Getting a new dog or puppy is exciting—but training them at home can quickly become frustrating if you don’t know what you’re doing. Many well-meaning dog owners accidentally reinforce bad behavior, delay progress, or give up altogether.
To help you avoid common pitfalls, here are the top three dog training mistakes new owners make—and what to do instead.
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Top 3 Dog Training Mistakes New Dog Owners Make
Here are the three most common mistakes new dog owners make when training their dog at home, and exactly what to do instead.
1. Waiting Too Long to Start Training
One of the biggest mistakes is thinking, “I’ll start once they settle in.” The truth is, training starts the day your dog comes home.
Whether you’ve adopted a puppy or an older rescue, dogs begin forming habits immediately. Waiting weeks or months gives those bad habits time to take hold.
What to Do Instead:
-
- Set rules on day one (no jumping, no begging, etc.)
- Use consistent routines from the start
- Reinforce positive behavior every single day
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2. Using Inconsistent Commands and Rules
Dogs thrive on consistency. If your family members use different commands—or if rules change depending on your mood—it confuses your dog and slows training.
For example:
- You say “Off” to stop jumping, but your partner says “Down”
- You let the dog on the couch sometimes, then yell when they jump up later
Your dog isn’t being disobedient—they’re just confused.
What to Do Instead:
- Choose 1–2 word commands for each behavior (and stick to them!)
- Write them down on a family training sheet
- Reinforce the same rules every time—no exceptions
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3. Training Only When There’s a Problem
Many owners wait until their dog is barking nonstop or destroying furniture before they “start training.”
But real training is proactive, not reactive.
Dogs need mental structure, routine, and regular practice—not just discipline when they misbehave.
What to Do Instead:
- Train for 10–15 minutes daily (short sessions are best!)
- Practice “boring” things like sit, stay, and walking calmly
- Make training fun with treats, toys, and praise
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Related Posts:
7 Myths About Dog Training: What NOT to Do! (watch the video)
Why You’re Struggling to Train Your Puppy: Two BIG Mistakes!
How to Stop Your Puppy from Biting: Biggest Mistake You’re Making!
9 Mistakes Pet Owners Make: Don’t Shorten Your Pet’s Life!
Common Dog Training Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Final Thoughts About Training Your Dog
Training your dog at home doesn’t have to be stressful—but it does need to be intentional. Avoiding these three mistakes will set you up for success, and your dog will be happier, better behaved, and easier to live with.
👉 Want expert help without paying for expensive classes?
Sign up for this free dog training course from TrainPetDog.com and start seeing results fast.
I Donate to Animal Charities
I hope this information was helpful! Please feel free to comment below this post if you have questions about training your dog.
You should know I earn a small commission if you make a purchase using some of the links on this website. I donate 10% of my earnings to animal charities!
If this was helpful, please share it with friends and family members who have a pet! Also, please feel free to sign up for my Dog Lovers and/or Cat Lover newsletter for tons of help to become the best pet owner you can be! Thanks so much. Debra
This is great information. I do have a puppy, well he is getting out of the puppy stage. His sister will “dance” for a treat. He thinks that jumping and springing in the air works too. So I have started making him sit when he jumps. I tell him “no jumping” and then we have been working on sit. I make him “stay” until I say ok, then he know he can stop sitting. Seems to be working. Anytime he starts jumping I make him sit. Now, I do have a rescue that I started training from day 1 when I got him. I’ve had him 10 years now, and some habits he just won’t get rid of, like wanting to mark in the house. So he wears a diaper. Any suggestion, or is he a lost cause?
Your comment is so cute…I can tell you really love these little sweeties. I can offer help on the marking issue. Maybe take a look at this free tutorial from Doggy Dan about potty training adult dogs…let me know if it helps! This is an affiliate link, but the tutorial is free. Debra
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