5 Common Dog Training Myths (And What Actually Works)

Training your dog can be frustrating, rewarding, and sometimes confusing—all at the same time. With so much information out there, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing outdated methods that might actually be doing more harm than good.

You’ve probably heard things like “You have to be the alpha” or “If you give treats, your dog will only listen for food”. But are these actually true? Let’s dive in and debunk five of the most common dog training myths—and explore what really works! 🐶🚀

1. “You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks”

• The Myth 📛: Many people believe that once a dog reaches adulthood, they’re too set in their ways to learn anything new.
• The Truth ✅: Dogs can learn at any age! While puppies may pick up new commands faster, adult and senior dogs are just as capable of learning with the right training approach.
• Why It’s Wrong 🔍:
  • Older dogs are often calmer, making them more focused during training sessions.
  • Brain plasticity allows dogs to continue learning throughout life.
  • Many adopted senior dogs successfully learn new commands, routines, and even tricks!

2. “Dogs Should See You as the Alpha” (Dominance Theory)

• The Myth 📛: The idea that you need to assert dominance over your dog by acting as the “alpha” was popularised in early dog training methods.
• The Truth ✅: This approach has been scientifically debunked. Dogs do not form dominance hierarchies with humans like wolves do in packs.
• Why It’s Wrong 🔍:
  • Studies show that dogs respond better to cooperation than intimidation.
  • Punishment-based training often leads to fear and anxiety rather than trust.
  • Modern dog trainers and behaviourists agree that positive reinforcement leads to better long-term results.

3. “Dogs Know When They’ve Done Something Wrong”

• The Myth 📛: You come home to a destroyed sofa or an accident on the floor—your dog looks guilty, so they must know they did something wrong, right?
• The Truth ✅: That so-called “guilty look” is actually a reaction to your tone and body language, not an admission of wrongdoing.
• Why It’s Wrong 🔍:
  • Dogs don’t feel guilt the way humans do—they react to your emotions, not their past actions.
  • Punishing a dog after the fact doesn’t work—they won’t connect the punishment to what they did earlier.
  • Studies show that the ‘guilty’ look appears even when dogs haven’t done anything wrong—it’s simply a response to their owner’s reaction.

4. “Training With Treats Will Make Your Dog Dependent on Food”

• The Myth 📛: If you train your dog with treats, they’ll only listen when you have food in your hand.
• The Truth ✅: Treats are an invaluable training tool, but they aren’t a lifelong requirement if used correctly.
• Why It’s Wrong 🔍:
  • Dogs learn through positive reinforcement, and food is one of the most effective motivators.
  • Gradual weaning off treats is easy—once your dog masters a command, you can start replacing treats with verbal praise or play.
  • Professional trainers use food rewards all the time—and their dogs still listen without treats in sight!

5. “If a Dog Misbehaves, They Need to Be Punished”

• The Myth 📛: Many owners believe that scolding, hitting, or harsh corrections are necessary to teach a dog right from wrong.
• The Truth ✅: Punishment doesn’t teach dogs what to do—it only teaches them to fear you.
• Why It’s Wrong 🔍:
  • Studies show that dogs trained with positive reinforcement learn faster and retain training better.
  • Harsh corrections often cause anxiety and aggression.
  • Positive reinforcement motivates dogs to make better choices rather than simply avoiding punishment.

Quick Recap – Busting Dog Training Myths!

Final Thoughts:

Dog training shouldn’t be about dominance, punishment, or outdated myths—it should be about clear communication, trust, and positive reinforcement.

🐾 Have you ever believed one of these myths? What’s the biggest training tip that worked for your dog? Drop a comment below!