Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but training can feel overwhelming—especially for first-time dog parents. Avoiding common mistakes early on can make the training process smoother, faster, and much more enjoyable for both you and your pup. Here are the top 10 puppy training mistakes and how to fix them.

1. Inconsistent Rules

Allowing your puppy on the couch one day and scolding them the next creates confusion. Establish household rules early—and stick to them.

2. Delayed Corrections or Praise

Puppies live in the moment. Praise or redirect immediately so they connect the action with the response.

3. Using Punishment Instead of Positive Reinforcement

Yelling or physical punishment increases fear, not learning. Reward what you want your puppy to repeat.

4. Skipping Socialization

Critical socialization happens before 16 weeks. Safely expose your puppy to people, sounds, places, and other dogs to prevent future anxiety.

5. Overtraining or Undertraining

Training sessions should be short—5 to 10 minutes—to avoid frustration and keep your puppy engaged. Consistency matters more than duration.

6. Expecting Too Much Too Soon

Puppies aren’t robots! Be patient with accidents, distractions, and slow progress. Celebrate small wins.

7. Not Using High-Value Treats

Kibble may not cut it during training. Use small, irresistible treats to boost motivation.

8. Failing to Crate Train

Crates help with housebreaking, safety, and routine. When introduced properly, crates become a comforting den—not a punishment.

9. Ignoring Mental Stimulation

Puzzle toys, sniffing games, and short training exercises prevent boredom-driven behaviors like chewing or barking.

10. Inconsistent Potty Routine

Feed, walk, and potty at the same times daily. Predictable routines lead to faster house-training success.