The 5 Most Common Dog Training Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
Discover the five most common dog training mistakes owners make — and expert tips from our Back to Basics Team, Chicago’s most trusted professional dog trainers, on how to fix them fast.
Training your dog should be a rewarding experience filled with progress and bonding. But even the most loving owners often make small training mistakes that can lead to confusion, frustration, or unwanted behavior.
At
Back to Basics, we’ve helped hundreds of dogs across
Chicago become well-mannered, confident companions. Here are the
five most common dog training mistakes
— and how to fix each one the right way.
1. 🗣️ Be Consistent with Your Commands
The mistake:
Using multiple words for the same cue — like “come,” “come here,” or “get over here” — or sometimes enforcing rules and sometimes not.
Why it matters:
Dogs thrive on consistency. If the rules change, your dog won’t understand what’s expected.
How to fix it:
Choose one cue for each command and make sure everyone in your home uses the same word. Consistency builds clarity — and clarity builds success.
💡 Pro Tip: Create a “command list” for your family to follow, especially if multiple people work with the dog.
2. ⏱️ Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun
The mistake:
Trying to train for long, uninterrupted sessions (30-45 mins straight).
Why it matters:
Dogs — especially puppies — have short attention spans. Once they lose focus, they stop learning and start getting frustrated, then you get frustrated.
How to fix it:
Stick to 10-to-20-minute sessions, two to three times a day. End each session on a positive note so your dog stays motivated.
3. 🍖 Don’t Rely on Treats Forever
The mistake:
Using treats for every behavior — and never phasing them out.
Why it matters:
Food rewards are great for teaching new skills, but dogs also need to learn to respond to praise, play, and affection.
How to fix it:
Gradually mix in verbal praise, petting, or playtime as rewards. Once your dog understands a behavior, reward randomly — not every time.
4. 😡 Avoid Punishment and Focus on Teaching
The mistake:
Scolding or correcting your dog harshly when they make mistakes.
Why it matters:
Punishment can cause fear, anxiety, or even aggression. It doesn’t teach the correct behavior — it only tells your dog what not to do.
How to fix it:
Stay calm and redirect. When your dog does something wrong, ask for a behavior you do want (like “sit” or “leave it”), then reward that instead.
5. 🐕 Don’t Skip Socialization
The mistake:
Not exposing your puppy to different people, animals, and environments early on.
Why it matters:
Lack of socialization can lead to fear and reactivity later in life. The key period for puppies is before 16 weeks old, but adult dogs benefit from controlled exposure too.
How to fix it:
Introduce your dog gradually to new sights, sounds, and experiences in a calm, positive way. Consider scheduling private playtimes with a well mannered neighbor dog, family or friend’s dogs. Puppy Socialization classes or Puppy School at Posh Pet Club in Avondale can help guide this process safely.
🌟 Final Thoughts from Back to Basics Dog Training
Training your dog is a journey — not a race. Mistakes are normal, but with patience and the right guidance, you can build lasting results and a stronger bond with your pup.
If you’re struggling with leash pulling, barking, or basic manners, we’re here to help.
👉 Book a free consultation with Back to Basics, your trusted Chicago dog trainer, and let’s help you and your dog communicate better than ever.
📍 Serving Chicago, IL
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