Biggest Myths About Dog Training – Busted

Dog training is full of opinions—some passed down for decades, others picked up from TV or social media. But not all “common knowledge” is correct, and some outdated advice can actually hurt your dog’s progress (or your bond with them).

Let’s bust some of the biggest myths so you can train smarter, not harder.

Myth #1: “You need to be the alpha to train your dog.”

Why it’s wrong: The “alpha” or “pack leader” theory comes from outdated wolf studies from the 1940s. Fun fact, the guy who created the alpha theory, then spent the rest of his career trying to prove to others that he was wrong. Dogs don’t see us as competing wolves—they’re social learners who respond to consistency, not dominance. Using fear or force often leads to anxiety or aggression, not respect.

What to do instead: Be a calm, consistent leader by rewarding good behavior and setting clear boundaries. Dogs thrive on predictability, not intimidation.

Myth #2: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

Why it’s wrong: Dogs can learn at any age! The oldest dog I trained was 12 years old and was very aggressive with children and men. When the owner wanted to get married and start a family, we worked on re-conditioning their fear aggression and they now live happily with a newborn. Older dogs may take longer to pick up new skills as you are working against years of behavior reversal, but they’re often calmer and more focused than puppies.

What to do instead: Adjust your expectations—use shorter sessions, softer rewards (for sensitive teeth), and focus on mental enrichment as much as physical activity.

Myth #3: “Using treats is bribery, and your dog won’t listen without them.”

Why it’s wrong: Rewards help your dog understand what you want. When used correctly, treats are phased out over time and replaced with praise, toys, or life rewards (like being let off-leash). Dogs don’t work “for free” any more than humans do.

What to do instead: Use treats to build the behavior first, then gradually reduce food rewards as your dog becomes reliable.

Myth #4: “Punishment is the best way to stop bad behavior.”

Why it’s wrong: Physical or harsh corrections may stop a behavior in the moment, but they don’t teach your dog what to do instead—and often increases fear, frustration, or even aggression.

What to do instead: Redirect the behavior and teach a positive alternative. For example, reward your dog for sitting politely instead of jumping, or teach “leave it” rather than yelling when they steal something.

Myth #5: “My dog knows they’re guilty when they look ‘ashamed.’”

Why it’s wrong: That “guilty look” is actually appeasement—a dog’s way of saying they sense you’re upset. They don’t connect it to their earlier action (like chewing shoes) unless they’re caught in the act.

What to do instead: Focus on prevention and redirection. Punishing after the fact only confuses your dog and damages trust.

Myth #6: “Certain breeds can’t be trained.”

Why it’s wrong: Every breed can learn, but their motivations differ. Huskies, for example, may ignore commands if not properly motivated because they were bred to think independently, not for obedience competitions.

What to do instead: Find what drives your dog (food, toys, scent work, or freedom) and train with those motivators. Tailor your approach to their natural instincts, not a one-size-fits-all method.

Remember, training success isn’t about dominance, fear, or old-fashioned rules—it’s about communication, patience, and understanding how your dog learns. When you let go of these myths, you’ll build a stronger bond and a happier, more responsive dog.