Francesca Capozzi Think your dog training methods are spot-on? Think again. Here are five myths that are sabotaging your dog’s behavior—and your relationship with them.
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If you’ve recently adopted a puppy—or even an older dog—you already know the rollercoaster you’re on. Every day comes with its fair share of wins, challenges, and plenty of chewed-up surprises. You’re probably trying to master leash walking, teaching commands, or just keeping your shoes intact.
Dogs are smart. Smarter than we give them credit for. They never stop learning, and neither do we. But here’s the kicker: not everything we’ve been told about training dogs is actually true. Some popular beliefs are more myth than method—and they can seriously mess with the bond you’re trying to build.
Let’s unpack five common dog training misconceptions that, frankly, need to be retired.
You need to dominate your dog to earn respect
You’ve probably heard this one a thousand times: “Make sure your dog knows who’s boss.” Usually followed by advice about using a stern tone, physical control, or other forceful tactics. But that approach? It’s both outdated and harmful.
Dogs do need guidance. They look for leadership and structure. But forcing submission through dominance only creates fear, not trust. And a fearful dog isn’t just heart-breaking—it can also become unpredictable, anxious, even aggressive. What your dog really needs is a calm, consistent leader, not a drill sergeant.
If your dog is scared, ignore it
This one is sneakily toxic. It goes like this: “If you comfort a scared dog, you’re reinforcing their fear.” So the suggestion is to do… nothing. Just ignore the trembling, tail-tucked creature in front of you.
Let’s be clear: dogs are sentient beings, capable of complex emotions, including fear. And just like humans, being ignored in a moment of vulnerability can be deeply distressing.
That doesn’t mean you should smother them with hugs and baby talk at the first sign of panic. But dismissing their fear entirely is not just ineffective—it can be dangerous. Fear has roots. Your job is to gently trace those roots and figure out what’s triggering it. Once you identify the cause, you can help your dog work through it in a way that makes sense for their personality.
If your dog is friendly, it doesn’t need to socialize
Got a pup who loves everyone? Doesn’t bark at the mail carrier, plays gently at the park, and couldn’t care less about noisy kids or doorbells? Great. So why bother socializing them?
Because socialization isn’t just about exposure—it’s about continuous engagement with the world in new, positive ways. Even the friendliest dog needs ongoing experiences to stay balanced and mentally stimulated.
Skipping socialization just because your dog “seems fine” is like never reading a book again because you already know the alphabet. Comfort in familiar settings doesn’t automatically prepare a dog for unexpected ones.
Well-socialized dogs get along with every dog
Now, flip the coin. You did everything right—puppy classes, dog park meetups, supervised playdates. Your dog is socialized… so it should be fine with any dog, right?
Not quite. Socialization is complex, and every situation is different. Even a well-socialized dog can have a bad day, a bad vibe, or a bad interaction. Maybe the other dog sends off weird signals. Maybe your dog’s tired or in pain.
Don’t assume that past experiences guarantee future behavior. Know your dog, read the room, and stay flexible. No two encounters are the same, and even the most balanced pup has limits.
Let your dog meet as many dogs on leash as possible
We all love watching dogs make new friends on walks. It feels good—like you’re doing something right. But here’s the truth: leash greetings can be stressful and risky, especially in narrow streets or busy parks.
Leashes restrict natural body language. They prevent dogs from moving away when uncomfortable, which is a huge problem in canine communication. Tense body, stiff leash, unfamiliar dog? That’s a cocktail for conflict.
Canine behaviorists generally recommend against letting dogs meet on leash—at least not without knowing the other dog and reading the signals closely. And definitely not just because you feel obligated to “be social.”
Instead, focus on quality interactions over quantity. It’s not about how many dogs your pup meets, but how safe and positive those experiences are.
