Why training the owner matters as much as training the dog

As any professional dog trainer or canine behaviourist will tell you, training a dog is only half the story. Equally important—often even more so—is training the owner or handler. Many dog owners don’t realise that their knowledge and consistency have a direct impact on their dog’s behaviour and responsiveness. Taking your dog or puppy to a professional trainer can give you both a great head start, but if you as the owner don’t understand how training commands work and when to apply them, even well-trained dogs can develop unwanted habits.

From inconsistent handling to unclear commands, many common behavioural problems originate with the owner's approach. This article explores the most frequent mistakes made by owners and how you can avoid them to build a stronger, more trusting relationship with your dog.

The five most common mistakes owners make when handling their dogs

1. Lack of consistency

Consistency in training and handling is essential. A dog learns by recognising patterns, so if you sometimes allow behaviours and other times punish them, your dog will become confused and less responsive.

For example, if you permit your dog to jump up on you on one day but shout "no" the next, the dog won't understand the rule clearly. Setting firm, non-negotiable boundaries—such as where your dog can sit or sleep—and sticking to them at every moment creates clear expectations that your dog can follow.

2. Lack of clear commands

Clear, concise commands are crucial. Choose distinct, simple words for each command, and always use the same ones. Your dog needs to hear or see your cues clearly to respond effectively.

Ensure your dog can perceive your commands—speak loudly enough, face them, and use consistent gestures if using hand signals. Confusing or mumbling commands make it difficult for your dog to know what you want, reducing training success.

3. Is your dog actually training you?

Sometimes, owners inadvertently train their dogs by responding to the dog’s actions instead of the other way around. For example, if playing fetch turns into a tug-of-war or chase because you chase the ball dog instead of the dog bringing the ball to you, your dog quickly learns to make the game more challenging for its own enjoyment.

Reflect on your interactions: do you call your dog to come but then fetch them instead, or tell them to do something but do it yourself? Such patterns teach your dog to ignore commands and expect you to comply with their behaviour.

4. Yielding the alpha role to your dog

Your dog needs to understand you are the leader. If you concede to your dog's demands or weaken boundaries, your dog may view itself as dominant, which leads to ignoring commands and testing limits.

Firm but fair discipline maintains a healthy relationship. Treating your dog like a family member is lovely, but blur boundaries and allow whims, and it can undermine training and authority. Consistent leadership fosters respect and willingness to please.

5. Inadvertently punishing good behaviour

Sometimes owners unintentionally discourage good behaviour. For instance, if you only recall your dog when it's time to go home, your dog will associate coming back with the end of play and might be reluctant to respond to the recall command.

Try to reward compliance consistently, even if it's delayed. For example, allow some playtime after toilet breaks, so your dog associates going outside with fun, not just finishing. Positive reinforcement encourages your dog to repeat good behaviours eagerly.

Training your dog is an ongoing journey. Avoid developing bad habits yourself by regularly evaluating your approach and ensuring you offer clear, consistent commands and boundaries. When you train yourself alongside your dog, you’ll foster a trusting, respectful partnership and identify issues before they escalate.