right looks exactly like doing it wrong to a dog. Why would they bother?
4. Disengaging from the Team
This usually happens when a handler gets distracted or assumes the dog “just knows” what’s happening.
Even a simple move, like turning around to retrace your steps, can cause a disconnect. Catching your dog’s eye and saying, “We’re going this way!” keeps them in the loop. In practicing the “Recall,” people often hand us the leash and walk away without a word. Next time, try catching your dog’s eye before you leave. They might actually be watching when you finally call them.
5. Quitting on Your Dog
We have one student who is a perfectionist. If she gives the wrong hand signal, she gets frustrated and gives up. Her dog doesn’t know she’s mad at herself—he thinks he failed. That’s when he runs off to find something more fun to do.
Your dog thinks you’re perfect. Don’t convince them otherwise. We have a rule: if the human screws up, the dog gets an “Oops Cookie.” It keeps the mood light, rewards the dog for staying engaged with a confused human, and lets you both try again with a smile.
Enjoy the Journey
Great coaches are there for the whole season, through the wins and the muddy practices. Training is a lifetime journey of deepening your bond. Stay present, stay positive, and keep those cookies ready.
Which of these training mistakes do you find yourself making most often? Drop a comment below and let’s troubleshoot!