Myths About Puppy Training You Should Stop Believing

Bringing home a puppy is one of the most exciting things! I can speak from experience. I was like a little kid again when we brought Jake and Maggie home. The excitement leading up to the big day was full of planning, prepping the house, buying toys and treats, and ensuring everything was perfect in their forever home. Plus, you’ve found yourself (and your family) a companion who’ll be by your side for many years to come, playing, socializing, and generally being a big part of your family.

But some people don’t realize it’s not as easy as just getting a puppy and bringing it home where it’ll behave perfectly and never cause any issues. That would be great, but it’s not realistic, and the truth is you will need to spend time training your puppy to ensure it behaves well. One of the problems is that it can be a challenge. You’ve probably heard plenty of well-meaning advice about how you can do it. However, the fact is that not all this advice is true, and in fact, some common puppy training myths can slow down progress, create confusion, and make life harder for both you and your new dog. So, with that in mind, it’s time to separate fact from fiction; here are the biggest puppy training myths you need to stop believing so you can get things right.

Puppies Grow Out Of Bad Behaviour

Many first-time dog owners assume that behaviors like chewing, jumping, or barking are just phases that puppies will grow out of. However, the truth is that these behaviors typically do not just stop on their own. If they act out as a puppy, they will act out as an adult dog.

In other words, puppies don’t wake up one day and suddenly decide to stop chewing your shoes (in my case, my favorite shoes) or start politely greeting guests instead of jumping up all the time. These behaviors basically continue unless they’re properly managed and you do the right corrective training.

Remember, there’s a reason behind their bad behavior. For example, if your puppy is chewing furniture, it’s because they’re teething, bored, or trying to get your attention. But without proper training, that habit could stick around for life. Instead of hoping they’ll grow out of it, give them good chew toys and redirect them every single time they go for something they shouldn’t. That way, they’ll learn, and you won’t have to worry about it after a few months of hard work.

You Can’t Train A Puppy Until They’re Older

Some people believe you should wait until a puppy is six months old before you start their training.  Of course, that’s nonsense.  Waiting actually makes things harder because you’ve got to undo bad habits.  The earlier you start, the sooner all that naughtiness gets dealt with, and you will end up with a well-behaved dog.

The best time to start training is when you bring your puppy home – don’t wait!  Puppies as young as eight weeks old are ready to learn basic commands like sit, stay, and come.  Their little brains are like sponges, soaking up information constantly.  But it’s also important to remember they are still very young, so keep it simple and do not get too complicated right away with too many tricks all at once.  The best training sessions should be short, fun, and rewarding (with high-quality treats).  Starting early helps puppies develop good habits from the start rather than having to unlearn bad habits later.

My Puppy Doesn’t Need Preventative Care

What’s interesting is that training isn’t just about teaching commands.  It’s also about ensuring your puppy is healthy, happy, and well cared for, which is why good training goes hand-in-hand with proper preventive care for puppies.

Various things come under this umbrella, including regular vet visits, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and a balanced diet.  All of this adds up to a well-behaved, energetic, and trainable dog.  After all, if a puppy isn’t feeling well due to an underlying health issue, they’ll be less responsive to training and may even develop behavioral problems.  This is why taking care of your puppy’s physical and mental well-being is as important as teaching them how to sit or stay. You can’t have one with the other.

You Only Need To Train A Puppy Once

This is a big one that many people forget or don’t even think about.  They assume that training is something you only have to do once, and after that, your dog will remember everything they learned for the rest of their lives. Well, if only training were a one-and-done deal – that would save a lot of time and energy!  But the truth is, it’s not.  In reality, training is a lifelong process, and skills need to be practiced regularly to stick.

You might think that if your puppy masters a command, that’s the end, but you’ll need reinforcement.  The best thing to do is have regular training sessions to keep skills fresh, help with mental stimulation, and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. When you look at it like that, you won’t see this as so much of a chore.  It can be fun to spend time with your forever furry friend, and the outcome will be positive for you and your pet.

Crate Training Is Cruel

What’s your take on crate training? Some people don’t like the idea at all and think it’s cruel. However, that’s not the case if you do it right. It could be exactly the best move to make when you want to train your puppy well right from the start.

You need to remember that a crate isn’t (and never should be) a punishment. Instead, it’s meant to be a safe, cozy space where your puppy can relax – like having their own room. You know how important that is for yourself, so why should your puppy be any different? Dogs naturally like den-like environments, and a crate gives them a fantastic sense of security, especially when you’re not home.

Crate training also helps with toilet training, prevents destructive behavior when your dog is left unsupervised, and gives puppies a space to retreat when they need quiet time. The key is to introduce the crate gradually, make it comfortable, and never use it as a form of punishment—tick all those boxes, and the crate can do a lot of helpful good when it comes to training your little puppy.

My Puppy Should Always Listen To Me

This is a big one and something many people get wrong.  Yes, it would be great if puppies did what we asked one hundred percent of the time, wouldn’t it?  Unfortunately, they’re not robots – they’re learning creatures with short attention spans and big emotions.  And sometimes, that means there will be good and bad days, and that’s completely normal. Some days, your puppy will nail every command the first time, and you’ll think you’ve totally cracked this training thing, and other days, they’ll act like they’ve never heard the words you’re saying to them in their life.

That’s bound to be annoying, but instead of getting frustrated, you’ve got to be patient and consistent.  Just like humans, puppies need repetition and practice before things truly stick, and being so young, they are sure to make mistakes.  The best way to do things is to celebrate the wins, even the small ones, and keep the training fun.  That way, things should be much smoother, and the results should come more quickly.

Remember, a puppy doesn’t stay a puppy forever, but your decision to bring home a puppy should be forever!  A well-educated owner makes for a well-behaved dog.  It just takes patience, knowledge, consistency, resources, and proper training for a long-lasting, loving relationship between you and your pet.