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

Whether you're a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pup parent, we all make mistakes—yes, even us professionals (though we like to think we’ve made them all already so you don’t have to!). The good news? Most of the common issues we see with dogs are completely fixable once you know what’s going wrong.

So, let’s dig into five of the biggest mistakes dog owners make—and how to put them right with expert-backed, real-world solutions.

1. Inconsistent Rules and Boundaries

The mistake: Sometimes Fido’s allowed on the sofa… sometimes he’s not. He jumps up to greet guests and it's "cute"—until he knocks over your nan. Inconsistency confuses dogs. They thrive on clear, predictable guidance.

Why it matters: Inconsistent rules make it hard for your dog to understand what’s expected of them. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, frustration, and problem behaviours like jumping, barking, or guarding.

The fix: Set clear boundaries and stick to them. If your dog isn’t allowed to beg at the table, that rule should apply every time—not just when you’re not eating a Sunday roast. Get the whole household on board so your dog receives the same message from everyone.

Pro tip: Consistency doesn’t mean being strict—it means being fair. A fair dog is a happy dog.

2. Only Training at Home (Where There Are No Distractions)

The mistake: Your dog sits, stays, and comes perfectly… in your kitchen. But the moment you step into the park, it’s like they’ve never heard of you.

Why it matters: Dogs don’t generalise well. Just because they’ve learned a behaviour in one context doesn’t mean they can do it anywhere. Especially when squirrels, pigeons, and picnic crumbs are involved.

The fix: Gradually train in more distracting environments. Start in the garden, then a quiet corner of the park, and build up to busier spots. Keep sessions short and fun, and use high-value rewards to keep your dog focused.

Pro tip: Practice regularly in real-life scenarios focusing on impulse control.

3. Overusing Treats (AKA Bribery vs. Training)

The mistake: Your pockets are permanently lined with chicken and cheese, and your dog only listens if they see a treat in your hand.

Why it matters: There’s a difference between rewarding a behaviour after it happens and waving food in your dog’s face in a desperate attempt to get them to sit. Bribery teaches dogs to only respond when there’s a visible payoff.

The fix: Use treats strategically. Reward after your dog performs the behaviour—not before. Over time, fade out the treats and start rewarding with praise, toys, or life rewards (like being let off lead). You want your dog to listen because they’ve learned it pays off—not because you’re dangling a sausage.

Pro tip: Be unpredictable, randomly reinforce. Dogs love a good jackpot win now and then!

4. Avoiding Socialisation After Puppyhood

The mistake: You took your pup to puppy class, socialised them at 12 weeks—and then called it a day. Now they bark at every dog they see.

Why it matters: Socialisation is an ongoing process. It’s not just about letting dogs meet other dogs—it’s about exposing them to a wide range of environments, people, animals, and situations in a positive way throughout their life.

The fix: Keep socialising! Organised walks, doggy day care, and training classes are great ways to maintain positive experiences with other dogs and people, so long as it's positive and balanced. But remember: socialisation doesn’t mean saying hello to every dog—sometimes walking past calmly is more valuable.

Pro tip: It’s quality over quantity. A few good experiences are better than dozens of stressful ones.

5. Expecting Too Much, Too Soon

The mistake: You’ve watched a few YouTube videos and now expect your 6-month-old rescue lurcher to walk perfectly to heel, ignore every dog, and respond like a robot.

Why it matters: Dogs aren’t machines. They’re individuals with emotions, instincts, and histories. Pushing too fast or expecting instant results can set both of you up for failure.

The fix: Go at your dog’s pace. Build foundations slowly and celebrate small wins. Training is a journey, not a checklist. If you’re feeling stuck, get professional support—it can make a world of difference (and often saves you time and stress in the long run).

Pro tip: Progress isn’t always linear. Setbacks are normal—what matters is how you respond to them.

Final Thoughts from a Dog Pro

At Dogs Galore, we’ve seen it all—from overexcited doodles to anxious rescues—and we’re here to help owners understand and connect with their dogs, not judge them.

If any of these points hit close to home, you're not alone—and you're not failing. Every dog owner is learning on the job (yes, even the professionals). What matters is being open to change, asking for help when you need it, and building a relationship based on trust and communication.