By Siddhika Bhat, certified dog trainer and behaviorist, founder of Wagabonding: Dog Training and Beyond
Raising a puppy is like navigating uncharted waters, except the waters are full of well-meaning advice, old wives’ tales, and downright myths. Picking the right information in this sea of misinformation is like trying to find your car keys in a ball pit: tricky, confusing, and likely to leave you flustered. The good news? This article is your guiding light, cutting through the fog of myths and misconceptions to help you train your puppy the right way. From age-old advice to viral internet hacks, we’re busting some big myths to set you and your pup up for success. Let’s get myth-busting!
“Swat your pup with a rolled-up newspaper to teach them a lesson.”
The idea of swatting a pup with a rolled-up newspaper probably came from someone who thought, “If it works for flies, why not dogs?”—a misguided leap of logic, to say the least. While it might seem like a "quick fix," this approach leaves your puppy utterly baffled. They don’t understand why the paper monster has suddenly attacked, and instead of learning a lesson, they’re left flustered and fearful.
Sure, it may look like it “works” because your puppy stops the unwanted behavior—out of fear, not understanding. But beneath the surface, it builds frustration and anxiety, which can bubble over into other problem behaviors like chewing, barking, or even aggression. A calm conversation (and by that, I mean redirecting their energy and rewarding good behavior) is far more effective than the terror of a newspaper ambush. Save the papers for reading, not reprimanding!
“Crates are inhuman.”
You know what’s inhuman? Raising a puppy that is so terrified of being alone that he craps himself. A crate, when used correctly, is a safe haven for your puppy, not a prison. It’s like giving them their own cozy studio apartment! Crates are invaluable for teaching bladder control and preventing accidents when you can’t keep a close eye on your pup. They also help puppies handle alone time better, reducing separation anxiety and fostering independence.
The cruelty comes in only when crates are misused, such as using them as punishment or confining your pup for 8+ hours without breaks, play, or stimulation. Start with short, positive crate sessions, and work your way up gradually to ensure your puppy associates the crate with comfort, not confinement.
Puppies need both mental and physical exercise, playtime is just as important as training.
“Do not take your puppy out till they have been vaccinated.”
The myth that you shouldn’t take your puppy out until they’re fully vaccinated has good intentions but can have unintended consequences. This idea, often recommended by vets, aims to protect puppies from potential diseases. However, a puppy's prime socialization window is between 8–16 weeks, a critical period for shaping their future behavior. Missing out on socialization during this time risks raising an anxious, fearful adult dog.
Thankfully, there are safe ways to expose your puppy to the world! Carry them in your arms, use a cart in pet-friendly stores, or visit low-risk areas not frequented by other dogs. These experiences help them grow into confident, well-adjusted dogs without compromising their health. Socialization done wisely is the best vaccine against future behavioral woes!
“Use pee pads for a few weeks/months before training your puppy to go outside.”
Using pee pads for a few weeks before training your puppy to go outside might sound convenient, but it can throw your puppy's potty training off track. Puppies thrive on consistency, and switching their designated potty spots mid-training can cause major confusion. From their perspective, if the living room corner was fair game for weeks, why isn't it anymore?
Furthermore, several factors, like scent association and routine, play a huge role in helping puppies learn where to go. Teaching them to use an outdoor spot from day one eliminates the mixed signals, keeps their routine steady, and sets them up for long-term success. Pee pads might seem like a quick fix, but they could lead to a messy misunderstanding later!
“You need to show your dog who’s the boss.”
The idea that you need to show your dog “who’s the boss” is an old-school, Cesar Millan-inspired concept that has been deeply rooted in traditional dog training. While dogs are indeed pack animals and understand the concept of an alpha in the wild, applying this in a human household is like trying to explain Wi-Fi to a wolf—confusing and utterly misplaced.
Wild pack behavior doesn’t translate seamlessly to life on the couch or at the park. By cherry-picking and replicating a few “alpha” behaviors, we often end up bewildering our dogs instead of helping them. Your dog doesn’t need a boss barking orders; they need a compassionate leader who communicates clearly, builds trust, and fulfills their needs. Be the leader your dog deserves—no alpha posturing required!
Positive reinforcement training, like rewarding good behavior with treats, is key to a well-behaved pup.
“Positive reinforcement is just bribery.”
If this myth had a dollar for every time it was repeated, it could open a treat factory. The truth is, positive reinforcement is not bribery; it’s a science-backed technique that rewards desirable behavior after it happens. Bribery, on the other hand, is offering a reward before the behavior to coax the dog into doing it.
Think of it like this: positive reinforcement is saying, “You did great, here’s your reward,” while bribery is saying, “Do this, and I might reward you.” It’s a fine line but an important one. Misunderstanding this concept can derail the entire training process, leading to dependency on treats instead of learned behavior. Proper positive reinforcement builds a foundation of trust, learning, and enthusiasm—not just snack cravings!
“Don’t teach/train a young puppy.”
This myth might seem harmless, but it’s setting your furry friend up for a bumpy future. Training isn’t just about tricks or fancy commands; it’s about creating clear communication and boundaries right from the start. While advanced cues can wait, puppies as young as 8–10 weeks are ready to learn basic lessons like name recognition, eye contact, and where not to potty!
Setting boundaries and engaging in simple training early on helps your pup understand what’s expected, fostering confidence and good behavior. Puppies that get a head start with training are far better equipped to learn more complex behaviors as they grow, compared to those who have been given free rein without guidance. Remember, a little effort now leads to a well-behaved companion later!
“A tired puppy is a happy puppy.”
“A tired puppy is a happy puppy” may sound like solid advice, but it’s only half the story. While physical exercise is crucial, especially for high-energy breeds like Belgian Malinois and Border Collies, it’s not the whole solution. Dogs need a balance of physical and mental stimulation to truly thrive. Over-exercising a puppy without addressing their mental needs can leave them restless and frustrated.
Engaging activities like puzzle toys, scent work, or training sessions fulfill their instincts and tire them out mentally, leading to a more well-rounded, calm, and happy companion. Remember, a dog’s brain needs just as much of a workout as their legs!
“They will grow out of it.”
Puppies will grow out of bad behaviors" is one of those myths that sounds convenient but is far from true. It’s a slightly lazy way of approaching training, hoping time will magically erase bad habits. Puppies thrive on routine and repetition—what they repeat daily becomes the foundation of the adult dog they grow into.
Waiting for a puppy to "grow out" of behaviors like chewing furniture or jumping on guests is like waiting for a toddler to stop drawing on walls without teaching them otherwise. Dogs don’t grow out of behaviors; they grow into them. If you let bad habits slide, they’ll turn into firmly entrenched patterns. It’s our job to guide them early on toward good behaviors, shaping them into well-mannered companions for life.
It’s Not Too Late…
Puppy training is a lifelong experience for most dogs. With consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement, you can teach your puppy good behavior and obedience. Remember to start training early, be patient, and practice regularly. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you encounter any challenges. With time and effort, you can raise a well-adjusted and well-behaved dog that will be your loyal companion for years to come.
Siddhika Bhat, Certified dog trainer and behaviorist and founder of Wagabonding.
For more tips and info from expert Dog Behaviorist Siddhika Bhat, check out these articles:
Potty Accidents: Is Your Dog Giving You a Problem or Having One?
Bite-Free Bonding: Your Guide to Child and Dog Harmony
Ask the Expert: 7 Things You Should Never Do When Dealing With Puppy Biting